the scoop

WIN $100 DOWNTOWN DOLLARS!

2011-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Main Street Enhancement Project / Tupelo Birthplace Trail

Take the Downtown Traffic Test and Enter to Win $100 Downtown Dollars!

Please complete the survey and help us understand your driving conditions for Main Street Tupelo.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MainStreetTupeloTrafficSurvey

Tupelo Junior Auxiliary Seeking Citizen of the year Nominations

2010-12-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Nominations open for Outstanding Citizen

The Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo is accepting applications for the 2011 Outstanding Citizen Award. The recipient will be announced at the annual Charity Ball on February 11, 2011. Tupelo civic clubs and individuals wishing to nominate a deservign citizen from Tupelo or Lee County should contact Christy Waycaster at 662-841-1398 or 662-231-3740 for a nomination form. Completed forms must be returned to her by January 7, 2011.

"Sounds of the Season": Christmas in Downtown Tupelo

2010-11-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

This is a very exciting week in Downtown Tupelo with many, many events going on for you and your family jumpstart the Christmas Season. Here's a quick snapshot of everything going on beginning Thursday with the Northpole Stroll - Downtown Open House.

Thursday, Dec. 2nd

Northpole Stroll - Downtown Open House

Most of the stores will be open late with special things happening at each location. See below for full details:

Beauty Motif - Goodies Galore

Caron Gallery - Tracey Davis “Watch Me” Design Trunk Show. Wine & Cheese.
Kirksey Brothers Furniture - 25% OFF EVERYTHING. (Open House Only.) Wine & Cheese.
Ladybug’s - Come by to see Rudolph.
Luxe - 20% OFF EVERYTHING. Drawing for $100 Gift Certificate.
MLM Clothiers - 25% OFF one regular priced item. Refreshments.
Monogram It - Drop off letters to Santa.
Reed’s - Book Signing by Curtis Wilkie. The Elf on the Shelf will be in the store.
Sprint Print - Refreshments.
Swirlz - Come see Santa.
The Gumtree Museum of Art - Decorate your own Sugar Cookies and get a sneak preview of
the “Home Sweet Home” Gingerbread House under construction.
The Main Attraction - Dreidel Game.
Tupelo Hardware - Drawing for $50 Gift Certificate.
Voe’s - Sale on select items. Light Refreshments.
Yellow Lovebirds - 25% OFF one regular priced item. Hot Chocolate.

FREE Carriage Rides throughout the evening
LIVE PERFORMANCES by Lane Chapel Quarter, First United Methodist Church Handbells and the Tupelo High School Madrigals throughout Downtown.

8pm - Re-lighting of the renovated marquee at the historic Lyric Theatre

Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food
pantry and you are eligible to register for $100 in
Downtown Dollars - to be given away weekly during December.

Moore-Robinson House will be open from 4 to 8pm for a "Sneak Peak" - Head to Soul Massage Therapy, Emi Lou's Boutique, Devilish Mary's and Cafe Improv!

Saturday, Dec. 4th

There's a full day of fun events and activities planned. Bring the family and enjoy!

Boy Scouts-Yocona Area Council and Girls Scouts-Heart of the South will be having their annual food drive throughout the day. Bring a non-perishable food item to the parade or drop it off at any Tupelo Fire Station or Russell Orthodontics. All donations will benefit local food pantries.

6 am – 12:30 pm: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at First United Methodist Church

9 am: Jingle Bell Jog 2K/5K – Packet Pickup at Renasant Bank and Race Starts on Main in front of First United Methodist Church Click here for registration information.

9 am – 3 pm: Gumtree Museum of Art Sip and Shop

10 am: Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade "Sounds of the Season" celebrating Music Teachers and Students in Tupelo and Lee County

11 am – 1:30 pm: Home Sweet Home Gingerbread Building @ The Hilton Garden Inn

1 – 3 pm: Public Ice Skating @ the BancorpSouth Arena

2pm: Dr. Seuss's - "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" performed by the Grinch himself at the Lee County Library

2 pm and 7:30 pm – The Nutcracker @ The Tupelo Performing Arts Center

7 pm – 2^nd Annual Comcast Tupelo Holiday Autism Bash @ The Goodlet Manor Click here for more information

Sunday, Dec. 5th

4pm: Christmas Around the World at First United Methodist Church

5pm: Advent Lessons and Carols at All Saint's Church

6pm: "An Evening in December" Start at the Manger at Calvary Baptist Church

2010 Annual Awards

2010-11-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association Presents Annual Awards

During the 2010 Annual Meeting held at the BancorpSouth Conference Center November 2nd, the following were recognized for Downtown Tupelo Main Street Awards. Each recipient received a small replica of the Downtown Guitars that were installed earlier this year. Debbie Brangenberg, Executive Director of the organization, personally thanked all the annual and events sponsors, members, volunteers, businesses and community members for their diligence to "make every day in Downtown Tupelo better than yesterday."

Best Preservation Renovation - Brad Prewitt

Special Service Award - Vicki Manning

Best Facade Rehabilitation - Tupelo Community Theatre

Best Special Event - Pigskins in the Park

Best Downtown Public Improvement - Tupelo Guitar Art Project

Best Business Promotion (s) - Summer Picnic and Wine Downtown

Business of the Year - Ladybug's Specialty Children's and Maternity

Volunteer of the Year - Brandon Bishop, JBHM Architects

Board Member of the Year - Jim Goodwin, Express Employment Professionals

Spirit of Main Street - John and Sherry Avila

Downtown Tupelo - What we learned through Placemaking

2010-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Downtown Tupelo was under the microscope last week as officials with two national groups led workshops on how Main Street communities can improve.

The national placemaking workshop publicly kicked off last Tuesday with a luncheon facilitated by the New York City-based Project for Public Spaces and the Washington, D.C.,-based National Main Street Center, which is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Tupelo was selected for the pilot program after a national competition.

Placemaking, according to Steve Davies with the Project for Public Spaces, is turning a neighborhood, town or city from a place you can't wait to get through to one you never want to leave.

For the complete Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal coverage, go to www.nems360.com.

Here is a copy of the Power Point presentation that the consultants presented before leaving town on Thursday. A more detailed written report will follow in the next 4 to 6 weeks.

Tupelo Final Presentation

Tell us what you think! Tupelo PlaceMap

2010-09-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

Tupelo PlaceMap

In the new digital era of civic involvement, you now have a brand new "virtual" opportunity to participate in the upcoming National Trust for Historic Preservation and Project for Public Spaces' Placemakeing Demonstration that will be held in Downtown Tupelo on Oct. 4-7th. A team of placemakers from the Trust’s National Main Street Center and PPS will be be in town to to help the community capitalize on the assets that already exist on our Main Street.

This virtual exercise is so simple and easy. You can add as many places as you would like - favorite places, worst places, places that you think have opportunity! We want to hear from you!

You have until Tuesday, October 5th to let us know your thoughts on places in Downtown Tupelo so that your input will make it into the final recommendations.

For a quick "how to" click here: Tupelo PlaceMap - How To

Or, just jump straight to the Tupelo PlaceMap! Tupelo PlaceMap

You can also tell us about your favorite places via Twitter using the hashtag #TupeloPlaceMap

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 662.841.6598 or email dhendricks@tupelomainstreet.com

Pigskins in the Park - October 16th

2010-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

RENASANT BANK AND CELLULAR SOUTH TO PRESENT
“PIGSKINS IN THE PARK” BENEFIT FOR DOWNTOWN TUPELO MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION

Two SEC College Football Games Featuring Ole Miss and Mississippi State Will Be Broadcast Live
On a Giant NFL-Caliber Giant Jumbotron In Front of Tupelo City Hall In Fairpark On Oct. 16

TUPELO, MISS. (September 2, 2010) – Pigskins in the Park, a promotional event featuring a live broadcast of major SEC games on a NFL-caliber giant jumbotron where Mississippi teams play on the road in two of the most hostile environments in college football, is set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 16 in front of Tupelo City Hall in Fairpark.

The live broadcast of the Ole Miss Rebels road game in Tuscaloosa, Ala. against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs trip to Gainesville, Fl. to play the Florida Gators is sponsored by Renasant Bank and Cellular South in partnership with the Tupelo Quality of Life Committee.

The games will be shown on a giant 22 foot by 33 foot jumbotron, which is elevated 16feet from the ground bringing the total height to more than six stories with high-resolution images for both daylight and night time viewing. Both football games are “road” games for each Mississippi school. Start times of each game will be announced two weeks before Pigskins in the Park. Tupelo’s largest tailgate party is free and open to the public.

“Renasant Bank is excited to be part of this unique event for Downtown Tupelo,” said John Oxford, director of external affairs for Renasant Bank. “We know how passionate folks in North Mississippi are about SEC Football and their schools. Bringing people together to cheer and support their teams while enjoying this quality of life event on a cool Saturday in October is just another way Renasant participates in the communities we serve,” he added. “So whether you’re screaming Hotty Toddy or ringing your cow bell in Fairpark, we are proud to help provide North Mississippi with this wonderful event.”

All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. “Our mission is to sustain and enhance the downtown experience. Pigskins in the Park is a perfect way to do just that. We appreciate our corporate sponsors Renasant Bank and Cellular South for combining their talents and resources for the community,” said Debbie Brangenberg, director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.

Also taking part in the event will be various downtown Tupelo food vendors and businesses. Food and beverages will be available for purchase by patrons during the games. No alcoholic beverages other than those sold on site will be allowed at the event. Beer will be available to patrons of 21-years of age or older. Patrons are allowed to bring lawn chairs, tents and tailgating items, but personal grills and coolers are discouraged.

“Cellular South is pleased to be a part of the first Pigskins in the Park event as part of our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Mark Prince, business development manager for Cellular South. “We invite everyone to attend the event and enjoy the games,” he added, noting that Cellular South also is sponsoring two major original programs this fall focusing on high school football and music.

The first - Y’all vs. Us - is an original sports program that captures the drama, passion and community pride around high school football rivalries in the South. Now in its second season, the program features live, primetime telecasts on FOX Sports South of five of the oldest and biggest high school football rivalries in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Select game broadcasts are reaching up to 12.9 million cable and satellite households in seven Southeastern states. One of the regionally- televised rivalry games featured in the program will be the South Panola Tigers at the Tupelo High Wave on Oct. 15 in Tupelo.

The second - Cellular South Emerge: mobilize your music - is a ground-breaking original program designed to give music fans a new way to discover and share original music from some of the best rising artists. The program features a state-of-the-art website where promising artists can boost their visibility, promote live performances and develop a broader network of fans by sharing some of the hottest new music available on the market today. Prince said an Emerge guest artist The Grove is scheduled to perform at the “Down on Main” concert on Sept. 9.

About Renansant:
Renasant Corporation, headquartered in Tupelo, MS, is the parent of Renasant Bank and Renasant Insurance, and operates over 75 banking, mortgage, financial services and insurance offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The company has assets of approximately $4.6 billion. For more information, visit www.renasantbank.com.

About Cellular South:
Cellular South is a privately-owned diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The nation’s largest privately owned wireless communications carrier accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering industry-leading smartphone devices and accessible flat rate plans, and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.

Downtown Tupelo on You Tube

2010-08-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Downtown Dollars are a great gift for anyone at anytime. Downtown Dollars can be purchased at the Main Street Association Office at 108 S. Broadway Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. They can be redeemed at most stores in Downtown Tupelo.
Check out our promotional video on You Tube for details on participating businesses.

Click Here to View Video

Down on Main - August 12th

2010-08-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Down on Main Concert is Thursday August 12th. In addition to the concert, the following things will also be going on that evening!

5:30 pm - City Pep Rally

MSU & UM Representatives will be in town! Get your picture taken with the Egg Bowl Trophy! The Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau will announce the 2nd consecutive year for "Get in the Game" promotion with Ole Miss and Mississippi State Athletics

Plus... a Tupelo High School Football Team Celebration!

6:30 pm - Sanders Bohlke & The Infamous Stringdusters

Down on Main is a FREE Concert at the Fairpark Amphitheatre. Fun for the whole family. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy music from Sanders Bohlke and The Infamous Stringdusters. No Coolers Please.

Downtown Summer Picnic & Down On Main Free Concert Series - TOMORROW!

2010-07-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Merchants are presenting the 2nd annual Downtown Summer Picnic to show their appreciation to Downtown supporters and customers tomorrow from 11am to 2pm. Basically, its a progressive picnic -- and, its all FREE!!! Following the picnic trail for sizzling savings and refreshing treats! (Click on the poster to see participating merchants.)

AND... Thursday evening at 6:30pm bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Fairpark for the first of three concerts at DOWN ON MAIN!

Tomorrow night you will hear the bluesy sounds of Hill Country Revue and John Paul Keith & the 145s.

Its going to be a great day in Downtown Tupelo.

Also, don't forget the Farmers' Market every Tues, Thurs, and Sat. starting at 6am. And, the Children's Farmers' Market on Thurs. at 6pm. Tomorrow we will be making "Plant People" This is free and open to children of all ages.

Downtown Tupelo Wins Mississippi Main Street Awards

2010-06-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

State honors area Main Streets

by Carlie Kollath/NEMS Daily Journal
2 days 11 hrs ago | 113 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Tupelo, Pontotoc and West Point were among the winners Thursday at the Mississippi Main Street Association's annual awards luncheon in Jackson.

Ladybug's, owned by Machelle Pitcock in Tupelo, won for the best faampçade rehabilitation that cost more than $10,000. The nomination is judged on design quality, proper restoration techniques, creativity and impact within budgetary and other constraints.

The Tupelo guitar art program, created by Kit Stafford, won the state's best downtown public improvement project.

The award is given to the municipality or downtown program that has designed and implemented attractive and sympathetic improvements for its downtown.

Pontotoc County Main Street won the best image or branding promotion campaign for its Pontotoc County Magazine. The award recognizes the downtown organization that has developed an effective public relations piece or promotional campaign.

The Ritz Theatre and Conference Center in West Point tied for the state's best historic rehabilitation project.

The award is presented to an individual or business that has completed an outstanding historic rehabilitation project that maintains the use of the building and meets the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

Debbie Brangenberg, the executive director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, won the Charles O. Beasley Scholarship Award.

The award is a $1,500 scholarship to the National Main Street conference, given to a Main Street manager who has shown outstanding service to his/her community and program.

The scholarship is awarded annually and nominations come from the district directors of MMSA.

The awards were presented by MMSA Executive Director Bob Wilson and 2010 board President Randy Burchfield of Tupelo-based BancorpSouth.

MMSA currently has 49 active community programs throughout the state as well as more than 30 Downtown Network, Association and Charrette communities.

Contact Carlie Kollath at (662) 678-1598 or carlie.kollath@djournal.com.

Read more: NEMS360.com - State honors area Main Streets

Down on Main Entertainment Lineup Announced

2010-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Free Concert Series Down on Main Street

The concert series is fun for all ages and enhances the downtown experience
Tupelo, Miss.--Returning for its second year, the “Down on Main” concert series kicks off the first of three events on July 8 at Fairpark Amphitheater in Downtown Tupelo.
Each event will be held on the second Thursday of the month in July, August, and September. All concerts are free and open to the public. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m.
“We are very excited about the return of the Down on Main series,” said Debbie Brangenberg, director of Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. “It totally enhances the downtown experience.”
“Each concert this season, will have its on flavor,” said Chris Root, one of the original committee members. “They all three span different cultures and demographics and appeal to a diverse audience. From rock ‘n roll, blues and bluegrass to folk, jazz and jambands, all three concerts will be unique.”
Entertainment for the event includes Memphis band John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives opening for the modern blues band Hill Country Revue on July 8. On August 12, Sardis, Miss. native Sanders Bohlke will open for the bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters. Moon Taxi, an explosive Rock band from Nashville, Tenn., will open for New Orleans group, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band in the last of the concert series on September 9.
This year’s image for the series is an original watercolor designed by local artist Brent Farrar with the poster design by Russell Staffard. Brent attended Mississippi State University in 1998, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture. Currently employed by Mercier Landscape Architect, Brent first showed his work in Tupelo's 2009 GumTree Festival. Brent's work can be purchased at Reed's Bookstore and The Main Artery in Downtown Tupelo.
“Down on Main” is a free summer concert series organized by a group of young Tupelo professionals, partnered with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. “With Tupelo and Mississippi both having such a claim to music, we wanted to give the community an opportunity to experience different genres of live, original music,” said Chris Root, one of the original committee members. The event, which is funded by corporate sponsors and personal donations, has a family friendly atmosphere.
For more information about the “Down on Main” concert series or to inquire about obtaining a sponsorship, call 662-841-6598 or visit the website www.tupelomainstreet.com.

Great Selection at the Farmers' Market in Downtown Tupelo

2010-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Stopped by the Farmers' Market on my way in today and could not believe everything that was there!!! Couldn't resist the sweet corn and new potatoes, they're my favorite. I'm going back on Thursday to get all the ingredients to make fresh corn salad --- Thanks to Sherry A. for the great recipe! I think it will be perfect for Fathers' Day this weekend. Here's a short list of whats ready. Remember, the Market opens at 7am Tues., Thursday and Saturday!!! Go by and support our local farmers. Remember that we are a certified MS Farmers' Market and that everything sold is locally grown! Nothing is being shipped in from other areas...... DELICIOUS!!!!!

Green Beans
Cabbage
Onions
Cucumbers
Turnips
Peas
Tomatoes (mostly green ... they are just starting to ripen)
Potatoes
Sweet Corn
Beets
Green Beans
Eggplant
Peppers - Hot & Sweet
Herbs
Squash
Zuccini
Blackberries
Blueberries
Peaches
Baked Goods
Canned Goods
Jellies
Eggs
Honey
Sunflowers

Fresh Produce ready Tomorrow

2010-05-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Tupelo Farmer's Market will open at 7am tomorrow morning. Saturday's pickin's include the following:
Onions, Brocolli, Radishes, Eggs, Greens, Turnips, Lettuce, and English Peas

Stop by and see what else is there! Its Good for your health, good for your community, and good for the economy!

Queen for a King Beauty Pageant

2010-05-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Winners for 2010 Elvis Festival Pageant

16 - 21 Years
Winner and Photogenic Samantha Wilemon
1st Alt Kelli Fowler
2nd Alt Taylor Webb
3rd Alt Jade Sullivan
4th Alt Sarah Rosencrans

13 - 15 Years
Winner Laura Beth Blissard
1st Alt Logan Whitworth
2nd Alt Alicia Tubb
3rd Alt Haley Floyd
4th Alt and Photogenic Mackenzie Rae Aversch

10 - 12 Years
Winner Megan Riley
1st Alt Kirklyn Alyssa Finney
2nd Alt and Photogenic Baleigh Lauren Tanner
3rd Alt Megan Cooper

7 - 9 Years
Winner Addison Turner
1st Alt Addie
2nd Alt Isabella Graves
3rd Alt and Photogenic Tori Skinner
4th Alt Amanda Rose Blissard

4 - 6 Years
Winner Booklyn Miller Duffey
1st Alt and Photogenic Jenna Michelle Loper
2nd Alt Kaylee Grace Wildmon
3rd Alt Stormie Williams

2 - 3 Years
Winner Macie Rae McLellen
1st Alt Nevaeh Allison Tedford
2nd Alt and Photogenic Katherine Hope Williams
3rd Alt Raylee Nicole Jones
4th Alt Laura Elizabeth Robertson

13 - 23 Months
Winner Carsyn Jewel Grissom

0 - 12 Months
Winner and Photogenic Mallie Louise Whitmon
1st Alt Ashlyn Clark

Elvis Festival Headliners Announced

2010-03-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Tupelo Elvis Festival announces the 2010 Headliners ....
Friday June 4, 2010 - Robert Earl Keen
Saturday June 5, 2010 - Paul Thorn and Cowboy Mouth

Others should be announced soon!

Gardening Workshop for Children to be held Saturday, March 20th

2010-03-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

As part of the educational component of the recently announced Tupelo Children's Farmers Market, the first workshop will be held on Saturday, March 20th at 10am. Reggie Rose, Master Gardener, Science teacher, and community volunteer will present a workshop on "Soil Preparation". The hour long workshop will begin at 10am at the Farmer's Market on Spring Street and is geared toward children ages 5-17.
Mark your calendar for additional workshops to be held on Thursday, March 25th at 5:30 pm, Saturday, April 17th and April 24th at 10am.
For more information on the workshops or to find out how to be a vendor at the Children's Market that will begin on Thursday's from 5-8pm in mid-May, call the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association at 662.841.6598

EGGcited About Easter!

2010-03-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

Downtown merchants are getting "EGGcited" about Easter. Be on the lookout for more details within the next week. Great savings from Downtown Tupelo!

MLM Clothiers - SAMUELSOHN Trunk Show

2010-03-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Save up to $300 - Thursday, March 11th 10am - 8pm

MLM Clothiers, the South's oldest specialty men's clothing store is having a special trunk show featuring custom made Suits, Sport Coats and Trousers by SAMUELSOHN. Also for that perfect custom shirt a special selection of blanket swatches from ROBERT TALBOTT.

$300 Off Any Custom Suit
$200 Off Any Custom Sport Coat
$50 Off Any custom Trouser
Specials are for Samuelsohn Trunk Show Day Only

Register for a $200 Gift Certificate to be Given Away. No Purchase Necessary.

Refreshments will be served after 5pm.

MLM is located at 108 South Spring Street, Historic Downton Tupelo
For more information call 662.842.4165

Ladybug's Maternity - NOW OPEN!

2010-03-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Ladybug's Maternity is now open! Ladybug's is in only specialty clothing store in Tupelo that specializes in mom and baby. Stop in and let Machelle and her staff help you find that special gift.

109 North Spring Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
66-841-9481

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Main ARTery Open House Tonight!

2010-03-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Austin and Kathryn Speck, new owners of Main ARTery invite you to join them for an open house tonight Monday March 1st from 5 - 8 pm. Main ARTery is located on Main Street in Downtown Tupelo between Broadway and Spring Street. Main ARTery showcases local artists and offers art classes for all ages. Stop by or give them a call for more information.

Contact Information:

205 West Main Street

662-269-2035

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

2010 Elvis Festival Image Unveiled

2010-02-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

Cellular South Networking at Noon

2010-02-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

Cellular South Networking at Noon speaker today is Dr. Phil Pepper - State Economist and Assistant Commissioner for Policy Research and Planning, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Networking and Lunch begins at 11:30 am at the BancorpSouth Conference Center. It only cost $10. Seats are still available..... please call the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association 662-841-6598 or email craig@tupelomainstreet.com. See you there!

Main Street Tupelo Project - Public Forum

2010-02-10T06:37:00.001-08:00

You're Invited to a Public Forum

to discuss the Main Street Tupelo Project.

We are in the preliminary stages of the Main Street Master Plan and

would like your input. Please join us for an information meeting with stakeholders and business owners in downtown Tupelo district.

Please join us for an informal discussion.

Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo

Wednesday, February 10th - Noon to 1pm - Walnut Room

Lunch is available on site at the Great American Grill.

Please arrive early if you plan to order lunch. Specials are offered daily.

Hosted by the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.

Special thanks to the Hilton Garden Inn for providing the public meeting space.

Main Street Tupelo Project

2010-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

About the project: The Downtown Enhancement Project consists of beautification and roadway enhancements proposed for the three block section of Main Street Tupelo between Front Street and Green Street. The enhancements include the following:

Beautification:- Reworking Pedestrian Crosswalks and Ramps
- Replanting Street Trees
- Replacing Street Lights to match those in the Fairpark District
- Resurfacing and Repairing Sidewalks

Roadway:
- Adding On-Street Parallel Parking
- Adding a Bicycle Lane that also serves as a Pedestrian Safe Zone between oncoming traffic and parked cars
- Narrowing the street to a 3-Lane Road Section, reducing from four through lanes to two and creating a Center Turn Lane

For more detailed information - http://mainstreettupelo.blogspot.com/

CellularSouth Networking @ Noon January 19th

2010-01-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Angela McGlowan is the featured speaker for Networking at Noon Today!

Fox News Political Analyst
Activist
Best Selling Author
Entrepreneur

Seats are still avilable. Lunch is $10 at The BancorpSouth Conference Center. Networking begins at 11:30.

Elvis Festival Tickets on Sale Now!

2010-01-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Elvis Festival Tickets for The Lyric are on Sale Now!

Friday June 4th

Tribute Artist Qualifying Round - $20

Shawn Klush Concert - $29

Saturday June 5th

Tribute Artist Second Round - $15

Tribute Artist Finals, Brandon Bennett and Bill Cherry Concert - $39

All Elvis Premium Seat Package - $100

To order tickets please call The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Office at

662-841-6598.

75th Elvis Birthday Celebration This Week

2010-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

75th Elvis Birthday Celebration starts on Thursday January 7th and continues on Friday January 8th. A detailed schedule is below:

January 7th
4 pm - Downtown Art Project Unveiling at Tupelo Hardware
7:30 pm - Birthday Concert @ The Lyric with UETA Winners Brandon Bennett and Bill Cherry with the EAS Band

January 8th
10 am - Unveiling of a special exhibit housed in the Welcome Center of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau
1 pm - Birthday Party at the Elvis Presley Birthplace
2 - 4 pm Marty Stuart Book Signing at The Tupelo Automobile Museum
8 pm - Marty Stuart in concert at The Link Centre

DTMSA Renovations

2009-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

After 20 years of business we are pulling up the carpet and getting a face lift. Our renovations will set the precedent for the Facade Grant Program we are introducing in 2010. The new program will be available to the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association Members. This is another way we are giving back to the community and making Downtown Tupelo even stronger.

MLM - Ladies Shopping Night

2009-12-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the man in your life? You shouldn't look any further than MLM Clothiers in Downtown Tupelo. They are having a Ladies Shopping Night Tuesday December 15th.
Specials include:
Suits 30% off
Sport Coats 30% off
Sport Shirts Buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 off
Sweaters 25% off
Dress Pants 25% off
Scarfs $25 off
Outerwear 20% off
Outerwear 20% off
All purpose coats - Regular $189.50 Now $125.00
Top Coats - Regular $249.95 Now $125.00

Merry Christmas from MLM

Clydesdales in Tupelo

2009-11-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

In a special event presented by Express Employment Professionals in association with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, the Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales will appear at the Lee County Agricenter on Dec. 4.

The free event will offer an opportunity to view the black and white horses weighing an average of one ton each the day before they star in the Christmas Parade. Since 1999, these gentle giants have won numerous awards and have achieved recognition around the world including the World Championship in the 8-horse hitch and the 6-horse hitch.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring cameras to photograph the Clydesdales. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available.

Jim and Julianne Goodwin own Express Employment Professionals offices in Tupelo and Booneville. Express employs over 300 workers at over 80 local companies providing temporary, contract, and executive recruiting for all staffing needs.

For more information on this event and horses, call Express Employment Professionals at 662-842-5500 or visit the website Expressclydesdales.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

The Staff of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association would like to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
Debbie, Craig and Allie

Dearly Beloved

2009-11-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

The Tupelo Community Theatre presents Dearly Beloved November 19th - 21st at The Lyric Theatre. Tickets available for purchase by phone 662-844-1935 at the Lyric Box Office.

Tickets are 1/2 price for the Saturday Matinee @ 2 pm if you bring 5 canned food items. These will be given to the Boy Scouts for their Scouting for Food Project going on now.

MLM - 1/2 Off Sale

2009-11-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

MLM Clothiers in Downtown Tupelo is having a gigantic 1/2 Off Sale you don't want to miss. It runs until November 30th.

The Main Attraction Trunk Show

2009-11-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

The Main Attraction in Downtown Tupelo is having a Trunk Show on Thursday November 19th from 5 - 7 pm. State of Grace Jewelry from San Francisco will be here showcasing their latest designs. This is a great opportunity to purchase Christmas Gifts for friends and family.

75th Elvis Birthday Extravaganza

2009-11-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Brandon Bennett and Bill Cherry

w/ EAS Band
in Concert at The Lyric
January 7, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.

Big plans are in store for the 75th Elvis Birthday Celebration. The festivities start on Thursday January 7, 2010 with an Elvis Birthday Extravaganza Concert at The Lyric. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m featuring: UETA Winner Brandon Bennett & 2009 UETA Winner Bill Cherry with the EAS Band.

Ticket Prices include service charge:

Front Row Seating is $79

Premium Seating on Row 2-6 is $54.00

General Admission is $29.00

Front Row and Premium Seating receive invitations to Pre-Concert Reception at the CVB Lobby and VIP Meet and Greet Following the Concert.

Tickets are on sale now by phone 662-841-6598 or at The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Office between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A Halloween to Remember

2009-11-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a day to remember. We celebrated Let's Go Walking MS; The Mayor's Marathon; and The Halloween Carnival and Costume Contest at The Farmer's Market. Below are a few pictures from the day:

Halloween Costume Contest

2009-10-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Children in elementary school or younger will have a chance to show off their Halloween style in a Costume Contest and Carnival on Oct. 31.
The free event, held at the Tupelo Farmers Market on South Spring Street, will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., one lucky child will win a bicycle donated by Toys-R-Us. The costume contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. and award prizes for the top three costumes.
The first fifty children to register will receive a goody bag. Late season fruits and vegetables will be available for sale from local vendors as well as homemade baked goods, canned goods, and fall decorations.
For more information on this year’s Halloween Costume Contest and Carnival, call the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association at 662-841-6598 or visit the website TupeloMainStreet.com

TCT Haunted House

2009-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some Halloween Fun you should check out the TCT Haunted Theatre. This is the 4th year and they have some special surprises in store you don't want to miss. The Haunted Theatre is open on Thursday Oct 29th 7 - 10 pm, Friday Oct 30th and Saturday Oct 31st 7 - 11 pm. The cost is $10 each and they accept cash, local check or credit card(visa/mastercard).

Downtown Trick or Treat

2009-10-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Ghosts and witches and monsters too They're all invited - and so are you! Trick or Treat with the shops of Historic Downtown Tupelo Halloween brings out our best character! We joined together to create safe fun for the whole family. October 29, 2009 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Stop by these participating stores: Beauty Motif, Ladybug's, The Main ARTery, MLM, Monogram It!, Omi, Reed's, Swirlz, & The Main Attraction.

Cellular South Networking at Noon

2009-10-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Cellular South Networking at Noon today showcased Dr. Dan Jones, Chancellor for The University of Mississippi. He spoke to a crowd of business leaders and Ole Miss Alumni about the importance of higher education and health care in the state of Mississippi.

10th Annual Chili Fest a Huge Success

2009-10-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

The 10th Annual Chili Fest on Friday October 16th was a huge success. Co-Chairs Shipman Sloan and Paul Mize did an outstanding job. A record number of teams and attendees for Chili Fest this year. Attendees received a bowl of Chili provided by Jim Beane, a drink, the opportunity to sample Chili by the teams and hear some great live music with their ticket.

The 2009 winners are:

America's Most Wanted Chili - "Make Ya Wanna Slap Your Mama Good!" - 1st Place

Ikon Swashbucklin Scallywags - "Better Luck Next Year" - 2nd Place; Sauciest Get Up! - Best Costumes; and 2009 AT&T Big Pepper Award
Mitchell Distributing - "Crowd Favorite" - By Vote of Attendees

Community Bank - "Serve It Up Right" - Best Presentation

Up In Smoke - "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" - Most Original Recipe

Renasant Renegades - "Mystifying Oomph" - Most Unique Taste

Shockleys - "Rowdiest Cooks!" - Best Team Spirit

The McCarty Co. - "Most 'Souped' Up Kitchen" - Most Creative Tent

The Spice is Right - "Supreme Scheme" - Most Original Theme

Photos Compliments of Sam Agnew

We hope to see you again next year. 2010 Chili Fest is tentatively set for Friday October 15th.

Get Downtown for Chips and Salsa

2009-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

On Thursday October 15th from 5 - 7 pm The Downtown Merchants will be competing to see who has the best Salsa. Please join in the fun. To participate stop by the following merchants between 5 and 7, taste the salsa and then cast your vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced on Friday October 16th during Lunch at Chili Fest.

Participating Merchants:

Beauty Motif
Kirksey Brother's
Lady Bug's
Main Attraction
MLM
Omi
Reed's
Swirlz

Papa V's Receives “MOVING TUPELO FORWARD” Award

2009-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today Mayor Jack Reed, Jr. and Tupelo Development Services representatives presented John Robbins with the “Moving Tupelo Forward” award at 11 a.m. at the Papa V’s location on East Main Street.

Pictured Left to Right: Mayor Jack Reed Jr., Debbie Brangenberg, Ben Robbins, John Robbins, Fred Pitts, B.J. Teal, Markel Whittington, and Pat Faulkner.

10th Annual Chili Fest Promises to Please Appetites

2009-10-13T07:06:00.001-07:00

Attendants will vote for who’s who in Tupelo Chili.

Tupelo, Miss. – Forty themed teams will put on aprons and cook up their best chili recipes in attempt to win hearts and stomachs at the 10th Annual Chili Fest presented by AT&T on October 16.
The festival, held on Broadway Street, will offer a lunch of chili from Bar-B-Q by Jim and drinks for $5 from 11:00 to 1:30 and feature live music by John Milstead. Dinner will cost $10 and also include chili tastings for each team beginning at 5:00 pm. Rooster Blues will take the stage at 5:30 followed by Kent Burnside at 8:00.
Awards will be presented at 10:00 pm for the best chili voted on by both attendees and judges and creativity including best team spirit, costumes, and theme.
For more information on this year’s Chili Fest, call the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association at 662-841-6598 or visit the website TupeloMainStreet.com.

Presented by: AT&T

New Hotspot

2009-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Downtown Tupelo has something new to brag about! The Main ARTery is a hub for artists and enthusiasts to come together.

Patrons can enjoy and bring home the work of Ginny Foxworth pottery, Katherine Corbett Speck, Brent Farrar, Brian Taylor, Kit Stafford, William Heard, Brent Martin, Mark Shelton, Ben and John Scott, Terri Leigh Clayton, Aaron McElfish and Hal Boehner.

Local artists can rent space and sell their work. Mediums from photography, to paintings and drawings, to pottery and more are all welcome.

The Main ARTery also has classrooms that will offer after school art lessons with Sarah Lambert on Tuesdays 4-5:15 for $65 a month. Thursdays from 11-1 adults can get art pointers from Charlie Buckley. Charlie will also hold intermediate art lessons for children 4-5:30. Both Thursday lessons will be $75 a month including material.

The classroom can also be rented out for paint parties. Make your reservation for an adults only party or for bridal showers, mom's night out or just a fun night with friends. For $25 a person all paint and supplies will be provided, just bring your own food and drink. It's also a great place for kid's birthday parties.

Got questions call phone number is 269-2035. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm or by reservation for parties and events.

Down on Main Street

2009-08-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 20
5:30-10:30
Free Concert in Fairpark

The Benders and Blue Mountain

Egg Bowl trophy will be on display!!! So support your Mississippi team by wearing your colors!!

Get Downtown 1st

2009-07-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sign up now for "Get Downtown 1st" our new downtown restaurant and retail E-Guide. Email subscribe@tupelomainstreet.com for the latest trends, unique gift ideas and dinner specials. Get Downtown Tupelo!

2009-07-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

We're a bit excited for Down on Main. Hope you are too. Free music just might be a good excuse for a trip down town... It is for us. It's this thurday. For details, check out our website and http://www.tupelomainstreet.com/

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.

Oh and we're also pretty excited to share this news:

This past week at the Annual MS AIA conference, the Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast was awarded the Sambo Mockbee Membership Award for Design Excellence. This award is very special since it is voted on by the AIA membership at the conference.

Way to go JBHM!

Down on Main Street

2009-06-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association announced Down on Main Street, a new free music event in Fairpark. Down on Main Street will be held Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 pm.
The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association’s promotions committee and Quality of Life each began working on a free event in Fairpark. The groups merged in April to form a new committee with the goal to enhance the quality of life in Tupelo and bring more visitors to the downtown area.
“We are constantly looking for great, new ideas to help make downtown and Tupelo a great place to be,” said Debbie Brangenberg, director the Main Street program. “This committee is very passionate about this event and has worked very hard to make this possible for our community.”
Down on Main Street has received $15,000 from the Quality of Life committee for the July event. The Quality of Life is a subcommittee of the Planning Department. They receive funding through Tupelo Water and Light’s round-up program, Tupelo residents can choose to have their utility bill rounded up to the nearest dollar to support the committee. The $15,000 was approved by the committee for Down on Main Street at their June meeting.
“We appreciate the committee’s faith in our event and look forward to working with them on this project,” said Brangenberg.
The Down on Main Street committee plans to make this event a three part series with the next two concerts scheduled for August 20 and September 17. These events are tentative and contingent upon funding. For more information on the event or how to donate, contact the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association at 841-6598.

Tupelo Challenge

2009-05-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of our wonderful local retail merchants Barbara Fleishhacker found the 3/50 project on the Southern Accents Miss Gracious Living's website. It tells us to think about our three favorite independently owned business and then think about how we would feel if they were gone. It challeges you to visit these stores and spend $50 in each store every month. If half of our city's population would spend $50 in their three favorite stores, we would generate $2,704,350.00 this month alone. Over the course of a year that would be $32,452,200.00.

Ok so how is that different than spending that money in national chain businesses or online? Sixty-eight percent of that revenue stays in Tupelo through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Only 48 percent stays in Tupelo when we spend it with other businesses. Think about it. So get downtown! Let us show you our businesses are up to the challenge.

For more information on the 3/50 project, contact us at 662-841-6598 or go to http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/2009/05/350-project.html.

Elvis on Broadway

2009-05-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

During the Tupelo Elvis Festival, the King will have a new place to dwell. The Lyric Theatre and Broadway Street in historic downtown Tupelo is being dubbed “All Elvis, All the Time.” With 24 Elvis tribute artists competing in the 2009 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Competition, fans can sit back and enjoy all the great eras of Elvis. Outside the Lyric tribute artists will meet and greet with fans in between the three rounds of competition. Music will fill the streets throughout the weekend on the free stage with some time for open mic. Other great activities during the weekend are the Elvis Parade, the Elvis-Look-A-Like Parade and the Ladybug's Children's Activities on North Spring Street where youth tribute artists Demi Downing and Nick Gutierrez will headline. Elvis merchandise will be available for purchase to help attendees commemorate the fun-filled weekend. Join us in celebrating Tupelo's favorite son!

2009 Tupelo Elvis Festival

2009-04-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Tupelo Elvis Festival will be held June 5-7 in Tupelo Mississippi. We are pleased to announce the following entertainers for this year's Fairpark line-up. Headliners are Lucero and Jason Michael Caroll.

Shagadoo, Jamie Davis & Soul Gravy, AllyeriA, Busted Screen Door, Spunk Monkees, The House Rockers, Antioch Road, Drew Chapman, John Milstead, Tatum Shappley, Kevin & Bethany Paige Band, and Steven Floyd and Shane Rowe!

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, a special Friday night concert with Travis Ledoyt, and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Finals featuring Victor Trevino, Shawn Klush and Donny Edwards will be held at the Lyric Theatre.

The Ladybug's Children's Activities will be held Saturday, June 6. Headliners are Demi Downing and Nick Gutierrez. Free and open to the public!

Tickets are on sale at http://www.tupeloelvisfestival.com/. We hope you can make it to the 11th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival!

Downtown Give-Away

2009-03-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here's what's going on in downtown Tupelo. Fifteen merchants and restaurant owners are working together to show their appreciation for their customers and to encourage others to try shopping and dining downtown. The Big Downtown Give Away will begin April 1 and end June 5. Each business is offering a prize worth $50 or more in value.

The participating businesses are: Beauty Motif, Boondocks, Bar-B-Que by Jim, Fairpark Grill, Hilton Garden Inn Great American Grill, Kirksey Brothers, Ladybug's, Main Attraction, MLM Clothiers, Monogram It!, Park Heights, Omi Boutique, Reeds Department Store, Sprint Print, Swirlz, Tupelo Hardware.

The 15 winners will be announced at the Fairpark stage during the Tupelo Elvis Festival Saturday, June 6.