By Kristi Fitzgerald
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
“This is a growth year,” Elisha Holt, event coordinator for the Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival, told the crowd at the annual Midway Renaissance meeting in the fellowship hall of Midway Christian Church.
Holt said artists from all over the country have applied to be part of the festival, May 18-19 at Midway University. In the university amphitheater, a new “Flavors of Francisco” offering will feature plenty of “Kentucky Proud” products, food trucks, and local wine. “A lot of sponsors are jumping on board,” Holt added.
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
Holt said artists from all over the country have applied to be part of the festival, May 18-19 at Midway University. In the university amphitheater, a new “Flavors of Francisco” offering will feature plenty of “Kentucky Proud” products, food trucks, and local wine. “A lot of sponsors are jumping on board,” Holt added.
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| Renaissance President Debra Shockley explained the group's mission with a quote from Paul Patton, governor in 1995-2003. |
Renaissance's annual meeting takes place after the chili cook-off at the Christian Church to take advantage of the large crowd. Some at the cook-off were unaware of the purpose of Midway Renaissance, but President Debra Shockley offered background and past projects in hopes of encouraging the public to be excited about what is to come.
Shockley said this quote from then-Gov. Paul Patton, during his 1995-2003 term, sums up the goal of Renaissance: “All Kentucky communities should have downtown centers thriving with activity to pass on local traditions and treasures to future generations.”
Shockley mentioned projects completed by Renaissance since its founding in 2001, including a $2 million streetscape project that redid storm sewers, sidewalks, streets and utilities, and financed purchase of the building that is now City Hall. She said Renaissance is a non-profit and volunteer-only organization that has channeled $2.4 million through the City of Midway.
Shockley said Renaissance board members are developing a historical walking tour. The group has a Living History Committee that makes displays and presentations.
Aside from the arts festival, Renaissance’s main events are Midsummer Nights in Midway, on Friday nights in June, July and August. “There is lots of dancing in the street” at the events, Renaissance Secretary Peter Fisher said.
Renaissance members staff City Hall during weekend events to provide a restroom for the public because the city has no other public restrooms. They will be at City Hall handing out chocolate, hot chocolate, and coffee during the Midway Chocolate Stroll, a Midway Business Association event, Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shockley said the Renaissance board has room for five additional members. Each member serves a three-year term. The boatrd will hold elections at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in the community room of the Midway library. The public is invited, and potential new members should attend or email Shockley at dshockley@RossTarrant.com.
On Thursday, March 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, the board will hold a strategic planning session, moderated by Bud Ratliff of The Solarity Group. "We will be discussing Midway Renaissance as it currently exists and what the future holds," Shockley said in an email.
Shockley said this quote from then-Gov. Paul Patton, during his 1995-2003 term, sums up the goal of Renaissance: “All Kentucky communities should have downtown centers thriving with activity to pass on local traditions and treasures to future generations.”
Shockley mentioned projects completed by Renaissance since its founding in 2001, including a $2 million streetscape project that redid storm sewers, sidewalks, streets and utilities, and financed purchase of the building that is now City Hall. She said Renaissance is a non-profit and volunteer-only organization that has channeled $2.4 million through the City of Midway.
Shockley said Renaissance board members are developing a historical walking tour. The group has a Living History Committee that makes displays and presentations.
Aside from the arts festival, Renaissance’s main events are Midsummer Nights in Midway, on Friday nights in June, July and August. “There is lots of dancing in the street” at the events, Renaissance Secretary Peter Fisher said.
Renaissance members staff City Hall during weekend events to provide a restroom for the public because the city has no other public restrooms. They will be at City Hall handing out chocolate, hot chocolate, and coffee during the Midway Chocolate Stroll, a Midway Business Association event, Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shockley said the Renaissance board has room for five additional members. Each member serves a three-year term. The boatrd will hold elections at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in the community room of the Midway library. The public is invited, and potential new members should attend or email Shockley at dshockley@RossTarrant.com.
On Thursday, March 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, the board will hold a strategic planning session, moderated by Bud Ratliff of The Solarity Group. "We will be discussing Midway Renaissance as it currently exists and what the future holds," Shockley said in an email.
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