Main Street Texarkana has officially requested the city reroute the Christmas parade to Broad Street, so the decorations along the route can provide more holiday atmosphere. At the last meeting of the Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors, Main Street officials put their request forward to city officials who seemed supportive and receptive. It did not take long for an answer to come.
"The public safety officials of the Arkansas-side have announced provisional support," said Ina McDowell, Main Street Texarkana executive director. "They want several safety measures, such as barricades along the route as well as no vehicles, but the Arkansas-side police, fire department and public works departments have expressed support. The Board of Directors will officially make a decisions at their next meeting."
This year's parade theme is "Ginger Bread Village".
This year's Main Street Texarkana Christmas ornament has just been announced.
"I just found out this (yesterday) morning", said McDowell. "This year's ornament will feature the Landmark Building/State National Bank, circa 1904, corner of Broad and State Line, showing the building's original facade. Just in time for the parade!"
The Landmark Building is now also the location of the Texarkana Gazette.
In downtown beautification news, Main Street Texarkana is completing the distribution of funds from a grant program totalling $15,000. The two announced recipients include $5000 to Leon and Julie Sanderson of ATC Environmental, who used the money to put a new roof on the Old Wellsworth Building at 413 E. Broad St and Sheila Crossland of Johnny B's, who took their $2000 of the grant and turned it into an illuminated sign out in front of their restaurant.
"It is a pretty nice deal," said Leon Sanderson, ATC Environmental president. "The $5000 and the roof I put on will help make the work on the rest of the building easier."
Also in area beautification news, MST-T board president Larry White announced he is having the holes in the exterior building walls where The Discovery Place and Museum is fixed.
"Also, I encourage everyone to go down and take a look at Union Station," he said. "It is looking much better, with weeds cut and the landscaping taking root."
Funds are still available through a program offered through MST-T intended to help with exterior improvement in Texas-side downtown properties, featuring grants and loans. If anyone is interested, contact MST-T for details.
Tickets are available for the QHNA Tour of Homes, a showcase of historical homes in Texarkana. The tour takes place December 2-3. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce for $25. Contact Judith White at 903-748-8326 for more information.