Issue 111 - June 20, 2007

From Your Director ...

What an exciting first week I’ve had as the new Executive Director of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC). I am grateful for the warm welcome that I’ve received from so many of you. The passion that exists downtown is overwhelming! I look forward to capturing that passion as we continue our mission of downtown revitalization.

This past week we proudly saw the opening of two new businesses downtown…Starbucks on Baltimore and Café Capone’s located at Artopia. We also witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 Rare Gems located at Art Under a Hot Tin Roof. These fantastic businesses bring new and unique offerings to the downtown area. Welcome to the future of Downtown Jackson...one we can invent together!

As you may or may not have realized, the first day of summer is upon us. We have many exciting events planned throughout the summer and we encourage you to mark your calendars and pass the word around. With your support in conjunction with our efforts to increase awareness and involvement, downtown will continue to thrive.

Don’t forget to visit our Bluesfest 2007 photo gallery. We are sure you will have a few laughs and recognize many of the faces. Thank you for your support in making this event a success year after year. We look forward to seeing you at Bluesfest 2008.

Miss Tennessee Pageant 2007

The Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant continues its 55-year heritage in the city of Jackson. The Pageant makes available more than $150,000 in scholarships annually for women in Tennessee, maintaining their focus on educational achievements and public service.

Tickets are $50 per person and will provide admittance for all four nights of the competition.

June 20-23, 2007
Carl Perkins Civic Center
8 PM each night
Admission: Box Office Opens at 7:00 pm

For more information on the pageant, contact the Miss Tennessee office at 425.8590.

The 2nd Miss Tennessee Reunion Tea

The Reunion Tea celebrates the legacy of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant. The tea will feature more than 15 former Miss Tennessee titleholders from the past six decades. Each Miss Tennessee will have the opportunity to address the group and reminisce about her reign, as well as discuss her life at present. The former Tennessee titleholders will be available for autographs, photos and social time before and after the dessert event.

Tickets may be purchased during pageant week at the Miss Tennessee ticket office at the Carl Perkins Civic Center and will be available for sale until noon on June 22.

June 23, 2007
Carl Perkins Civic Center
1:30 to 3 PM
Admission: $15, with all proceeds going to the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Foundation

For more information on the pageant, contact the Miss Tennessee office at 425.8590.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

Celebrate the first day of summer at the downtown’s first ever Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Regions Bank. Free milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream from Turner Dairies will be available with all donations going to the Salvation Army.

June 21, 2007
Downtown Jackson (on Main St. in front of City Hall)
3 to 6 PM

FREE

For more information, contact Gary Gallion at 661.6965. Please be aware that Main St. will be closed between Highland and Liberty.

Summer Solstice Party

The summer fun continues with a Summer Solstice Party at Artopia.

Enjoy summer treats, live music and art demonstrations on the front porch while the shops remain open throughout the event.

June 21, 2007
Artopia, 575 South Royal St.
6 to 8 PM

For more information, contact Artopia at 554.2929.