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May 1, 2008 - The Downtown Development Authority of Blairsville recently met to discuss accomplishments and future goals. From downtown festivals and special events that draw thousands of visitors each year, to design concepts that show long range improvement possibilities, the various DDA projects are designed to revitalize the downtown area.

During the DDA board meeting, members approved minor changes to the by-laws, announced a date for the next Town Meeting to be held at United Community Bank’s Brackett Room (mark your calendars for 7:00 p.m. on June 17, 2008), approved budgets for several projects, and heard from committees.

Project Manager Janet Hartman reported on the previous months activities and gave updates on plans for future events. The recent Night before the Climb Party (to welcome Tour de Georgia racers and fans) drew hundreds to the square for autographs, live music, dancing, chair massages, official tour merchandise, and outdoor dining. Many local people came out to enjoy the fun and most asked, “Why don’t we do this more often?”

The Great American Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. This event will be going on simultaneously all over America. Blairsville is proud to participate by sprucing up its downtown flowerbeds and sidewalks. (The public is invited, so get involved!)

The first Downtown Spring Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. This festival is supported in part by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of the general assembly and in partnership with the sustainable arts society, Inc. The festival is billed as a celebration of the arts featuring an “art walk” of regional art exhibitors, crafts people, live demonstrations, local youth art exhibits, entertainment, good food, and lots of fun. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the two day event!

Design Committee Chair Caroline Glenn gave a short report. She has ordered drought tolerant flowers for planting during the Great American Clean-Up including Echinacea, red-hot pokers, blanket flowers, lantana, coreopsis, and impatiens (for shade). She added that plans for welcome and directory signs are moving forward.

Janet wrapped things up with a quick mention of Georgia Cities’ week, developing a block captain program, and the fact that May is Preservation month. For more information visit www.downtownblairsville.com or call Janet Hartman at (706) 994-4837.