Random subjects on a rainy Sunday

It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2013, in Perry, Georgia. Even as I write this, Janice and I are watching the Masters on television – fortunately for the players and spectators, it’s not presently raining in Augusta, although I believe that our rain is headed their way.

Earlier today, during lunch, Janice and I had a discussion, obviously sparked by today’s Masters, as to the No. 1 sporting spectacle in this country. Let’s start with this subject.

• Some would immediately say The World Series. Others would argue for the Super Bowl. And, with the NCAA Basketball Championship just concluded, there would be fans for it. What about the Kentucky Derby or the Indianapolis 500? Then there is the College Football National Championship. For beauty and excitement, the Masters does have appeal. And, there are no more loyal fans than NASCAR’s, so the Daytona 500 would have support. It’s hard to decide – some lasts one day (Super Bowl), some possibly seven (The World Series) and some even longer if you figure what you have to do to get there (NCAA Basketball Championship). So, to each his/her own and let this debate continue.

• Perry, Georgia, was an exciting little place this past weekend. First, the Dogwood Festival in Perry’s downtown. Quite spectacular, even if I do say so myself. Dog shows (with the largest Dog Show in the United States being held at the Ag Center!). The Perry Rotary Club Bass Tournament on Saturday with weigh-in Saturday afternoon at Go-Fish. A great, first-class sophisticated art show at Perry’s Art Center (formerly the National Guard Armory) on Saturday and Sunday. Perry’s Kiwanis Club, our community’s oldest men’s civic club (which now also has women members), had one of their famous pancake breakfasts Saturday morning. There was even a huge estate sale at Barbara Jones’ house on Evergreen Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There were so many customers that I went by Barbara’s four times and never got the courage to wade into the crowd. All in all, the little village was a happening place.

• Downtown Perry has never looked better, and it has been a longtime since as much has been going on there as there is now. Why? Lots of successful efforts by good people: first Perry’s Mayor and Council (great work, lady and gentlemen), then that dynamo, Stacy Campbell, the Perry Chamber of Commerce C.E.O., with another female hard charger, Mary Beth Bass, and the Downtown Perry Development Authority and lastly, those who have invested their own time and money in some clever and exciting Downtown Perry businesses. Go Downtown Perry, strut your exciting stuff!

• I can’t conclude this article without elaboration on the 11th Annual Perry Rotary Bass Tournament. This has become a sophisticated and smooth working tournament. And, I must brag on my son, Larry III, who originally brought the idea for the tournament to the Perry Rotary Club. Larry tells me that the Perry Rotary Club “has invested about $200,000 into the community” from the tournament proceeds. The most visible recipient, but certainly not the only one, is the Rotary Centennial Park. Foster Rhodes and I have participated in all eleven tournaments and are already looking forward to next year’s event. I believe we are going to win it next year! Go Rotary. You make Perry a better place to live.

• Lastly, have you thought about the fact that we have three outstanding women helping to promote Houston County and Perry? First, there is Angie Gheesling, Executive Director, Houston County Development Authority. Then, as written above, there is Stacy Campbell, President and C.E.O., The Perry Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Beth Bass, Economic Development Coordinator, Perry Downtown Development Authority. No wonder things are looking good. I believe it’s only going to get better. We need to hold on to these three.
I can’t conclude this without mentioning that one man redevelopment force, Marty Myers. What Marty has done with his own money and for Perry is remarkable: The Coffee Cup, The Antique Theater, his “green development” in the Downtown at Ball and Carroll and his refurbished church and caboose on Main Street are all outstanding. Thanks, Marty, we appreciate you.

That’s it for this week. It’s a wonder what you’ll think of on a rainy, Sunday afternoon.

For other information, see our website and blog: www.galawyersonline.com.It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2013, in Perry, Georgia.