Brownsville's Big Tourist Attraction?

It seems to be a reoccurring theme among visitors to our community. Everyone loves the "Mindfield." The 75-foot (and growing) sculpture seems to draw rave review from everyone but local folks. It's been a subject of controversy since it began in 1989.

Is it art? Depends on who you ask. Dictionary.com defines art as “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” Even if you don’t think it’s beautiful or appealing, you can’t deny that it is “of more than ordinary significance.”

There are many elements in the Mindfield that are whimsical and fun and do bring back memories of the past. Did you know that some of the steel in the sculpture was salvaged from the old Ritz Theater? And we all know the fire tower came from the wildlife reserve. I climbed it once - back in the early 90s, while it was still at its location on Marvin Chapel Road. I can’t remember who our groups escort was, but I do remember it being a long and tiring climb to the top and the view was spectacular. I like being reminded of that day when I see that old tower sitting down on Main Street. Another part of Haywood County history preserved.

Billy says the work in progress represents events in his life. David Lubin, who visited Brownsville this weekend for the first time since 1962, compared it to the Watts Tower in Los Angeles and went as far as to say that he believed it to be a more substantial piece of artwork. This observation comes from a man who spent his career as an art director for the film industry.

Regardless, the fact remains that visitors (read: tourist) love the Mindfield.

Do we spend so much time with this “artwork” each day that we have missed the possibilities it offers our community?

How much do you really know about "The Mindfield?" Learn more at http://billytripp.googlepages.com/.

Plans for Downtown Renovations

Mayor Webb Banks presented the plans for the court square renovations at the Brownsville Business Association Tuesday night, February 17, 2009. I had heard a lot about these plans and was anxious to see them. A few years ago there was talk of removing the fountain on the courthouse lawn. I threaten a sit-in and chaining myself to the fountain. Not that that would have done any good, but fortunately it did not come to that. While I have some mixed feelings about the choice of lighting style and the parking situation at the back of the courthouse, for now, my fountain is safe.

My biggest concern though is the projected date for beginning this project - August. Predictions are that it will take 3 months to complete. This time line puts construction happening during the Hatchie Fall Fest (October 17). So what happens with the festival? Will it have to be moved? Where?

Here's a larger picture of the plans and more details ....

Let's Corral Child Abuse

Yep, you guessed it. The theme of this year's Exchange Club Carl Perkins Dinner and Auction is "Let's Corral Child Abuse." So get your western duds out and saddle up the horses. It's time to ride to the rescue.

Or at least to the National Guard Armory Saturday, March 14, for some great food (did someone say prime rib) and good music. There's a silent auction before dinner and a live one afterwards. There is always some interesting items to bid on.

Tickets are available now. Call the Carl Perkins Center at 731-772-8378. Here's more info.

A Lack of Diversity in All About Brownsville

“A lack of diversity in All About Brownsville.” A recent comment from a faithful reader. One I agree with 100 percent!! You may have at one time or another thought the same.

More variety does need to be shown and shared in AAB. To say that Brownsville and Haywood County is diverse somehow seems like a gross understatement. I wouldn’t even know where to begin to explain or even describe the different cultural elements of our community. The reader seems to think that AAB’s content is solely directed at a “very small percentage of people...”

If this is true, it is not intentional. I would hope that everyone, regardless, would be interested in what’s happening in our community. But I am especially grateful to the reader for bringing up the subject.

Okay, so there is no doubt that more variety should be shown in the content of the newsletter. I asked the reader for suggestions and now I’m asking you.

What can I do, or any of us do, to learn more about the (different) things happening in our community? Our whole community?

Hatchie Fall Fest - New Home on the Web

Last night was the second meeting of the Hatchie Fall Fest this year. I am excited about all the volunteers who are donating their time and energies to take our festival to the next level. It's a very energetic group with some really great ideas.

The first exciting news this year is that the Hatchie Fall Fest has a new home on the web - www.hatchiefallfest.com. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Vendor applications are also beginning to come in. Keep an eye on the website for all the exciting things that will be happening at the 6th Annual Hatchie Fall Fest on October 17.