Small Town Main Street continues planning events

By: Sandy Zimmerman / Guest writer

  • •Curt Wheeler Mike Plummer, owner of Nocturnal, gave Sherry Adams, of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, a tour of his building which was renovated with help from the Solutions Fund available through North Carolina Small Town Main Street.
    •Curt Wheeler Mike Plummer, owner of Nocturnal, gave Sherry Adams, of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, a tour of his building which was renovated with help from the Solutions Fund available through North Carolina Small Town Main Street.

    It was quiet around the Hayesville square on Friday, July 3 to start the holiday weekend but Nocturnal Brewing, Angelo's, and Black Dog Tavern were open for inside dining or take out. 

    Sherry Adams of the North Carolina Department of Commerce was staying in the area with family but took time to visit downtown for updates from Historic Hayesville Inc. and the challenges associated with COVID-19 restrictions. As the original coordinator working with the Hayesville Small Town Main Street program, she was pleased to know the six Historic Hayesville Inc. Board of Directors and Mayor Harry Baughn reinstated in-person monthly meetings with social distancing at Hayesville Town Hall beginning in May to continue work plans with good statistics from the past fiscal year.

    The Tuesday, June 30 STMS/HHI board meeting agenda included a good discussion for the annual report to North Carrolina Main Street along with grant possibilities for next year, review of projects including the Old Town Hall restoration, HHI By-Laws and budget revisions. After careful consideration, the board voted to cancel 2020 Steins & Wine Around the Square due to uncertainties with the rise in COVID-19 cases. Plans continue for the event to continue next year.

    Good reports were provided for ongoing barn quilts production, HHI Centennial Exhibit improvements and plans to continue support for local businesses with the Shop Small Shop Local promotion in November. 

    Fundraisers for this year are limited for all groups but HHI volunteers hope to secure a location soon for the annual Trash to Treasure event. Retail shop guidelines from the current North Carolina phase will be used for compliance by volunteers and those who make donations or shop during the sale. Gently used items including furniture, kitchenware, linens and other household extras except electronics or clothes are being accepted and held in storage with plans for the sale to begin as soon as possible. Call (828) 361-7058 or (828) 371-1265 to clear out items to make space for spending summer at home. HHI is the 501c3 nonprofit organization of STMS and donations to any project may be tax deductible. Visit: ww