Downtown- doin' it right!

Today was Fourth Friday in Fayetteville, NC. Too bad it’s not February to have Fourth Friday in Fayetteville forgoing a freeze and fixing fondue at Frank’s Fountain and Fosfate facility (ignore spelling) Downtown was running as wild as my tongue with that twister. Artists, musicians, neighbors, and shoppers from all over came to enjoy live music on the streets, good eats in the bakery and the enregy of a lively downtown. Our show happened to be in the historic Methodist church of those city blocks which gave the people one more delightful option for their evening. The gym ended up like a can of sradines as folks crowded in to see the kids. They must have heard the drums on the streets below.

I want to make a tribute to downtowns tonight. Several communities I’ve visited or lived in for the last five years have put in tremendous effort to revitalize their historic downtowns. They sponsor first or fourth Fridays (the alliteration theme is popular) open coffee shops and art galleries where people can meet to chat about the important things in life, and refurbish the old and forgotten to be a new places of possibility whether they become apartment buildings, new restaurants, or unique clothing and retail stores. These services are all vital to the well-being and culture of a city.

I believe over the last couple decades the suburbs have taken us out of these hubs by inviting us to use their quick conviences in a strip mall or miniplex. Now I can’t be a hypocrit and say I haven’t spent my fair share of time and money in such places. I will say, though, that the richness, character, and opportunities of a downtown seems proportional to the well-being of the city and its people, and a place where I want to spend my time.

Downtowns remind me of kitchens. It’s where everything happens- the food, the conversation, the planning, and the relating. Action is in the center and everyone wants to be a part of it. If a downtown can provide that through the help of locals taking an interest and making it their own, business, relationships, and hope will grow. Kitchens aren’t exempt of their own burnt toast or disfunctional appliances, but those can be dealt with, fixed, and made new with just a little effort. A downtown can also transform its grungy buildings into something more inviting. It can connect with the transcient and homeless (who really aren’t homeless- they live Downtown.) by providing services to get them on their feet and find opportunities beyond the street. It can change attitudes about stereotypical groups by bringing them together that feels natural and welcoming through diverse food, entertainment, and art.

So thanks, Fayetteville, on this fourth Friday for reminding me of the great potential that lies at the center of a city and bringing life and energy to the scene. Fun is what you take with you; Fayettevillites brought it all right to the kitchen.