9-22-10 —   There have been a lot of changes in the downtown area and local leaders feel like it is time to celebrate the "new look." With that  in mind, planning continues for a Downtown Celebration set for  Saturday, October 2 in the square area.

    "We are celebrating the streetscaping project, the renovation of the old Wayne Theater by Monticello Banking Company and the remodeling of  the courthouse," noted Monticello Mayor Kenneth Catron, as he talked  

about the celebration.

    The event is sponsored by the City of Monticello, the Wayne County Fiscal Court and Monticello Banking Company. It will begin at 4 p.m.  and offer a variety of patriotic and gospel music, featuring all  local entertainers.

    The event kicks off with the Bell Tones. After that the schedule includes performances by Tyler and Tiara Duncan, Jarrod Duncan, Sage Knoll, Derek Gregory,  and Jason Catron. The Master of Ceremonies  

will be Calvin Kennett.

    Besides the entertainment, there will be food available in the square area. Catron noted that the Soda Shoppe will open just for this event and will have ice cream and soft drinks available. The City Pool Hall will be open during the celebration and Jonathan Ramsey will set up his barbecue booth in the downtown area.

    There will be balloons for the kids and Catron noted that Leroy Dawes will be there with his horse-drawn carriage to provide rides  for those who are interested.

    In case of rain, the celebration will move inside to the Wayne Theater.

    There will be benches set up to provide some seating for the event, but Catron noted that local residents can bring their own chair, get  comfortable, and enjoy the entertainment.

    "We just ask that everybody come out and have a great time," he said.