You know, it is amazing what beauty a flower can bring. The Stillroom has been here in the village for six years already! Every year, over time, over people moving in and out, something very interesting has taken root, almost as if by magic. What was started twenty five years ago by shop and antique store operator Jenny Nelson as a beautification project, has bloomed into something quite special.
Through an occasional poster, through word of mouth, through the generosity of landscape architect John Temoshenko a few years back by donating a large flower pot to all of the properties on Main Street, one act of kindness has passed on in the most subtle of ways. You have to live here in the village to appreciate the colorful changes that have taken place, not only on Main Street, but through the entire community it seems.
It is hard to resist the beauty of the flowers. Simple scents like the corn that is “knee high by the fourth of July” as my husband’s mom still says every year as growing season starts. The summer solstice is this weekend. The yarrow is coming up, the day lilies, marigolds, clematis, the cilantro and basil and rosemary and parsley and the smell of the leaf of a tomato plant…it is a medley of fragrances that just scream summer.
Main Street looks like a rainbow this year. The Main Street Blooms project is optional. You don’t have to plant anything at all. I am happy to say that the participation level is over the top! This year, the weekend of July 11th 12th and 13th, the public will get to cast their votes for the best displays. Ballots will be in participating shops and stores and eateries with the winners being announced Sunday afternoon, July 13th at the Big Car Cruise. This production is an annual event that is organized by The Kruizen Knights. That is the Sunday where Main Street is hopping with crowds, food, live entertainment at the Main Stage by Kellys’ restaraunt, 50/50 raffle (proceeds go to VOICE), the quaint shops will be open that afternoon, enjoy the cars and the flowers and meander through the whole village including the side streets to cast your vote for the best flower display.
The one nice thing about the village is that it is all level and you should walk beyond the venues to the shops on the side streets as well. The Gray Wolf Gallery, Novoty’s Pizza, The Stillroom are all within a nice walking distance of Main Street. On the other side of Main Street you will find the pharmacy, florist, post office, The Cafe Contrary and an array of services. (The Stillroom is not eligible for the competition because I help organize the flower event). But please do come and visit, we are always happy to see you!
The Stillroom is gearing up for the fall, bringing in new merchandise every couple of weeks. Enjoy your staycation here in Saxonburg…where we try to bring you the best in tiny town shopping.
Meet up with us Friday night at the Fresh Cup Cafe to hear our local troubador Nathan Johnson perform live from 6:30 until 8:00. We are skipping lunch so we can enjoy a light dinner at the Fresh Cup along with a sweet afterthought with coffee or tea! I’ll work off dessert by checking our flower powered Main Street!
