By Staff
OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS Dorothy Allen of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. welcomes state Sen. Sampson Jackson II, D-District 32, and registers him for the legislative weekend. Sampson is one of almost 30 legislators visiting Meridian. PHOTO BY CARISA MCCAIN / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Oct. 26, 2002
Rainy weather caused some last-minute tweaking of plans, but "Meridian in the Limelight" plunged on Friday even though the "street dance" had to be moved indoors.
A free public concert by the Capital City Stage Band and The Bluz Boys, Jackson-based bands, was moved from Dumont Plaza to the Temple Theater.
The concert helped kick off a weekend for Mississippi legislators invited to celebrate Meridian's emergence as a statewide and regional arts center.
Connie Royal, cultural affairs coordinator for the city of Meridian and a member of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center's board of directors, said the change of venue came together quickly.
In the Temple Theater, Lauren Glisson watched as her parents, Ruth and David Glisson of Meridian, were the first couple on the dance floor, inspiring others to join them while the Capital City Stage Band performed big band tunes.
The visitors
At least eight state senators and 18 state representatives were expected this weekend, along with members of their families.
Guests began registering at the Quality Inn late Friday afternoon. They were greeted by East Mississippi Business Development Corp. representatives Dorothy Allen, manager of the EMBDC Chamber of Commerce Division, and Frank Thompson, manager of the EMBDC Business Development Division.
As legislators arrived they were given tote bags that read, "Meridian, MS in the Limelight." The bags were filled with gifts, including Around Town Carousels Abound T-shirts and bottled water to take on tours of the city today.
Visitors also received an itinerary for the weekend and a notebook filled with information about Meridian and the sites they will see.
What they'll see
Thompson said much of what the guests will see this weekend will be things the Legislature helps fund.
For guests, the Friday evening schedule included dinner at Montana's and hors d'oeuvres and drinks at Weidmann's.
Other events scheduled for the weekend include an early morning breakfast today at Caf Latte and tours of Meridian this morning and afternoon. Guests have a choice of lunch at D.T. Grinders or a golf outing with a box lunch at noon.
There will be a reception at Rosenbaum Condominiums at 6:30 p.m. today followed by dinner at Weidmann's at 8 p.m.
Sunday's schedule includes brunch at the Quality Inn at 9 a.m. and another golf outing scheduled for 10 a.m.