Blake's Beat

Blake's Beat Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

by Blake Williams

The annual Athens Main Street Chocolate Walk returns to downtown Athens on February 6 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The self-guided event will start at the Athens Main Street office, located at 107 North Jefferson Street, where walkers will pick up their pre-paid ticket(s), a map to participating busiPlacemaking projects provide interesting and inviting spaces downtown to sit, gather, and actively experience spaces. Athens Main Street is a believer in the importance of placemaking in downtown Athens. We have partnered with several organizations, including The Exchange and High Cotton Arts, in short-term projects such as the creation of popup parks and window galleries. The next placemaking effort will be a long-term project. Athens Main Street is embarking on the revitalization of an alley central to downtown. The vision is to create nesses, and their bag to collect their chocolate goodies. Only 300 tickets will be sold for this popular event. Tickets will go on sale Monday, January 18 at noon and can ONLY be purchased online through Eventbrite. Tickets are $6 (plus processing fee). This event serves as a fundraiser for Athens Main Street. All of the chocolate on the walk has been donated by the participating downtown businesses. Ticket holders visiting all the a gathering spot for people of all ages to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi around The Square, provide more space for outdoor dining, allow impromptu music performances, and most importantly give visitors a place to engage with each other. This project will improve this alleyway in the heart of downtown Athens, between 107 N. Jefferson St. and 105 N. Jefferson St. The alley connects North Jefferson Street with public parking on Market and Madison streets. Specifically, Athens Main Street will create a series of murals -- works of art that will engage in a multitude participating businesses can be entered to win $25 'Love Bucks' redeemable at any of the participating businesses. Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson encourages everyone, with or without a ticket, to come downtown to get their loved one something for Valentine’s Day. “In addition to delicious chocolate treats, participating businesses are planning to offer sweet deals, sure to deof ways, tell a story, and enhance our identity. We will replace the hardscape walking surface with a vibrant pedestrian corridor linking the municipal parking lot and the core of downtown, thus encouraging visitors to spend more time walking and interacting. Our design for landscaping and furnishings will promote gathering on a small public scale. Currently, the alley is owned by Derrick Young, owner of UG White. Young has long been a strong supporter of downtown revitalization and growth. Young plans to work light shoppers,” said Richardson. Businesses will be following and encouraging patrons to follow all COVID-19 guidelines including the wearing of masks and physical distancing. Last year, tickets sold out within 48 hours of release. Be sure to get yours early! Don’t forget that tickets go on sale

Athens Main Street Announces The Merchant’s Alley Revitalization Project

by Blake Williams

Monday, January 18. with the team on this project. When asked about the project, Young stated, “Bringing this alley to life and making it a place to enjoy for all our community will be a real pleasure. In naming the alley 'Merchant's Alley,' we wanted to give a nod of respect to all the hardworking business owners that came before and those who currently call The

Square home. Without them and their commitment to downtown, the heart of our community would not beat as strong.” The project is made possible through public/private partnerships of donated funds and in-kind donations from many sources. Athens Main Street

All my best, Blake Williams Founder & Chief Executive Officer Blake Williams Communications blake@blake williams.co (256) 529-8201

extends a special thankyou to Alabama Mountains, Rivers, and Valleys Council; Athens Rotary Club; Limestone Area Community Foundation; DEKKO Foundation; Athens-Limestone Beautification Board; the Mayor’s Youth Commission; and a number of private donors. Planning and design began in September, and construction is scheduled to begin before the end of the year. The project is due to be completed in early summer 2021.

As the mural theme takes shape, Athens

Main Street Executive

Director Tere Richardson encourages artists to be on the lookout for opportunities to add their mark to Merchant's Alley. Athens Main Street will also have naming opportunities for the public. Contact Athens Main Street for more information at tererichardson@athensmainstreet.org or (314) 651-8269.