Columbia threw a party last Saturday and everybody came.
OK, maybe not everybody, but a lot of folks made it downtown at some point to enjoy the monthly Cruise-In, which is held in conjunction with Main Street Columbia, Inc., the Columbia Gearheads and a host of local business sponsors. This month’s event had an added bonus, fireworks, to help celebrate the nation’s 241st birthday.
It was an amazing effort and great to see the Cruise-In and fireworks show develop. Late last year, the idea of a cruise was proposed by several area car enthusiasts. Main Street Director Nik Ingram picked up the idea and put the support of his organization behind it. With the hard work of a small core of volunteers, the show has grown.
At first, only seven cars showed up as the year began, but as the weather improved and people began to hear about the monthly event, it grew; first seven, then 21, then in the 30s and so on. Two months ago, the Cruise-In drew 92 vehicles to downtown
Columbia. Last Saturday, 152 classic cars, trucks and motorcycles filled the streets. Local vendors provided food and downtown businesses stayed open. Several businesses also had great days at the cash register.
This success, though difficult to achieve, is worth it. Columbia is on the map with car enthusiasts from neighboring cities and states.
Why is this meaningful? Those people who attended translate into dollars spent at local businesses that are returned to the community. When someone rolls into town from New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Jackson,
McComb or beyond, they bring not only themselves, but their cars and cash. Many times their families come with them. This means that your favorite local merchant gets a little bit of added business. These visitors eat at local restaurants, buy gas and snacks at local stores and help our economy … all while having a good time.
But the visitors did not see was the effort put forth by people who want to see Columbia grow. Last Friday night, the sounds of leaf blowers and bucket trucks echoed through the streets of downtown Columbia.
Mayor-elect (now mayor) Justin McKenzie was joined by several people hanging banners that were purchased by Main Street for holiday events. This group also included Alderman-at-Large Edward Hough, who was spotted with a leaf blower on Main Street.
I can’t name everyone who helped put it together, but I’ve got to mention several people that many of you may not know. These people are local businesspeople, city and county residents who want to see Marion Countians unite to make the world a better place.
Often on Saturday nights, you can see a group of people chatting while sitting in chairs. I’ll admit, I’m often there with my wife, Amelia, just hanging out and listening to ideas. The Cruise-In and other activities are planned by a small core group of people, including, but not limited to, Mark Carithers, Stacey and Nick
Cavanaugh, Maria and Joe Joe Temples, Ingram, McKenzie and more. The Main Street Board has been supportive as has the city Board of Aldermen and the Marion County Development Partnership.
One thing is certain; all of those involved want to see good things for Columbia and Marion County.
As I watched the crowds on Main Street laughing, eating and checking out classic cars and trucks, I couldn’t help but smile. It was almost like a look back in time to a day when life was simpler.
Many of us who are older than say, 40, can remember downtowns filled with businesses and people for events from a Christmas parade to car shows. My own hometown in Ohio hosted a big festival for the Fourth of July weekend as it has since I was a kid. Friends sent me photos of people, places and, of course, food.
Too many times we sit back and wait for good things to happen. This time, some good folks used a grassroots effort to showcase our community and it ended with a bang.
So to all of those involved and to those who will get involved in the future, from volunteers to sponsors, thank you. By getting involved, you’ve made
Columbia, Marion County, Mississippi, the nation and the world a better place. That’s what it’s all about.
