Middlesboro Wins $25K Grant to Present Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series

Contact: Vanessa Silberman

Senior Director of Communications

& Strategic Initiatives

213.201.6106

vanessa@levittpavilions.org

For Immediate Release

Middlesboro Wins Grant to Present Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series
$25K in matching funds will bring free outdoor concerts
to Pop-Up Park on Cumberland Avenue

December 15, 2014 —Today, Levitt Pavilions named Middlesboro as one of 10 small to mid-sized cities across America to win a Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $25K in matching funds to present a free concert series at a pop-up park on Cumberland Avenue, currently a vacant gravel lot. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, Levitt opened the selection process to the public to choose the Top 20 Finalists.

In July, Levitt Pavilions—the national nonprofit behind the largest free concert series in America—invited nonprofits, and municipalities partnering with a nonprofit, to submit project proposals that would reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP awards: Amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public Places. Discover Downtown Middlesboro partnered with Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College to submit their Levitt AMP proposal.

 Before and after photos of the proposed concert venue on Cumberland Ave. Credit: DDM.

The public voted on the proposals over a four-week period in November, selecting their favorite projects online at http://amp.levittpavilions.org.

"We are thrilled to announce the Levitt AMP Grant Awards winners. Each made a compelling case for how the Levitt AMP Music Series will activate a public space and strengthen the social and economic fibers of their communities," says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilions. "The Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series will transform a vacant gravel lot into a vibrant destination, bringing the community together and building upon downtown revitalization efforts." 

We invite you to make Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series a success. Whether you are an audience member who wants updates on the series, or a potential volunteer, sponsor, or performing group, all you need to do is fill out this form (http://goo.gl/forms/zYOpBGihpp)!

The 10 winners hail from historic small towns like Cleveland, MS; Middlesboro, KY; Sheboygan, WI; and Denison, TX; to mid-sized cities spanning the country in Anchorage, AK; Trenton, NJ; Bellingham, WA; Charlottesville, VA; Lafayette, LA; and Frederick, MD. Each winner will present 10 free concerts featuring a diverse lineup of high caliber entertainment in 2015 as part of the Levitt AMP Music Series, for a total of 100 Levitt AMP concerts.

Below is the full list of Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards winners (in alphabetical order):

Anchorage, AK

ADP (Anchorage Downtown Partnership) Community Services will present the Levitt AMP [Anchorage] Music Series to infuse energy into Town Square Park, bringing momentum to the city’s revitalization efforts and enriching residents’ lives.

Bellingham, WA

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership will present the Levitt AMP [Bellingham] Music Series in two locations—at the underused Maritime Heritage Park and on Bay Street, expanding upon their efforts to use the arts to revitalize and improve their downtown.

Charlottesville, VA

WTJU radio station will enliven IX Art Park, the recently launched public art park in the heart of Charlottesville's Strategic Investment District near UVA, bringing together the city’s diverse populations and enriching community life through the Levitt AMP [Charlottesville] Music Series.

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University Foundation will present the Levitt AMP [Cleveland] Music Series to invigorate the underutilized Green Space on the Crosstie Walking Trail at College Street, honoring the Delta’s rich musical legacy in conjunction with the historic launch of the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.

Denison, TX

Denison Main Street Inc. will strengthen its city’s social and economic vitality by expanding the much loved Music on Main concert series in Heritage Park, a centrally located series that celebrates inclusivity, engagement and accessibility through music, to become the Levitt AMP [Denison] Music Series.

Frederick, MD

The Downtown Frederick Partnership will present the Levitt AMP [Frederick] Music Series to activate the underused Carroll Creek Park Amphitheater and celebrate local culture, providing residents with a place to gather and enjoy a diverse mix of talented emerging artists.

Lafayette, LA

The Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority will bring new life to The Park at the Horse Farm with the Levitt AMP [Lafayette] Music Series, reinvigorating this beloved undeveloped piece of Cajun Country recently saved from commercial development by a community-wide effort.

Middlesboro, KY

Discover Downtown Middlesboro will transform a centrally located vacant gravel lot on Cumberland Avenue into a gathering space, using the Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series to bring residents together and augment the city’s community-driven revitalization of downtown.

Sheboygan, WI

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center will bring life to a new public space on the site of a former Boston Store, using the Levitt AMP [Sheboygan] Music Series to bring diverse audiences together and create a vibrant, public space in the city’s downtown core in need of rejuvenation.

Trenton, NJ

Trenton Downtown Association will use the power of the Levitt AMP [Trenton] Music Series to enliven the unused and historic Capitol Green public space, igniting community pride in the State’s Capital and encouraging residents to engage with the city’s rich cultural and historical offerings. 

In addition to the monetary award of $25K each in matching funds to produce the 10 free concerts, Levitt AMP winners will receive the Levitt AMP [Your City] Toolkit containing valuable resources to help them successfully produce their concert series. Funding for the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is made possible by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private family foundation. Learn more: http://amp.levittpavilions.org

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About Levitt Pavilions

Levitt Pavilions is a national nonprofit organization that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Levitt partners with cities to transform neglected public spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Levitt Pavilions is a national network of outdoor music venues presenting the largest free concert series in America. Levitt’s celebrated signature program of 50+ free concerts annually at each Levitt venue is tailored to large cities with metro populations of over 400,000 (due to financial sustainability and audience development considerations). Signature locations include Los Angeles and Pasadena, California; Westport, Connecticut; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; and Arlington, Texas—collectively serving more than half a million people annually through 300+ free, family-friendly concerts. Each Levitt venue is its own 501(c)(3) Friends of Levitt nonprofit organization, presenting 50+ free concerts every year featuring acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning performers in all music genres. Due to accelerating interest from cities and engaged citizens, the Levitt program is growing. Developing Levitt locations across the country include Denver (opening 2016) and Houston (opening 2017), amongst other cities. Learn more at http://www.levittpavilions.org and http://www.amp.levittpavilions.org.

About Discover Downtown Middlesboro

Discover Downtown Middlesboro (DDM) was founded in 2006. Concerned business owners, building owners, and residents came together to start this organization as a response to the perception of decline downtown. Very early on the organization chose the Four-Point Approach®  established by the National Main Street Center. This approach emphasizes grassroots community action in areas including: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring.

Revitalization efforts gained greater intensity and focus in 2012. The organization acquired a major 27,000 square foot building downtown to renovate. The project is in the pre-development stage now and the desired outcome is to include residential housing on the upper floors and civic/community use on the ground floor. Groundwork is being laid to restore the historic canal that passes through town, as well as to create a walking and biking trail that connects the downtown with the nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Learn more at http://www.downtownmiddlesboro.org.

Jim Robinson from Rookwood Pottery Company to Headline Makers Market, April 11

Middlesborough, Kentucky, April 1, 2014 - Jim Robinson, a glaze expert with the Rookwood Pottery Company out of Cincinnati, Ohio, will headline the Makers Market. Mr. Robinson will be visiting downtown Middlesborough on Friday, April 11, from 10am-4pm to share his knowledge and experience working with this iconic pottery company. The Makers Market is located at 2008 Cumberland Ave in downtown Middlesborough.

Robinson is responsible for the painstaking work recreating glazes dating as far back as 1887 and which are distinctive to Rookwood. Highly glossy alkaline bases, subtle mattes that crystalize on cooling, and a wide range of glazes and surfaces are being developed.

Discover Downtown Middlesboro President Jay Shoffner said, “What better way to launch the Makers Market and a discussion about reinventing Downtown Middlesborough through the arts than through highlighting the work of a business seeking to restore their own rich artistic tradition? The Makers Market in Middlesborough and Rookwood Pottery Company have much in common.”

The Makers Market provides an opportunity for local artists, craftspeople, musicians, and food producers to demonstrate their skills and showcase their products. Speakers who are experts in small town arts economies will also be invited to present at Makers Market events to share expertise around developing downtown in areas of arts and culture.

The project addresses the long-term goal of developing the local economy through the creation of small cultural businesses that can revitalize the downtown area. In total, 26 performances, lectures, and demonstrations will take place during the project period from April to June 2014. For more information, please visit www.downtownmiddlesboro.org or follow us on Twitter at @MakersMarketKY.

This project is funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission Flex-E-Grant through the Kentucky Department for Local Government and administered by the Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College. Flex-E-Grant funds are made available to distressed ARC counties in Kentucky for projects that are designed to build capacity in these communities.

Makers Market Announces $100 to $500 for Local Artists, Craftspeople, Musicians, and Food Producers

The Makers Market will be held every Friday and Saturday from the start of April through the end of June. The Market will provide an opportunity for local artists, craftspeople, musicians, and food producers to demonstrate their skills and showcase their products. Speakers who are experts in small town arts economies will also be invited to present at Makers Market events to share expertise around developing downtown in areas of arts and culture. The project addresses the long-term goal of developing the local economy through the creation of small cultural businesses that can revitalize the downtown area. In total, 26 performances, lectures, and demonstrations are expected to take place during the project period.

This call for nominations is for individuals, organizations, and businesses that wish to participate in the series. Members of the public are also invited to submit nominations on behalf of people or groups they think might be good to participate. A quick and easy online survey form is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7GP8B6C.

The deadline for submitting nominations is March 15. At that time a committee will review all of the nominations submitted and select participants for the series. Participants that are selected will be given an honorarium between $100 and $500 based on the nature of their work and the contribution they make to the overall series. Details about people and groups selected will be released in mid-March.

This project is being funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission Flex-E-Grant through the Kentucky Department for Local Government and administered by Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College. Flex-E-Grant funds are made available to distressed ARC counties in Kentucky for projects that are designed to build capacity in these communities.

Ducky Dash Returns to Downtown Middlesboro on August 24

Middlesboro, Kentucky, August 10, 2013 – Downtown Middlesboro will be your place for family friendly fun and excitement on Saturday, August 24. Starting at 4pm there will be inflatables in Fountain Square, retail and food vendors, games where kids can win prizes, and our ever popular duck race in the Canal. Live music from Jerry Davis and Stone Mountain will be another highlight.

Keith Nagle, President of Discover Downtown Middlesboro said, “The money raised from the event goes right back into our programs to help improve the physical appearance, business environment, and to support other downtown events throughout the year.”

The highlight of the event each year is when several hundred ducks are dropped into the Canal. People line the Canal on both sides and watch to see which duck first crosses the finish line. For $5 you can buy a ticket with a number that corresponds with one of the hundreds of ducks for your chance to win cash and prizes. Tickets are on sale at businesses downtown. Look for a big duck out front.

Then immediately after the race starting at 7pm there will be the first-ever Dancing in the Street event at Cumberland Ave and 20^th Street.  Bring a chair and enjoy!

A special thank you to our sponsors including Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, Coca-Cola, GRW, Home Federal Bank, Mikel's Pharmacy, and World Wide Gap.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at (606) 248-5603 or www.downtownmiddlesboro.org. We are also on Facebook and Twitter @DDMBoro.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Downtown Middlesborough Cleanup Announced for Saturday, July 27, 2013

A group getting involved in community clean-up activities from 2007 (DDM Photo).

Join Discover Downtown Middlesboro (DDM) in cleaning up our beautiful Downtown on Saturday, July 27 at 8:00am. Participants are asked to meet in the City Hall Parking Lot by the gazebo directly in front of City Hall. We will focus clean-up activities on the City Hall Parking Lot, Canal Walk, and Cumberland Avenue in an effort to make Middlesboro look it's best for the Vietnam Memorial Wall on August 1 -5th and The Ducky Dash on August 24th.

Lunch will be provided by KFC and People’s Choice Pharmacy as a thank you to volunteers for their hard work. If you have the following items, we encourage you to bring them along: Gloves, clippers, power-washers, ladders, and any other item you think might be helpful. 

For downtown businesses interested in having your awning cleaned (for free) please contact DDM at (606) 248-6155 or via our website at www.downtownmiddlesboro.org. 

Ducky Dash Announced for Saturday, August 24, in Downtown Middlesboro

Live music on Fountain Square during Ducky Dash 2012

Downtown Middlesboro is pleased to host the award-winning Ducky Dash event once again this year. The date and time we've selected for the event is Saturday, August 24, 2013, from 4-7pm. We'll once again hold the main festivities in Fountain Square, at the corner of 20th Street and Cumberland Ave in downtown Middlesboro.

The highlight of the event each year is the famous duck race in our historic canal. Rubber duckies will be available for purchase in advance of the event at stores throughout the downtown. More ducks will be available to purchase at the event itself. All proceeds from the Ducky Dash go to benefit ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

The streets of Cumberland Ave line up with food, vendors, and exciting events.

You'll want to be there from the moment ducks hit the water until they cross the finish line.

In addition to the race, plans are coming along for live music, food, and vendors. More information about those will be shared as it becomes available. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. Anyone who would like to become a sponsor, be a vendor, or help with organizing family friendly events during the event is welcome to fill out this registration form.

If you have any questions about the event or want to find out more about how to get involved, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. at (606) 248-6155, via Facebook, or Twitter @DDMBoro. Thank you for your participation and interest in advance. With your help this will be the best ever Ducky Dash!

Armed Forces Day, May 18 at 2pm in Downtown Middlesboro, KY

Flier for the event.

Middlesboro will have our annual Armed Forces Day Celebration this Saturday, May, 18 at  2:00 pm at the City Hall Parking lot. In case of rain the location will be the Middlesboro Community Center at 705 N Petersborough.  The theme this year is "Celebrate Freedom."

The 149th Mountain Warriors Delta Company will have equipment on display for inspection.  Also for the first time we will have reenactors dressed in Civil War garb. Middlesboro High School and Bell County High School Bands will perform.

This is the fourth year for this event and it is getting bigger each year. Bring your lawn chairs sit back and enjoy.  Turn it into a picnic.  This year there will be a pig roast.  So all you need to bring is what would go well with a "roasted pig."

The Armed Forces Day Celebration is generously sponsored by Bowling Law Office, DR Alexander Garage Corp., Hinkle Contracting Company, and Home Federal Bank.

DDM Announces Acquisition of Elks Home and Other Major Projects at Annual Meeting

Middlesboro, Kentucky, February 21, 2013 – Over sixty people filled a packed room in the Alexander Arthur Museum for the Annual Meeting of Discover Downtown Middlesboro last Thursday night.

President Keith Nagle kicked off the festivities by welcoming the standing room only crowd, and acknowledged special guests including Mayor Bill Kelley as well as several members of City Council in attendance. Officials from the Bell County Chamber of Commerce were also present and recognized.

Mayor Bill Kelley accepting an award for the Middlesboro Street Department
from DDM Executive Director Isaac Kremer at the Annual Meeting. Photo credit: Frank Smith.

Three Directors were elected to new three-year terms by the membership. These included Jay Shoffner, Donna Smith, and Penny Smith.

Secretary Carolyn O'Boyle and Treasurer Philip Ball also acknowledged and welcomed guests. It was reported that member contributions to DDM in the previous month have exceeded all of member giving from the previous six years combined. This fact was celebrated by applause from all of those in the audience.

DDM follows the Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This approach calls for grassroots citizen-led action in the areas of Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring.

Organization chair Donna Smith set the tone for the evening asking everyone in the room to think of “one thing they can do to help the downtown.” She then stated her goal to double the number of DDM members in the year to follow.

Other committee chairs made their presentations too including Promotion Chair, Penny Smith; Economic Restructuring Chair, Larry Grandey; and Design Chair, Jay Shoffner.

Architect James K. Piper, Jr. and Mr. Jon Rollins were both recognized. Their firm GRW, Inc. is one of DDM’s newest members, and the two of them traveled all of the way from Lexington to be present for the meeting.

DDM Executive Director Isaac Kremer then addressed the crowd. He too welcomed those in attendance and underscored the importance of the community coming together and how "nights like this matter."

Historical photo of the Elks Home in Middlesboro. Photo credit:  Middlesborough History website.

Kremer began by stating that DDM has acquired the 27,000 square foot Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Home (formerly the old hospital). The building was donated to DDM in December 2012 by lifelong Middlesboro resident Dallas Shackleford. James Madison, Executive Director of the Bell County Historical Society was called forward and presented DDM a check to assist with bringing in a structural engineer to help evaluate the building. This news was greeted with great enthusiasm by the members and guests in attendance.

Kremer reported that DDM expects to be the recipient of a $10,000 grant to assist in the development of a strategic plan for the downtown. A national expert will be brought in to facilitate a weekend workshop in April or May. Dr. Jack McCann, Dean of the Lincoln Memorial University Business School that is a partner in the project spoke briefly about the strong bond between LMU and downtown Middlesboro.

View of the existing Canal Walk with recently installed Tour SEKY sign. Photo Credit: DDM, 2013.

A vision to connect the downtown and the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park via an upgraded and expanded Canal Walk was also shared. This walk has the potential to promote tourism, economic development, and to provide a valuable amenity for residents and visitors alike. When the audience was asked to raise hands if they supported the concept – the show of support was unanimous.

The meeting was closed by sharing a new Mission Statement for DDM that goes as follows:

Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. is a non-profit organization that encourages citizen participation in the revitalization of Cumberland Avenue between 10^th and 24^th Street and several mixed-use walkable blocks to the north and south. We seek to improve the physical appearance of the downtown while maintaining its historic integrity; to retain existing businesses and to attract new ones; and to make downtown Middlesboro the center of the economic, civic, and social life of the Tri-State area.

One final appeal was made for those who are not members already to join. Everyone in attendance was also encouraged to serve on at least one committee. A membership form as well as a volunteer sign-up form are both available on the new Discover Downtown Middlesboro website at:  http://www.downtownmiddlesboro.org. 

President Keith Nagle adjourned the meeting around 7:45pm. Several of those in attendance opted to stay for well over an hour afterwards to enjoy good company, tasty food, and most importantly great conversation about the future of downtown Middlesboro.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc.

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.downtownmiddlesboro.org

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Downtown Middlesboro businesses host Christmas angels

December 17, 2012, Middlesboro, Ky. – Since December 1, downtown businesses have been hosts to a multitude of angels. These Christmas angels greet shoppers and those passing by with a quiet holiday message of peace on earth, good will toward men. Among them are the four-foot wooden angels decorated by Middlesboro students, businesses, churches and Middlesboro ARH Hospital staff.

“The Discover Downtown Middlesboro (DDM) group chose the theme ‘Angels Among Us’ for the 2012 Christmas parade and holiday season, and after meeting with DDM representatives, several of our hospital staff wanted to participate by creating large wooden angels to display downtown,” said Michael Slusher, Middlesboro Community CEO.

According to Slusher, once the angels were made and bases created by hospital carpenter Eddie Allen, Middlesboro ARH staff worked with DDM to find local interest in decorating the angels. Students at West End Primary School, East End Intermediate School, Middlesboro Middle School and Middlesboro High School decorated several angels. Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, Shawanee Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church decorated angels. Middlesboro City Clerk’s Office, Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Christopher’s Creations, First State Financial, Mikel’s Pharmacy, Shades of Brown and World Wide Gap decorated angels as well as Middlesboro ARH staff.

“We are thrilled with the interest and creativity of those who decorated the wooden angels,” shared DDM President Keith Nagle. “We invite the public to join us in showing our appreciation by voting for your favorite angel.”

According to Nagle the DDM website, www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org, will have all the information for voting for your favorite angel.

“The DDM website has angel photos and downtown locations of all the wooden angels,” stated Nagle. “We also have easy-to-follow instructions on how to vote via Survey Monkey for your favorite angel.”

Voting is open and will end on January 5. The angel with the most votes will be named the Middlesboro Angel of Light. The individual or group who decorated the winning angel will receive a plaque and prizes. The winning angel and the name(s) of the decorators will be announced on January 10 on the DDM website and the Middlesboro ARH website, www.arh.org.

If possible before you vote, go downtown and visit these locations for a close up view of the beautifully decorated wooden angels. A GoogleMap with the location of all of the angels is available here.  A list of locations where angels are located follows: A. D. Campbell, 2031 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Middlesboro HomeCare Store, 1916 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Dr. Rogelio Uy Clinic, 2032 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Women’s Health Center, APEX Building, 2004 Cumberland Avenue; Buttery’s Floor Covering, 1817 Cumberland Avenue; Cardwell’s Furniture, 1929 Cumberland Avenue (Fountain Square); Christopher’s Creations, 2028 Cumberland Avenue; City Hall, 111 Lothbury Avenue; First State Financial, 1810 Cumberland Avenue, KFC Business Office, 1910 Cumberland Avenue; Middlesboro ARH Hospital, 3600 Cumberland Avenue; Nagle Law Office, 1914 Cumberland Avenue; Mikel’s Pharmacy, 1928 Cumberland Avenue; Shades of Brown, 2119 Cumberland Avenue; World Wide Gap, 2002 Cumberland Avenue and WRIL-FM, 1930 Cumberland Avenue.

For more information, visit www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org.

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Middlesboro ARH Hospital is among the hospitals recognized as the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

Middlesboro ARH Hospital is a member of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) system. ARH is a not-for-profit health system serving 350,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Operating 10 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, HomeCare Stores and retail pharmacies, ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia.

Contact Information:

Elaine L. Smith       

Community and Patient Advocate                                     

Middlesboro ARH Hospital

3600 West Cumberland Avenue

Middlesboro, KY 40965

606-242-1103

2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade - Award Winners

Discover Downtown Middlesboro wishes to thank the over sixty churches, organizations, and businesses that participated in the successful and enjoyable 2012 Christmas Parade on December 1, 2012. While there were not enough awards to go around to everyone, we'd especially like to recognize these award-winning marching groups and floats.

Best in Show - Marching Band
Middlesboro High School Band

Best in Show - JROTC
Middlesboro High School Junior ROTC 

Best in Show - Walking Groups
Gym Magic 

Best in Show - Cheerleaders
Yellow Creek Cheerleaders

Best in Show - Classic Cars
John Deere Tractor 

Best in Show - Scouting Group
Boy Scout Troop 544 

Best in Show - Fire Department
Middlesboro Fire Department 

Best in Show - Float
Girl Scout Troop 1523, Cub Scout Pack 544 

Best Church Float
Southside Baptist Church 

Best Business Float
The Combs Group/Bell County Coal 

Best New Business Float
A Touch of Class  

Best Non-profit Float
Middlesboro Airport 

Most Creative Float
Mountain View Nursing Home 

Most Beautiful Float
Sandra Academy 

Best Exemplifies Parade Theme
The Way of Holiness Church of God 

Best Performance Team
Cumberland Gap Pantherettes 

Most Creative Use of Costumes
T&T Stables/Tri-State 4H Club

If you represent one of these groups and have not gotten your award certificate already, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at 606-248-6155 or downtownmiddlesboro(at)gmail.com.

Local Businesses Help to Make Christmas Merrier in Downtown Middlesboro

Volunteers hanging ornaments on Christmas Tree in Fountain Square. (Photo credit: DDM)

Middlesboro, Kentucky, December 4, 2012 – There almost was not a fully decorated Christmas tree for the Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting last Saturday.

Final preparations kicked into high gear following the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With the Christmas Parade falling early this year on December 1, there was even less time to get done all the work that was needed. The City of Middlesboro Street Department was diligent getting the Christmas tree set up in Fountain Square. Something was obviously missing though – the decorations.

By Wednesday night it became apparent that decisive action would be needed to get the decorations in their place. Some suggested having someone climb the tree, though this was not practical or realistic. Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. is the non-profit responsible for organizing the parade. Their new Executive Director Isaac Kremer had just been in town since October and was still learning names, much less knowing who to ask for what.

Christmas Tree decoration
underway (Photo: DDM)

“Earlier that day someone mentioned to me how Jim Brown Supply had lifts for rent. I realized we had already called in all our favors but the tree needed to be decorated,” Kremer said. He called the store first thing on Thursday morning around 7am. By 9am they personally delivered a lift to Fountain Square. Subsequently Isaac, his wife Chrissy, and several volunteers worked to decorate the tree in under two hours. This freed up Kremer and others to put the finishing touches on the Christmas Parade and the downtown – helping to ensure a highly successful event this past Saturday.

Upon reflecting about the help that Jim Brown Supply provided, DDM Executive Director Isaac concluded: “This deep commitment to customer service and a willingness to be responsive to the needs of the community are two keys to success of any business. Our experience with Jim Brown Supply especially shows the important supporting role that small businesses provide for our community.”

Discover Downtown Middlesboro also wishes to thank all of our sponsors who supported the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. These include: Attorney Keith Nagle; Bell County Animal Clinic; Commercial Bank; Community Trust Bank; First State Financial; International Mobile Homes; Jim Brown Supply; Johnco, Inc.; J.P. Cline III, Attorney at Law; KAT COUNTRY WFXY/WANO & MCTV22; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Middlesboro ARH; Mikel’s Pharmacy; Pace Towing; Pillion Accounting; Three States Printing; and World Wide Gap.

In addition to sponsors, Discover Downtown Middlesboro is incredibly thankful to Middlesboro Independent School District. In particular Mr. Robert Gordon, Mrs. Joy Williams; and Mrs. Lisa Schneider were instrumental in organizing the window painting downtown.

If you have a chance, please thank Jim Brown Supply and all of our sponsors and volunteers for making the downtown look spectacular and for contributing to the success of the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting this year.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Christmas Comes to the ‘Magic City’ - Parade 12/1/2012 at 3pm

Middlesboro, Kentucky, November 26, 2012 – Preparations are well underway in the ‘Magic City’ for an exciting and memorable Christmas season. A Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, December 1, starting at 3pm. The parade theme “Angels Among Us” will be reflected in angels decorated by area organizations, businesses, and youth and placed throughout the historic downtown.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

The Christmas Parade will run from 15^th Street to 21^st Street and start off promptly at 3pm. This year many popular favorites from past years will be joined by several new acts.

The Parade Grand Marshal this year will be IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley. She’ll lead off the parade in a car driven by Larry Brooks of Larry Brooks Accounting. Over 15 organizations plan to submit floats. This includes old favorites like the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, The Way of Holiness Church of God, and the Harrogate Christian Tabernacle. New this year will be floats from the Middlesboro High School Senior Class, Bell County 4H Club, and Team up for Health.

Other highlights of the parade include pageant winners, antique cars, sports cars, and cheerleaders. The Cumberland Gap Pantherettes will make an appearance in the parade, as will the Middlesboro High School Band and the Red Bird Mission School – to name just a few.

While registration for the parade has officially ended, those groups still wanting to participate are welcome to contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro for more information. We’ll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.

The annual tree lighting in Fountain Square will start at 5pm. The brief program will include Christmas Carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and other special surprises.

Angels to Appear Downtown

                Middlesboro ARH Hospital is providing 24 wooden angels as decorations for downtown businesses. Artistic and creative people, organizations, and businesses have been sought, and are hard at work right now designing one-of-a-kind looking angels. These will be installed downtown prior to the Christmas Parade.

                After the holiday season ends, the angels will be auctioned in early January with proceeds from the auction going to support the renovation of the Newborn Nursery and OB Department at Middlesboro ARH Hospital.

                Awards will be given for the best decorated angel. Go to the Discover Downtown Middlesboro website for more details: www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org.

Window painting

                Students from Middlesboro High School will once again paint storefront windows downtown. While the response from business and building owners so far has been great, we’re still looking for a few more storefronts to decorate. Please contact DDM if you’re interested in participating.

A Special Thank You to our Sponsors, More Info

The Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting would not be possible without the support of the following kind and generous sponsors: Attorney Keith Nagle; Bell County Animal Clinic; Commercial Bank; Community Trust Bank; First State Financial; International Mobile Homes; Jim Brown Supply; Johnco, Inc.; J.P. Cline III, Attorney at Law; KAT COUNTRY WFXY/WANO & MCTV22; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Middlesboro ARH; Mikel’s Pharmacy; Pace Towing; Pillion Accounting; Three States Printing; and World Wide Gap.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved in the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at 606-248-6155.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Make Middlesboro Your Destination for Fun and Excitement This Holiday Season

ARH Middlesboro HomeCare Store

 at 1916 Cumberland Avenue handing out candy last year.

Bell County Chamber of Commerce getting involved in 2011.

Middlesboro, Kentucky - Historic downtown Middlesboro will once again be your destination for thrills, chills, and family fun this Halloween. The popular Nightmare on 20th Street will return again on Saturday, October 27, 2012, starting at 5pm. The Bell County Historical Society Museum on 20th Street in downtown Middlesboro will be converted into a spooky haunted house. There will be music, a costume contest, food, games, and scary surprises. Tickets for admission to the haunted house are $2/adult and $1/child and are available for sale in advance at the Bell County Historical Society Museum, or the night of the event at the check in table. Sponsors of this event include the Bell County Historical Society Museum, Bell County Tourism, Christopher's Creations, Middlesborough Little Theatre, and Holler Crawlers. For more information call 606-242-0005.

Discover Downtown Middlesboro and the Bell County Chamber of Commerce are organizing another fun event for the benefit of schoolchildren in our community. On Wednesday, October 31, 2012, students from participating schools will go trick-or-treating from business to business downtown. Participating storeowners will be encouraged to wear Halloween costumes as will the kids. If the experience of past years is any guide, this special trick-or-treat is sure to be fun for everyone involved. For businesses or schools that have not already registered, you are welcome to contact DDM at 606-248-6155 or the Bell County Chamber at 606-248-1075.

Getting Ready for the Christmas Parade
Preparations are already well underway for the Christmas Parade on December 1, 2012. Any school groups, bands, community organizations or others who wish to be in the parade lineup should contact DDM at 606-248-6155. Please RSVP before Wednesday, November 14. More information about the parade and tree lighting will be released as the event draws nearer.