THE MAIN STREET BARTOW NEWSLETTER 
December 2014

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON FILLS BARTOW

 

Scenes from Main Street Bartow Christmas Parade 2014 (clockwise from top left): Mamie's School of Dance; Spessard Singers, Spessard Holland Elementary; Trades of Hope and Simply Fun at the market, Katie Damron, Bailey Evans and Christie Evans; Santa and Mrs. Claus pass by the History Center on the Mid-Florida Credit Union float. 

Cool weather, colorful lights, music and dance, hot chocolate and warm jackets were all part of this year's Magical Illumination Christmas Parade and Spirit of the Season program on Dec. 12.

 

With 96 entries in this year's parade, beautiful floats, lots of lighted cars and carts, bands and dancers delighted the crowds lining Bartow streets from Mosaic Park to Broadway and Main Street. After the parade, folks gathered to watch and hear performances from Spessard Holland Elementary Singers, Asbury United Methodist Handbell Choir and Mamie's School of Dance by the Polk County History Center. A special treat was the Elves Red Velvet Cake Walk. Vendors offered face painting, games, and Christmas gifts in front of Fort Blount Park.


 
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the highlight of the parade and stayed to visit with the children. On Saturday he also visited the History Center, where kids could make ornaments and hear "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Floral Avenue Elementary Chorus performed in the rotunda.

 

Thanks to the sponsors of the 24th Annual Main Street Bartow Christmas Parade


 

 

         
 

 

 
Jennifer Daniels, Chairperson
Promotions Committee

Committee Report: 

Putting the Motion in Promotions

 

By Jen Daniels, Promotions Committee Chairperson

 

Never. Stop. Moving.  That's our mantra. We're made up of a dedicated group of headstrong, lively women that get things done.* The Main Street Bartow Promotions Committee has an exciting year ahead. We have identified our goals and begun outlining a work plan to achieve success. 


 
Few people actually know what the MSB promotions committee does, so please allow me to enlighten you ... our primary function is to keep downtown relevant to our community through special events and activities. Over the last 10 years, we have worked hard to consistently present one activity each weekend of the month. Most of you know Friday Fest, happening every third Friday, but we also host the Farmers' Market, Antique Fair (second Saturday), Uptown Yard Sale (third Saturday) and Movies on the Lawn (fourth Friday). We are pleased with the growth in Friday Fest and the Antique Fair. We are hopeful adjustments in our advertising and social media strategy will bring needed improvement to the market, yard sale and movies.


 
We also plan a variety of special events designed to attract out of town visitors as well as locals.  In 2015, we look forward to SYFY Saturday (February), Bloomin' Bike Ride (March), Tour De Tow (September), Craft Fair (November) and the Christmas Parade & Holiday Extravaganza (December). Our primary fundraiser, Mr. Bartow, is also a project managed by our committee and will be back in May this year.


 
Adding to our focus for 2015 are three initiatives: an image campaign for both Main Street Bartow and the downtown area, engaging county employees (get them out of the courthouse and into our restaurants and shops), and increasing the use of open space areas like Millennium Park. We are just getting started outlining ideas to achieve our initiatives, but we hope you will see action in these areas in the very near future.


 
In total, our committee coordinates over 40 events annually that draw more than 60,000 people into the heart of our community, experiencing Bartow while shopping and eating here.. Of course, we don't do this alone, the MSB and Bartow Parks and Recreation staff, along with a handful of dedicated volunteers, is key to delivering all of the events seamlessly. It's a lot of work, but we know you can NEVER STOP MOVING toward where you want to be ... so we don't!

 

*Promotions Committee members include: Trish Pfeiffer, Gail Murray, Virginia Condello, Sheila Keith, Maria Trippe, Peggy Kehoe, Sue Hansen and Jen Daniels.  


 
Those interested in joining the efforts of the Main Street Bartow Promotions Committee should contact the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508 or info@MainStreetBartowFL.com
MAIN IDEAS 

A Message From The Main Street Bartow Executive Director


By Laura Mills Simpson, Executive Director

 

Traditions are a major component of Bartow's culture.  Surrounding myself in these traditions, and sharing them with my children, is comforting and helps to renew my spirit.  For 24 years, attending the Bartow Christmas Parade has been a part of our community's traditions.  I remember attending the very first parade, when its route was from First Ave. to Broadway, and I haven't missed one yet!  

 

This year, I was able view the parade from a different vantage point.  Working with the planning team to bring this parade to the community was truly an honor.  Although it is coordinated by Main Street Bartow, Inc., it truly is a community-wide effort. Seeing the chairs lined-up as the community started to grab their dinners and find a seat to watch the parade, made me proud to be part of an organization that helps to foster these types of community interactions.  From full restaurants and shops to the thousands of people lining the streets...it makes all the work truly worth it. 

 

I wanted to take a moment and thank a few of those that truly make this event possible:

  • The team at the City of Bartow Parks and Recreation
  • The electric team from the City of Bartow Electric Department (you know how maddening Christmas lights can be.....imagine keeping all the Christmas lights burning around town!)
  • The City of Bartow Public Works Department
  • The City of Bartow Police Department
  • The City of Bartow Fire Department
  • The Volunteer Parade Marshals from Floral Lakes
  • The Main Street Bartow Promotions Committee and the planning team dedicated to this event
  • The Judges of the Best Float Awards:  Dan and Daronda McDaniel, Glenda Reeves, and Sheila Broom
  • Our Parade Commentators:  Kathy Hall and Gail Murray
  • Main Street Bartow's own Mary Jordan for the outstanding job she does in juggling all of these moving parts

The parade has grown some over the past 24 years and the route has changed a bit, but the community it draws together remains as special as always.

 

...and I still get excited to see Santa round the corner!

FACES OF MAIN STREET
Lee Putnam (left) and Susan Blenk offer unique gifts and more at The Krazy Kricket in Bartow.

Meet the Ladies of The Krazy Kricket

 

Names: 

Lee Putnam and Susan Blenk

 

Business name, when established:

The Krazy Kricket, LLC; Est. Jan 5, 2014

 

Business Location & Number:

115 East Main Street, Bartow; 863-533-3141

 

Facebook page:  

Facebook is where we announce sales and classes.

Like us at: The Krazy Kricket.

 

What is unique and/or interesting about your business?

Priding ourselves in finding unique and different gifts helps us provide a wide variety of styles. Here at The Krazy Kricket, we have a little bit of everything for everybody. Within the store, you can choose among our new gifts and jewelry and a sprinkling of antiques. A service we also provide is to reupholster and repurpose your furniture using Ce-Ce Caldwell's Natural Chalk+Clay Paints. We are known for finding good deals and passing them along to our customers. The Krazy Kricket believes that customer service is the most important aspect of our job.

 

Why did you choose to open your business in Bartow?

We are both Bartow girls! After graduating from Bartow High School, we went away to college, and both came back to Bartow to raise our families. Both of us strongly felt that Bartow needed a specialty shop. Bartow is inundated with discount retailers and we felt that it needed a place you could buy a nice different/unique gift without having to leave town.  

 

What are your business challenges and successes?

Our only challenge so far has been the summers. The market slows down tremendously with people going on vacation and the many summer expenses. One of our main successes has been our paint classes.  These classes are great because this allows the customer to bring in a piece of their own furniture from home, and we are able to teach the customer how to use the paints. The benefit of this class is that your project is ready to take home that day. These types of classes help keep us afloat during the summer months. 

 

What is your advice to someone starting a new business?

Be ready for it to be the best adventure of your life!



A NEW YEAR ALREADY
FULL OF GREAT PLANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning for the first quarter of 2015 are already underway:

 

FRIDAY FESTS:

Main Street Bartow's monthly Friday Fests, held on the 3rd Friday of each month, feature live music, street vendors, fun for kids and adults, and open shops and restaurants to visit. 

(Additional sponsorhips remain.  Businesses interested in the marketing benefits of sponsorship, please contact Laura Simpson at lsimpson@mainstreetbartowfl.com or 863-519-0508)

MOVIES ON THE LAWN:

Our Movies on the Lawn offer a chance for families to spend time together and watch a free movie on the grassy lot at the corner of East Main Street and North Wilson Avenue. Movies start at dark on the fourth Friday of each month. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and bug spray. Concessions are available for purchase.  On January 23rd, Stephens Elementary School will be serving concessions and the chosen movie will be "Frozen".   Kids in costumes singing-a-long are welcome!! 


SYFY SATURDAY:

Resistance is futile ... returning in 2015 is SyFy Saturday on Feb. 21, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Last year's event was a hit with science fiction fans and curious locals, too. There's so much planned for the 2nd Annual event:  a costume contest, Dr. Who look-alike contest, Klingon Karaoke, vendors, special guests, music, food, family fun, and so much more!  Here are a few more things to look forward to:

  • Joel D Wynkoop, "King of The B Movies", will be on hand signing autographs.
  • Mr. Bill Hatfield, renown science fiction author, will have copies of his books available for autographs.
  • Briar Lee Mitchell, author will also be on hand with copies of her book Big Ass Shark and Walking on Mars available to be autographed.
  • Brian Young NASA space program specialist and Star Trek enthusiast, will be speaking on stage about the current status of our space program.
  • Clair Davis, professional cos player and costume builder, will be available for pictures in her Wonder Woman costume.
  • Eugene Haggerty and his Battlestar Galactica Club will be on hand with a life-size Cylon Raider and other props for photo opportunities.
  • A replica HG Wells Time Machine for photos
  • Nicholas Roche aka Game Master will be hosting Jeopardy Wheel of Fortune and other TV game shows featuring science fiction and time travel trivia.
  • The Star Wars club 501st will be guarding the streets with storm-troopers and other characters.
  • Movie on the lawn showing Star Trek 4, at dusk.
  • Not to mention a life sized Tardis also be materializing in for a visit that day
  • ...and so much more!
BLOOMIN' ARTS FESTIVAL:

Bartow's Bloomin' Arts Festival follows will be held on March 7 and 8, with shows of fine arts and crafts, cars, quilts and flowers. It's a true community-wide event, presented each year by several organizations and lots of volunteers.

 

Speaking of volunteers, if you'd like to get more involved with your community, or if you're a student who needs service hours, join us in presenting these events. Volunteers are always welcome. Just call Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or visit  www.MainStreetBartowFL.com for volunteer opportunities. 

TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF YARD SALES

We all have it ... stuff that we don't use anymore, but it's too good to toss. But a yard sale sounds like a big hassle: folks knocking at your door while you're still in your pj's, putting up signs, advertising, and on and on.


 
Take out the hassle by taking advantage of the monthly Main Street Bartow Uptown Community Yard Sale & Flea Market, held on the third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Guardian ad Litem parking lot at the corner of East Main and South Wilson.


 
The sale is a great opportunity for civic clubs, churches, and youth groups to raise money. Each month's sale is advertised, and is convenient for shoppers who can find bargains all in one spot.


 
Upcoming Yard Sales & Flea Market are Jan. 17 and Feb. 21. Vendor fee is $10; no preregistration is necessary. 


 
If you love to buy and/or sell antiques and collectibles, or want to jump on the vintage bandwagon, Main Street Bartow's monthly Antique Fair on East Main Street is the place to be. You'll never know what treasures you'll find along the downtown sidewalks or in the local antique stores.  The fair takes place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Upcoming Antique Fairs are Jan. 10 and Feb. 14. Vendor fee is $20. 

 

For further information on either of these opportunities, call the program coordinator, Irene, at 863-646-0644 or Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508.

COMING EVENTS DOWNTOWN
For More Info 863.519.0508
 

JANUARY

 

Jan. 10th, Sat.
Monthly Antique Fair, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., along East Main Street.
For further info call Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Irene at 863-646-0644.

 

Jan. 16th, Fri.

 Friday Fest, 6pm - 9pm, along Main Street. 

 

SPONSORED BY:  Frost Van den Boom, P.A. 

Featuring performances by: The SOFA Kings

To be a vendor or to find out more information, call the Main Street office at 863-519-0508.


Jan. 17th, Sat. 

Uptown Community Yard Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Guardian Ad Litem parking lot, 205 East Main St. Set-up begins at 7 a.m. Vendors will be charged $10; no preregistration is necessary. For further info call Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Irene at 863-646-0644.
 

Jan. 23rd, Sat.

Movie on the Lawn, at dark, on the grassy lawn on the corner of Wilson Ave. and Main St.
Concessions provided by Stephens Elementary School
Movie Selection: Frozen

 

FEBRUARY

 

Feb. 14th, Sat.
Monthly Antique Fair, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., along East Main Street.
For further info call Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Irene at 863-646-0644.

 

Feb. 20th, Fri. 

Friday Fest, 6pm - 9pm, along Main Street. 

SPONSORED BY:  Sackett Ranch

Featuring performances by: Clemons Road

To be a vendor or to find out more information, call the Main Street office at 863-519-0508.

 

Feb. 21st, Sat. 

Uptown Community Yard Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Guardian Ad Litem parking lot, 205 East Main St. Set-up begins at 7 a.m. Vendors will be charged $10; no preregistration is necessary. For further info call Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Irene at 863-646-0644.

SyFy Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., along the 100 and 200 block of Main St.
Vendors and displays, along with cos-players and science fiction memorabilia.
Call 863-519-0508 for more details.
 

Feb. 27rd, Sat.

Movie on the Lawn, at dark, on the grassy lawn on the corner of Wilson Ave. and Main St.
Concessions provided by BHS Travel Club
Movie not selected at this time
 

For more information on any Main Street Bartow events or to volunteer, please call our office at 863-519-0508. If you know someone who would like to receive our newsletter please call the Main Street office or email us at info@mainstreetbartowfl.com or merely forward your copy via the link below.

 


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