By TIM PRESTON - The Independent
ASHLAND — Those looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day will find a warm welcome in Ashland on Wednesday as Chimney Corner Cafe and Ashland Main Street combine resources to bring people together for a holiday lunch and dinner showcase of the community.
“We’re trying to create more events downtown. We are trying to introduce people to our individual businesses. We want people to see there are not only businesses downtown, but also things to do. An event like this creates a sense of community. It actually introduces people to each other,” said Ashland Main Street Executive Director Danny Craig.
The celebration will be at Chimney Corner Cafe on Carter Avenue, featuring a menu including green draft beer for $2, as well as a $7 option for a Reuben sandwich with fries or new potatoes, or corned beef cabbage with new potatoes and rye bread. Reservations for the lunch and dinner are recommended, but not required.
Members of the Ashland Main Street board of directors were enthusiastic about the idea of organizing a St. Patrick’s Day event, Craig said, citing the success of last fall’s Oktoberfest event.
“Our goal is to get downtown to a point where we have something for everybody, all the time,” Craig said. “We want people to know that you don’t have to go anywhere else — you can, but you don’t have to. We’re not just doing this on our main street. We are here for everybody.”
Craig said many merchants and property owners may be unaware of Main Street’s ability to assist with facade renovations, as well as promoting the community as a destination for shoppers and tourists.
“We want to revitalize our downtown. We do need to find new uses for some of the empty buildings,” he said, noting the value of creating a positive impression for people who might be interested in further investing in the city.
“It creates a sense of place,” he added. “We are here to make sure everybody does well and events like we’re doing for St. Patrick’s Day are just a piece of the puzzle for a picture of a whole and healthy community. Main Street is the concept — the spirit of our downtown.”
Craig said Main Street events during the coming months will kick off with “Downtown Live” as part of the First Friday Art Walk on April 2, bringing classic and custom cars and motorcycles back to Winchester Avenue and providing additional potential buyers for the works of artisans at the Pendleton Art Center. Musician Rob McNurlin will be the feature entertainer for the first Downtown Live event of 2010, he noted.
In addition to the automobiles and motorcycles for the May Downtown Live, Craig said Stephen Salyers will again host a “Songwriters in the Round” performance, allowing the audience an opportunity to hear original acoustic-oriented compositions by artists personally selected by Salyers.
Craig said he continues to develop plans for a rooftop concert downtown, as well as a community-oriented event focusing attention toward the corner of Greenup Avenue and 15th Street. He also hopes to discuss a “Main Street on the River” event with board members, possibly including an “A-List” entertainer at the city’s renovated riverfront property.
For more information about Ashland’s St. Patrick’s Day event, or to make reservations, call (606) 324-7500.
