Coldwater DDA previews Tibbets events, Love Local and new downtown murals

At its Jan. 21 meeting the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority heard updates on programming and public art across downtown.

Matt provided an update on Tibbets programming: the Tibbets annual meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. with snacks and entertainment; a "Best of the Eagles" tribute band performs Saturday the 24th at 7 p.m.; tickets were recommended given demand; and a Taylor Swift tribute is planned for April with details to follow. He also mentioned a Valentine’s Day Casablanca screening with wine and chocolate and the Coldwater High School production of Les Misérables (school edition).

The economic vitality committee reported that Love Local is scheduled for Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 15 business participants—its largest field to date—plus downtown activities and a promotional map aimed at driving foot traffic to businesses.

Annette, reporting for promotions/organization, said the promotions committee purchased a parade sleigh for $600; it will be stored in a city maintenance barn and shared with the recreation department for seasonal activities. The committee also described efforts to grow the monthly Main Street meetups.

On public art, Matt and Dean Walrack described two new bird murals installed on the west wall of 40 South Hanchette. Matt said he designed and painted parts of the murals and that community engagement coordinator Stephanie Burdick helped complete them; the panels are mounted so they can be removed if building renovations occur and staff plans to repaint nearby boards to better blend the installation into the façade when weather allows.

Next steps: staff will continue event promotion for Love Local, finalize logistics for Tibbets performances, schedule the façade grant planning meeting in mid-February and coordinate mural maintenance with property owners.