Local Matters




 

 

I am still floating on air from the Merry on Main event held in downtown Pleasanton last weekend. I literally smiled so much for so long that my jaw ached. Pleasanton Express photographer, Joe David Cordova and I hit the ground at 5 p.m. on Friday and, except for a quick night’s sleep, did not stop until after 11 p.m. on Saturday taking photos and having fun.

Our first Merry on Main committee meeting started in late August. What a joy to work with such a collaborative and fun group. The Merry on Main event was hosted by the City of Pleasanton and organized by the Merry on Main committee which met weekly and included the Chamber of Commerce, the Pleasanton Express, Plestex, CeCe’s, Nest Feathers, The Woman’s Club of Pleasanton, Threads and KSAQ.

My husband, Noel, came in from Austin to work the event with me. He is, by nature, a fun-loving extrovert who adores festivals. His opinion of this event meant a lot to me for many reasons. Primarily, I wanted him to see that not only is my time well spent here working with this magnificent team of newspaper professionals, but that this community I grew up in is special. Mission accomplished with the magic of Merry on Main. He was impressed at every turn and had a wonderful experience meeting so many fun and friendly folks.

I want to especially thank the City of Pleasanton for its support of this event; Greg Leach for believing that we could pull off this happening in less than six months; Jessica Tom for making sure that meetings happened, momentum kept rolling and tasks were taken care of; Cindy Mumm of the Chamber of Commerce for riding herd on the parade and signing up vendors until the last minute; Larry Mross of Nest Feathers for his logistical acumen and for his kind and steadfast presence; Terri Cuevas from Threads for volunteering so much time for so many Merry on Main happenings; Shawnene Heather of Safer Path for always providing great ideas, a wonderful spirit, and organization; and Jacob Henson of Plestex for the free showing of Home Alone and for helping with CeCe’s to sponsor the spectacular fireworks. Thank you, too, to the former Downtown Merchants Association who started Merry on Main paving the way for a future filled for years with an event I hope to see grow from Downtown Pleasanton to the River Park.

Special thanks to all the entertainment especially the Most Wanted Band, Ms. Tera’s Tap N Toes, and Texas Dance Culture Ballet Folkloric. Thank you to all the parade participants who lit the hearts of the town with your festive floats. Thank you to every one of the food and craft vendors. Most of all thank you to each and every person who took the time to create Christmas memories on Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton. It was magical all because of you. See you next year everyone!

NOEL WILKERSON HOLMES is the Publisher/Managing Editor of the Pleasanton Express. You may E-mail her at nwilkersonholmes@pleasantonexpress.com.

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