Downtown Blues Night series begins with small crowd

It is summertime in Holly Springs. A time when music fills the air of the downtown square and people enjoy food truck cuisine, huddle in groups to chat, sit in pairs, and take community to heart. The cool breezes made for a comfortable evening Thursday night.

The Blues Night got a late start this year and kicked off with not much fanfare, not quite ready for primetime players. But the season has just begun.

Davis Coen, from Oxford, played ‘contemporary country blues’ with his guitar and harmonica for two hours to a crowd of just over 50 people. His daughter Lilli enjoyed the music along with others.

Coen is not only a blues musician but you may find some of his writings in the Oxford Magazine and The Panolian in Batesville. Jerry Weldon, editor of The Panolian, and his wife Tammy also attended.

“It was a great mix of adults and children,” said Main Street Chamber director Christy Owens, who helped organize the first Thursday night blues fest.

She expects bigger crowds as the word gets out post COVID that Holly Springs is ready to play again.

“It’s never too late to have a good time,” said Owens whose family and out of town company were among the small gathering.

Here are some of the comments from festie goers:

• “The weather is perfect.” —Jamie Bacon, from Holly Springs.

• “Love it.” —Robin and Jon Rasmussen from Mt. Pleasant.

• “We come every year.” — Stephanie Shipp and mom Vernia Shipp.

• “Enjoying the evening,” — Mildred LeSure, Holly Springs.

Regulars with the Saturday morning farmer’s market, sponsored by the Main Street Chamber, volunteered to support the festival Thursday night. They had home grown preserved vegetables as well as tomatoes, onions and other veggies. One farmer had free roaming chicken eggs and fresh cut flowers.

And there was good food and beverages that included walking tacos, lemonade shakeys, and snow cones.

Children flocked around Holly Springs Police Officer Ian Moss who munched on a sno cone. One day these kids may be the next generation of law officers in Holly Springs.

Other out-of-towners included Ripley, Macie and Brennan Mason and Cadence Mize from Booneville.