Buzzard Drop, market discussed

The Perry Main Street Advisory Board said there were more than 2,000 people at the city’s third annual Buzzard Drop the night of Dec. 31.

“It was a great night,” Chairman Susan Scragg said Thursday, adding there were more than 30,000 views on the social network facebook and the event “was shared a lot.”

Scragg also cited the work of the city’s Public Works Department in helping set up the event at the courthouse and cleaning up afterward.

The board also discussed the location of the city’s farmers’ market, noting that there were some questions about using Roughton Park, private property issues and needing the owner’s authorization to use the property, insurance issues and the like.

“The people that used the farmers’ market were much happier when it was at the Arts Center, or at least that’s what I was told,” said board member Terre Walker.

“I’d like to find a permanent home for it,” said Scragg. “Every time it’s moved, it loses customers.”

Director of Economic Development Robert Smith said a location at the intersection of Ball and Main streets afforded high visibility and more ease of parking.

Main Street coordinator Catherine Edgemon said she would discuss the matter further with Jodi Daley, the farmers’ market manager.

In other action at its first meeting of the year, the board:

• Approved a memo of understanding with the state Department of Community Affairs covering the board’s activities for the coming year;

• Amended its by-laws so that its annual meeting and election of officers will take place in January instead of December;

• Approved changes to its matching media grant program to raise the visibility of the Main Street program; and

• Agreed to repackage its work plan so that it dovetails with the city’s strategic plan.

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