Danville had some grand moments in past year

June 8, 2001

Dear Brass Band enthusiasts,

It's great to see so many familiar faces back for another festival. Welcome to you newcomers.

Time has flown by since last's year festival and so many things have happened in my life. I hate to brag, but there were times over the past year when I felt my buttons would pop off.

I have long prided myself on my historic ties, but talking about the past all the time can sure make a gal feel old -- especially when people mention that the significant times in my life started over 200 years ago.

Those of you who have already been walking around town have noticed a few changes, such as my post office, which has moved from Walnut Street. Modern history was made when the new post office opened in February on East Main Street. It's one of the few new post offices in America that stayed downtown. Needless to say, it took a lot of effort by a lot of people over a few years' time to accomplish that.
Government was the big news here since the last band festival, but as good as the news was about the post office, it wasn't the main news maker. I'm hoping a lot of you caught the vice-presidential debate in October and recognized the place.

I had the distinction of being the smallest town to ever host any of the recent presidential campaign debates. There was a lot of work involved, but when all was said and done, it was worth all effort everyone put out.

Centre College spearheaded the campaign to get a debate here, thanks to its president, John Roush, who played a role in the presidential debate held at the University of Richmond. John came here from Richmond in 1998 and hit the ground running -- and then got the rest of us running. Rumors abound that Centre plans to put its name in the hat for a 2004 debate. Makes these old bones hurt just to think about it.

The band festival is a calm event compared to the debate, even though activities covered much the same ground. National media was everywhere. Secret Service agents were all over my streets. Police in riot gear and on horseback were ready for any event. Thank goodness, everything ran smoothly, even with some groups protesting. Everyone was civil, including the candidates, and the horses were only used as window dressing.

Every Centre student and staff member had to wear identifying badges. Just about everything seemed to be top secret -- except my age. Everyone kept bringing up the state Constitution Conventions (another source of debates) here that led to the signing of Kentucky's first constitution in 1792. Some things just ought to be kept private.

But I don't want to ruin your visit here with my complaining.

While the official debate activities took place in the Norton Center with the press hanging out in Sutcliffe Hall (that's the building directly behind the portable toilets.), one of the best events happened in a spot popular with Brass Band visitors -- the lawn in front of Old Centre.

A day of patriotic music and speeches was held for the general public with a concert-sized television screen set up so the public could enjoy the debate out of doors. Space in the Norton Center was limited and tickets primarily went to national and state political figures and other movers and shakers.

Here's a bit of what David Von Drehle of The Washington Post said about the day:

"This unlikely setting -- far from the nearest airport, a place without many four-lane roads, in fact -- turned out to be one of the best ever. The whole day was a pageant of Norman Rockwell meets Alexis de Tocqueville ... On the (college) common, bands played marches and choirs sang gospel hymns."

But the debate isn't the only good news I have. Many of you know how proud I am of the beautiful buildings that are on many of my streets and of the effort put into keeping the historic heritage alive and the downtown a thriving business community. Many people participate, but the Heart of Danville, a Main Street Program, spearheads all these efforts.

In April, Danville became one of five communities to receive a Great American Main Street Award. I knew you'd like that title. Heart of Danville supporters believe the effort put into hosting the debate played a major role, since it involved all segments of the community, including the people who helped paint more than 150 fire hydrants in interesting designs. You'll spot quite a few during your stay.

The award also recognizes all the work that has gone on over the years to keep me beautiful. Several of our Main Street buildings have new facades, thanks to grants from a state program. I liken it to a massage and facial for this old girl.

Making the award even more special is that Danville is the first Kentucky town to ever receive the Great American Main Street Award.

Since I now have a new first to add to stars you can see in the pavers at Weisiger Park while you're listening to some of the fine bands here for the weekend, I think it's time for me to sit a spell, listen to some good band music and just reflect on all the wonderful things that have happened to me since Walker Daniel platted my first streets in 1784. They have been very good years, especially this last one.

Enjoy your stay
Fondest regards,
Danville

As dictated to Annabel Girard.