2003 Year in Review

Paint the Town Successful

Jodi Vandermyde painting dolphins on a Main Street Window.

Morrison celebrated a very successful Paint the Town this year. Their tenth anniversary celebration was the best yet. More squares painted, more entertainment,more people, and more artists added up to more fun. Almost 1000 squares were painted in the five-block Main Street area.

From the Quad Cities to Chicago, painters came from all over to share the squares. Young and old, talented and not so talented, everyone enjoys painting the street. Some young artists seem to enjoy painting themselves as much as the street.

With two stages, one on Genesee and the other at Madison, and roving entertainment everyone was entertained throughout the day. Backwater Bayou Band at the Madison Street stage was a big hit with painters in the area. Shenanigan’s Swing Band was the evening entertainment on the Genesee Street stage. The band, dressed in tuxedos, looked out of place on the informal day but the music was very enjoyable.

Street entertainers, Jason Hamilton and Jeremy Hawk, were a hit with those that stopped to watch. The kids loved the balloons made by Jeremy Hawk. One young lady exclaimed, "and it's free". All ages were amazed by Jason Hamilton's street magic.

Event Chairperson, Barb Bees, said "When I had a few minutes to look out through the crowd at all the people and the positive energy this event sends out, it's all worth it. All the meetings, time, and details are worth the laughter and smiles."

TheCity1.com covered the event by taking photos of the squares, the people, the windows, and the entertainment. To view the photo albums go to the Special Events Page.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
September 23, 2003