The Smithsonian Exhibit will kick off on Saturday, January 9. Plan to visit the Three Valley Museum between then and Friday, February 19. I am confident you will not be disappointed. I am also very confident you will be pleased with the lectures and discussions scheduled throughout the exhibit. Art will be abundant as well, and a pictorial history will be accessible in Downtown businesses.

            On Monday, January 11, The Plaza will host an Oklahoma Today launch party from 5-7 p.m. Durant was one of the four featured communities in a comprehensive Main Street focused issue just released this week. We have some wonderful stories and photographs of business owners.

            You already know these people and how awesome their customer service is on a regular basis. Now we can share this with the rest of the world. Annette Armstrong at Marie’s was already telling me of a phone customer based on the article and ad. The new customer said she would rather do business with a local merchant! I hope for many more stories like this.

Durant was definitely well represented. We worked hard on this since August. Also included is a group photograph taken on Market Square. The heart-shaped outline was formed by Durant High School students wearing their lime green service learning t-shirts. With Downtown serving as the “heart” of our community, it seemed appropriate that the Market Square stage was the site of the photo. When you see the picture, you will think the stage was made especially for this.

Lisa Jernigan of Bliss Boutique was incorrectly identified in one of the photos in our spread. Four pictures appeared on this one page. One depicted Annette and Marie Morrow. The other three, amazingly enough, were of three Caddo High School classmates (Payge Kenyon, Lisa Jernigan, and me). This was not planned, and I’m sure the photographer and editors had no idea what was occurring.

In February, Durant Main Street and the Durant Community Theatre are partnering for our third annual murder mystery. I think you will be extremely pleased with the local talent put together. Diana Adair is hard at work, and you will be hearing more soon.

We have a Chick Trip planned for February 5-6. If you know of anyone who would enjoy seeing the newest fashions, spending time with the girls, or enjoying time receiving spa services, please let me know. I will keep you posted if you let me know you are interested. Our Spotlight on Special Occasions, on February 6, is included and everyone is invited.

Our Modeling Clinic is coming soon also. January 16 is the date, and we have opened up a new age group. Ages 9-19 are welcome, and age groups are being split up for the fun.

Our Bowling Extravaganza is all set for February 27. We had an outstanding year in 2009, and the bowlers always look forward to a wild and crazy time. The silent auction is tons of fun.

We are already working on Mega Bull 2010. The date is set for April 17, and we have some new sponsors already signed up. The mailout to solicit sponsors just went out last week, but we had new ones calling for more information prior to this. This means we can put on an even greater show. I can’t wait, and I hope you can’t either.

Thanks to our ice rink helpers who show up in good and horrible weather. I had kids waiting on me in the rain on Christmas Eve. I am so proud to work with them. Please come by the rink to skate and buy a shirt now through January 5. We are open 1-10 daily.

For more information, come by 110 N. Second or call 580-924-1550. Visit us online at www.durantmainstreet.org, on Facebook, or on Twitter. Happy New Year!