Thursday, April 22, 2010
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Subscriptions | Photo Gallery
|
|
||
|
Thursday, April 22, 2010 |
||
|
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Subscriptions | Photo Gallery |
 |
Fielder’s Choice City’s charm at its best Holly Springs’ beauty and Southern hospitality shined this past weekend. Yards were mowed and well groomed, colorful flowers were blooming, the sun was shining with terrific temperatures, and the home folks were all smiles and welcoming out-of-town guests. Our city’s charm was at its best. I talked to several visitors on Friday. All were very complimentary of the Pilgrimage activities and the kindnesses of our people. A couple of kind ladies, one from neighboring Tennessee and the other, I believe, from Minnesota really caught my attention. I picked up my 8-year-old daughter Erin, who had been assisting as a hostess at Athenia and Montrose, when one of them asked, “Is that your daughter?” “Yes, ma’am,” I replied. She then told me how Erin was most helpful, sweet and receptive when taking their tickets. They could not have made a daddy prouder. Erin loved every minute of her part in the Pilgrimage. Wife Pam and I later visited the arts and crafts booths on the courtsquare – with Erin and our puppy Josie. We bought an Alabama Crimson Tide broom and then Pam went back the next day and bought a University of Southern Mississippi Eagle painted on a sign with – “The Burlesons” – for our front yard. Our daughter Emma is finishing up her freshman year at USM. It seemed the craftspeople were pleased with the attendance. I know the brooms were selling as fast as they could make them. The couple was from Colbert County, Ala. I enjoyed talking with them briefly about my alma mater, the University of North Alabama, which is in Florence near Colbert County. The lady painting the yard signs was from Houston (Mississippi). All were impressed with Holly Springs and the way our town had rolled out the welcome mat. I photographed the Pilgrimage 5K early Friday morning. It was loads of fun. There were out-of-town runners and plenty of locals, too. I may have to run in the next race myself – after seeing the likes of good friend Jamie Rappa, state representative Kelvin Buck and alderman Calvin James. But after thinking about it some more, they’re all in lots better shape than yours truly. Then it was off to Clarksdale for an all-day track meet in which my son Andy was participating. I’ve said this before and I’ll likely say it again on down the road – we often take the assets of our own city and county for granted. We complain and then complain some more, when outsiders visiting consistently dish out praises. We have new people moving in. Pam and I met a couple Saturday coming from Gulfport. I’ve heard of others who will soon join our community. The Gulfport couple, with a daughter Erin’s age, wanted to know more about Holly Springs and Marshall County. As almost nine-year residents ourselves, we gave them our version which is always focused on positives. I’ve lived in six different cities. None are perfect. I still get newspapers from most of those communities, too, and trust me, they have their share of problems. Holly Springs and Marshall County have a lot to be proud of – none more important than our hospitality. |
     
|
Report
News: (662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Questions, comments, corrections: south@dixie-net.com
©2004,
The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.
Web
Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter