By ELIZABETH SINCLAIR
DeFuniak Springs, Fla.– A “Downtown Art Night” was approved by the DeFuniak Springs City Council at its May 23 meeting. The Council allowed for Baldwin Avenue to be closed to traffic between 6th Street and 8th Street on Friday, June 24, from 5 – 9 p.m. Jon Kinsey brought the request to the council describing the event as ” an evening of art, music, shopping, food and fun.” The Walton County Art League, the DeFuniak Springs Art Co-Op and the Art Nook are on board. Kinsey said their shared vision is to invite artists and artisans to exhibit on the north side of Baldwin with food and produce vendors on the south side. Musicians would join the artists. Parking would be available on the side streets. Kinsey’s request stated “The goal and desired outcome of ‘Downtown Art Night’ is to create energy and unity among businesses persons to invest in our beautiful,historic downtown and our historic city.”
The Council also agreed to contribute $500 of city funds toward a full-page ad in “I-10 Beyond the Exits,” a booklet featuring businesses and cities off the I-10 corridor between Milton and Marianna. Angela Hathaway, representing the publication, said 60,000 booklets are printed up and distributed in rest stops, hotels and rack centers. DeFuniak Springs special events will be featured on its page. The printings are bi-annual and advertising costs $1,500 a printing. The city’s special events committee will pay the remainder of the fee. Motion by Councilman Ron Kelley was passed 4-1 with Councilman Kermit Wright opposed.
Monda Duncan, chair of the special events committee, reported that 150 people attended its May 13 movie night at the amphitheater. The next one is scheduled for June 10.
In Interim City Manager Tilman Mears’ time on the agenda, he offered a FYI for future considerations on the Council’s approving closure of Baldwin Avenue for parades and activities during regular downtown business hours and moving them to Circle Drive so as to not interfere with businesses. It was noted that “Downtown Art Night” is an after-hours event.