The Town of Crawford has a goal in mind — a pretty big one — and its citizens could use the help of surrounding communities this Saturday to accomplish it. The people of Crawford want to build a covered town pavilion, with seating for 75, a small kitchen and restrooms. The facility would be used for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties and other gatherings. A concrete foundation has been poured, and plumbing put in place, but there is still much to be done.
The next phase will be funded with monies raised with a community-wide yard sale and Day in the Park Saturday, June 28. The sale is from 7 a.m to 4 p.m. outside Crawford Town Hall on Main Street. A water slide, children’s games and afternoon gospel music are planned as part of the festivities. Food vendors will have ribs, chicken, barbecue, fish, sandwiches and drinks for purchase.
“When people here want to have events, they have to drive to Starkville or other places to rent a facility,” said Crawford Mayor Fred Tolon. “We want to build a community pavilion to improve the quality of life. The town would own it; it could be used by those who live here and others who come in. It would be a win-win for everyone.” The immediate fundraising goal is about $15,000, said Tolon.
Pulling together to improve the community is bringing Crawford residents together in new ways.
“It’s about coming together to work on a common goal; it is reaching out to get to know each other and to say we can do this,” said event director Frances Hairston, who has lived in the area more than 50 years. Her husband’s family has been there since the 1830s.
From A to Z
Volunteers have been collecting and pricing sale items for weeks. The array could be described as “everything but the kitchen sink,” but there actually is a kitchen sink — a stainless steel one from a kitchen remodel.
“We have televisions, a reptile cage, a bike rack for a car, an old church pew, collectible dishes, glassware, picture frames, chairs … just a great variety of things,” said volunteer Jewel Holcomb.
Crawford resident and former vice mayor Walter Bridges has been busy selling tickets for a drawing for a new grill and fish cooker. Tickets are $10; the winner, who does not have to be present to win, will be announced at about 3 p.m. Saturday.
“Anything I can do to help the community, I just try to do it, so I’m selling these tickets and helping collect things,” said Bridges. “Everybody’s been participating real good.”
Organizers are still accepting items for the extensive yard sale.
Holcomb said, “If there’s anything somebody would like to donate, call me at 662-272-5524. You won’t get money for it, but you’ll get a lot of gratitude.” Prospective contributors can also contact the Town Hall Monday, Tuesday or Thursday at 662-272-5164.
Mayor Tolon said, “We hope this will catch on like wildfire. We just need great participation from the Golden Triangle area, for people to come out and help us in any way possible. We need everybody to come out and help make this work.”
To make a monetary contribution to the Crawford Community Pavilion, mail checks payable to the Crawford Community Fund in care of Frances Hairston, 1534 Tarlton Road, Crawford, MS 39743. For more information, contact Hairston at 662-272-5770.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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