Downtown Marshall NCThe Creative Life on the River

Downtown Marshall was a haven for Mermaids, Pirates and Sea Creatures on Friday!!  Mayor Lawrence Ponder and musician Steve Davidowski led the Mermaid Parade thru a wedding rehearsal dinner and all thru downtown.  Prizes were given to the best adult and best child mermaid costumes, as well as best pirate and sea creatures (no sailors participated…..).

Additionally, we had 2 environmental statements:  one for the BP oil crisis and the other was for the big floating mass of plastic in the ocean (I hear it’s bigger than the state of Texas……why is this not making the news in a big way?!?!?!?).

The weather had threatened to turn nasty, but fortunately held off.  The concert started with a sound check of Mustang Sally blaring from the courthouse steps and then at about 9pm Michael Cody and the Original Sugar Daddy Band started up and rocked until about 11:30.  Michael played several of his own songs, much to the delight of those who have been fans of his since his early rockin’ days in Madison County with the White Water Band. 

July 9th will be the next French Broad Friday event with the theme of Bike-A-Licious.  Pistol Creek and the Catch of the Day is lined up for a return to Marshall (they were here last year for Bike-A-licious).  Hope to have another great crowd in downtown Marshall!

Plans are all in place for the 3rd annual “Mermaids in Marshall” French Broad Friday event.  Festivities begin on the Island at 6:30 with face painting, games, pictures and getting in the Mermaid mood with reggae music.  Lots of folks have been talking about costumes being made over the last week or two…..maybe they want to win the costume contest???

 The Mermaid, Pirates and Sailors Parade will start at 7:30 with a run thru the auditorium of Marshall High Studios, then we’ll head over the bridge to the “mainland” making a left at the courthouse, down to Lapland Bookshop & Arts, and then head down to Good Stuff where we’ll have the costume contest (around 8pm).  Beads and bubbles will be provided to parade participants (while supplies last) to wear, throw and blow…..so there isn’t any confusion, participants wear the beads, throw the beads and blow the bubbles….

Be sure to stop by the soft opening of “Flow” from 5 to 9pm.  Located in the former Firewalker Gallery space featuring local ceramics, body scents – lotions and potions, clothing, textiles and jewelry.

Suzanna Biro and Mary Maupin of Hill Street Studios will be open from 5 to 9pm….stop on by and see their fabulous work.  The studios are located on the second floor of the building that is on the corner of Hill and Main Streets (enter the back door at the rear of the building)

 Zuma Coffee is having a gallery opening from 6pm to 7:30pm for Seeing Through the Eyes of a Hummingbird by photographer and Madison County resident Connie Toops.

The Depot: Traditional country, bluegrass, & mountain music, dancing, a cakewalk, and more starting at 7pm.

 Penland Department Store, one of the town icons, will stay open until 9pm.  Stop in and pick up something while you’re in town!!

 Bacchus Bistro will have a special menu for Friday evening featuring Local Trout,  Wild Sockeye Salmon and BBQ Pork.  Serving from 5 until 10pm.

Check out the new and used books and regional art in a storybook setting on the French Broad River at Lapland Bookshop & Arts.  Store will stay open until 8pm.

In addition to now serving food at Good Stuff (kitchen will be open until 10pm), they’re running a “Mermaids in Marshall” $2.50 special for SweetWater 420 Beer.  Also, Peace Jones from Asheville will begin playing immediately following the costume contest.

Carriage Rides will be available (weather permitting) from Worley’s Farrier & Carriage Service starting at 6pm and going until 9.  There isn’t a fee for the ride, but tips are very welcome!!

 And the headliner for the evening, Michael Cody with Special Guests, the Sugar Daddy Band.  Starting at 9pm in a NEW VENUE!  We’ve moved the band to play on the courthouse porch instead of the SECU parking lot, taking advantage of the courthouse lawn.  Bring your lawn chairs, but also plan to be up dancing!

JOIN US for the 3rd annual “Mermaids in Marshall” French Broad Friday event on Friday, June 11th.  Many downtown businesses will be open late and will feature Mermaid-themed specials.  Games & reggae music on the Island starting at 6:30 with the traditional “Mermaid Parade” starting at 7:30 (pirates and sailors are welcome, too!).  Best costumes and best float awards at 8pm at Good Stuff.  Stick around to hear the great music from Michael Cody with special guests, the Sugar Daddy Band in the parking lot of SECU at 9pm for a FREE CONCERT (if you’re from here, you might remember Michael Cody who used to play a lot of music in the area in the late 70s and early 80s).  649.3444 for more information.

And on this first French Broad Friday event of 2010, we’re introducing “Flow”, located in the space formerly occupied by Firewalker Gallery (14 South Main Street).  Flow offers handmade adornment for the body and home.  The Soft Opening Reception features art, craft and wearables by local artists and refreshments.  Open 5:00pm to 9:00pm Friday June 11th.

Here is a video (thanks to Tony Torn and YouTube) from last year’s event!