What a weekend we have in store in Greenwood.
From Bikes, Blues and Bayous to the Tax-Free Holiday and Sidewalk Sale to the Rhythm on the River festival at Tallahatchie Flats and the opening of Gallery Point Leflore. There will definitely be something for everyone to do.
It is wonderful to see how popular Bikes, Blues and Bayous has become in just its second year.
More than 200 participated in last year’s event, and organizers are expecting as many, and possibly more, this Saturday.
Besides being a great draw for tourists, Bikes, Blues and Bayous also has promoted a healthy lifestyle among area residents.
The Money Road Cycling Club has been around for a number of years, but this event has inspired people who have not ridden bikes since they were children to take up the activity.
Just Thursday I heard Harris Powers speak to the Greenwood Kiwanis Club about the event and how bike riding has had such a positive impact on his life.
With the obesity rate steadily growing in our area, bike riding provides not only exercise but it builds camaraderie and friendship.
For all those who are coming in from out of town to Bikes, Blues and Bayous, they don’t need to hurry off to be entertained.
The Rhythm on the River Festival at Tallahatchie Flats will coincide with the bike event.
A big lineup of entertainment is scheduled, as well as boat and helicopter rides and a cooking contest among the vendors.
What better way to enjoy the day than by kicking back in a lawn chair, listening to good music and enjoying food, fun and fellowship.
Since living in Greenwood, I have been amazed at the quality of each event held here.
The people of Leflore County take pride in everything they do, and it shows.
You will never go anywhere and find any event so well-organized and entertaining as those in our area.
I commend all the organizers of Bikes, Blues and Bayous and Rhythm on the River for their efforts. I have no doubt these events will continue to grow and be talked about by everyone who attends.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Area residents can take advantage of the Tax-Free Holiday and Sidewalk Sale.
I am familiar with these weekends, since Alabama has been doing them for a number of years.
This is the first year for such an event in Mississippi, but I think it will be a good thing.
The tax-free holiday is a great time for parents to purchase supplies and clothing for their children to return to school. Add in Greenwood’s Sidewalk Sale and many merchants going tax-free on items not included in the statewide event, and it should make for a big weekend for area businesses.
Last but not least, there’s the grand opening of Gallery Point Leflore on Howard Street.
I think it is wonderful that four friends — Hank Roberts, Buddy Hendricks, Anne Roberts and Cameron Abel — are pooling their talents to bring a new art gallery to our city.
This is yet another venue that will draw tourists to Greenwood.
Be sure to catch the sneak preview on Friday night or the official grand opening on Saturday.
For such a small city, Greenwood is definitely a happening place, especially this weekend.
I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun.
