G.G. Holmes was hired as Kosciusko Main Street Director with the understanding it was to be for 18 months on a part-time basis.
On December 20 she will retire from that part-time job which grew to four years of fulltime work.
She said her retirement from the post is bittersweet.
“I have been afforded the opportunity to work with the nicest people and meet many that I would not have had the opportunity had it not been for my job,” she said.
Maintaining the historic court square and making it attractive to visitors has been her main goal as she initially worked with the Kosciusko-Attala Development Corporation and later with the Kosciusko-Attala Partnership.
In keeping with her efforts “to show off” the square, she did that in a big way Thursday night with the Christmas tree lighting. A concert by Kosciusko High School Big Red Band followed the tree lighting and brought added visitors.
The tree lighting and the Monday night Christmas parade serve as examples of the time spent and plans made for carrying out the Main Street program.
Another holiday season attraction for the square is Merry Marketplace, a hospitality center for shoppers, staffed by volunteers.
“Local artisans and craftsmen are being spotlighted,” she said.
Banners on lamp posts and planters donated by Ivey Corp. add to the beauty of the historic square.
She said T-shirts sold in promotion of After Hours Shopping raised enough funds to buy Christmas gifts for children in four families.
In cooperation with the KAP, she is in charge of the Fall Festival and Easter Egg Hunt on the square in addition to the Christmas events.
The Mardi Gras parade in February has brought visitors and created interest for the community as well.
Holmes’ endeavors on behalf of the town have extended beyond the square. A Pop Up Flea market is held once each month in the parking lot across the street from the KAP office. A Step Back in Time presented by locals dressed in period costumes is held portraying leaders of the community and the events in which they were involved.
Giving evidence of the success of her efforts is noted by two awards presented to Kosciusko Main Street from the National Main Street Center and Mississippi Main Street.
A Step Back in Time captured the Creative New Event category and the Pop Up Flea Market won the Outstanding Economic Impact award.
In an effort to include activities for everyone, Holmes organized Touch-A-Truck, an event appealing to children of the community.
Holmes notes with pride Farm to Table, with which she said she is most pleased. “Farm to Table brings a diversity of people together and it helps our local farmers market. It is an event that appeals to most people,” said Holmes.
The Pop-up Flea Market and Pickin’ 35, a 50-55 mile long flea market along Highway 35, are credited to Holmes’ organizational skills.
Having been in the retail business with her former ownership and operation of Flowers Etc. and Josephine’s, Holmes said she relates to the concerns of merchants and has enjoyed her relationship with them. Her concerns are not only for those on the square. “I try to include those businesses on Highway 12 and Highway 35 in promotions,” said Holmes.
In leaving Main Street, Holmes said she appreciates all help she has received from the community in her efforts for Kosciusko during the past four years. “I will support whoever takes over and my hope is that the community will continue its support in what I have tried to do. I hope to give back to the community,” said Holmes.
