By Staff
Aug. 4, 2002
Regardless of who won the title of 2003 Mississippi Junior Miss in last night's final round of competition, we hope organizers are happy with the reception the program received in Meridian. This annual event represents good public relations for the city and brings in visitors who get to spend a little time and money around these parts.
We do know from talking with some of the Junior Miss families that the 37 carousel horses in the Around Town Carousels Abound public arts project were quite an attraction. As the last horse in the series has now been placed, we also take a moment to congratulate the primary brains behind the carousel horses project Jamie Cater and Debbie Martin. Their advocacy and vision has produced another defining characteristic for our city as a center for arts and entertainment.
Not to mention substantial funds for Hope Village for Children. After all, Around Town Carousels Abound started as a fund-raiser for actress Sela Ward's home for abused and neglected children.
All in all, with the projects planned, under way or completed, Meridian is well positioned as Mississippi's center for arts and entertainment. We'd like to see more promotion of that identity, building toward construction of a center for arts and entertainment at Bonita Lakes and renovation of the Grand Opera House.