I've lived in some of America's largest cities (Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Atlanta) and now my family lives in a small town outside Atlanta called Newnan, GA. For years, Newnan was often-recognized as the hometown of country music superstar Alan Jackson (his momma lives near us), and deceased humorist Lewis Grizzard was from nearby Moreland, Georgia. Many of our friends were shocked that we CHOSE to move to a 40-acre farm from bustling Pasadena, California and leave our 1908 Craftsman Bungalow. But we did and we have never looked back.
To me, small towns offer the opportunity to really get to know your neighbor. When you go to the grocery, it may take you twice as long because you have to stop and chat with friends in every other isle. But even little ole Newnan has not been immune to the influences of the outside world. Alan Jackson's song "Little Man" was written about his sadness over the changes taking place in our downtown retail area, where local businesses surround a lovely square with a stately 100-plus year old Courthouse standing sentry in the middle. Independent businesses and restaurants have been struggling against the influx by box stores and chain operators. We still have many independent businesses but like everywhere, it is tough to make it.
Newnan's Courthouse is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation including new copper roof
Small towns still remain some of the most fun places to find entertainment. Whether going to the town honky tonk to listen to locals jam, independent coffee houses for poetry slams and concerts or community art associations festivals and shows, small town life is rich with talent.
This past weekend, we attended a local concert called "Inspiration in the Park" sponsored by
Newnan Presbyterian Church. It is hard to believe so much talent is running around loose on the street.
The "Men of Cornerstone" quartet sang inspired old-timey Gospel songs that stirred the soul and had the crowd clapping along. They started their set with an acapella version of the National Anthem and had a lot of fun on stage.
Newnan's beautiful Greenville Street Park and Ampitheater was the perfect venue. The day threatened rain but it never materialized.
Newnan Utilities gave water to the crowd and old-fashioned church fans and a wind provided by the Lord kept it cool.
The singers from "The Greater Jehovah Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir" had people in awe of their vocal power. They were something to hear and I hope to have the opportunity to hear them give the glory again.
People of all ages enjoyed their outing in the Park!
For the first time, a hispanic group performed at the concert series and the "St. George Catholic Church Hispanic Chorus" had a large and enthusistic following. The crowd welcomed them warmly, and if they didn't understand all of their songs, they did reconize their final number "Cielito Lindo". (Ay, Yay, Yay, Yay...)
One of the crowd favorities is "The Newnan Chapel Male Chorus". Under the leadership of the twin Hussie brothers, this incredible group of men introduced an additional young male lead singer that had the crowd on their feet. They played a couple of old favorites and a medley of new and standard classics. These guys are a party in and of themselves.
The talent was rounded out by the incredible "Georgia-Indiana Mountain Gospel Quartet". This quartet, comprised by husband and wife Dave and Debbie Webster and husband and wife John and Lalla McGhee, sang their plaintive traditional mountain gospel tunes with an authority and professionalism that left the crowd wanting more.
Happiness is a dip in the local fountain!
I encourage you to go sightseeing in your hometown too. Naturally there is lots to see in the great big world and that is my passion. But when you are home, take advantage of the jewels offered around you. See what you have through the eyes of others and visit your town as if you are an outsider and you are likely to wish you could move there all over again!
