An Early spring

I don’t know about ya’ll – but I finally feel like I’m beginning to thaw out from the cold winter months. Tomorrow (3/20) is the first day of spring and I sure am glad to see it. Not so glad to see the pollen; however, the good of springtime far outweighs the negative things that make me sneeze and cough.

This past Friday evening in downtown Blakely there was a whole lot of good happening just in time for transition to another season. It may have been the first time in Blakely’s history that “Pi Day” was celebrated. Of course, most of us who can remember all the way back to 10th grade geometry will know this is a fun day celebrated in reference to 3.14 (or Pi), a math constant approximation of the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Even though math was not my thing in school, I always liked “Pi” – but not as much as the dessert.

There aren’t too many pies I’ve met that I didn’t like – including the one thrown in my face on Friday, even though it was mostly whipped cream! It was all in good fun for the betterment of the community.

DDA Chairman Dave Atkins, County Chairman Hank Jester, Chris, Mandi and Kailey Ketchum, myself, Riley Taylor, Mayor Travis Wimbush and Kaarina Wubben all agreed to participate in the event while raising funds to support future community activities. Collectively, the event raised $1200. The majority of the votes were cast for the top three: Dave Atkins, Hank Jester and Travis Wimbush.

Everyone ended up being a winner. There weren’t many who escaped without a pie to the face.

It was all in good fun and considered a success not only because of the funds raised – but also because of all the great fun we had together on a Friday night in downtown Blakely. Funds will be used to purchase an Easter Bunny costume and Easter eggs, so families can take free photos with the bunny and participate in a downtown Easter Egg hunt. The remaining funds will be used for future community activities such as this one.

Chris and Mandi Ketchum have been a blessing to downtown Blakely. They are always coming up with ideas to promote their business, downtown, care for one another and community engagement activities. Through their generosity and care for the overall community, they’ve given local artisans opportunities to lease space in the store. It’s not always possible for everyone to open up a store (or they may not need one just yet), but at Old Goat Soap Co. – locals can offer their products.

As we enter into Spring, let’s enjoy the longer days, plant and water as many seeds as possible for the future of downtown Blakely and Early County.

I look forward to many more events and activities that will give the community a sense of place and belonging. If you ever have a plan for a downtown Blakely activity and want to work together – let the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) know. Each year the activities and events can get stronger. It’s vital for us to work together to build a vibrant, thriving community.

Happy Springtime, Early!

Shared with permission from The Early County News