The Historic Harrison Business Association held its bi-monthly meeting on Monday, June 9, in the Signature Bank Community Room. Chairman Mike Nabors said, “This is a great turnout.” Secretary-Treasurer Beverly DeWitt reported on the businesses that were members because some of the owners couldn’t remember.
President Mike Nabors welcomed those in attendance and then introduced Mayor Jackson, who spoke about Downtown revitalization efforts. Jackson shared that he passed out several hundred downtown fliers during the recent swim meet competition. “Hopefully, some came downtown to eat or shop,” he said. He also talked about the new outdoor pickleball courts that resulted from a partnership between the City and Rotary. “They are so nice and we are very excited to have them.”
Jackson also mentioned that Parks had replaced the former basketball organizer and was looking forward to great events. A tournament is already scheduled for August at Creekside. He also mentioned that the basketball leagues play every Saturday. “This is a partnership with the schools, and we are going to lower the gate fee with the permission of the schools, who divide up the gate fees.”
Jackson also mentioned:
Possibility of a Wrestling tournament soon
Splace Pad is still a big hit, along with Canon’s Cove and Wonder Willa Park
The Downtown Bridge is ahead of schedule
Old Federal Building plans have been approved
“As part of the downtown beautification project, we have placed metal planters on the east side of the downtown square,” Jackson reported.
Nabors said, “Placing these planters on the east side of the square where we have the most unoccupied spaces was a great team effort of the HHBA, the Master Gardeners, the CVB, and the City. And the guys at Mad Max welding did an amazing job building and setting the planters for us!"
We want to do what we can to make that side of the square look more attractive,” Jackson said. “We were proud to use a local welder, Mad Max Welding, to build them, and we think they look great.”
Jackson also reported that eight potential new businesses are touring downtown and looking at available spaces. “These are successful businesses in other locations, and they want to be downtown Harrison.”
Explore Harrison Executive Director, Matt Bell added, “There are also a total of 100 basketball teams at Creekside on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 10-11) for a basketball camp. As of now, I know that 46 hotel rooms were booked.”
Mike Hosier spoke to the group about an upcoming event hosted by the Historic Hotel Seville. “A Murder Mystery at the Seville” will occur July 25-26, with clues posted at downtown businesses. The Roaring 1920s theme will feature dinner on Friday and Saturday night and a $500 grand prize for the person who solves the mystery. More information can be found on the Hotel’s website.
Other downtown activities include the ”A Few Good Gentlemen” art show at Venue 121 on June 20 from 3 to 10 p.m.
The next HHBA meeting is set for August 18, at 6 p.m.