N early 20 vendors attended the Tuesday growers meeting at the Andalusia PowerPlant Marketplace. On Wednesday, the area officially opened for the 2012 season. Neal Dansby, manager, said there will be a host of summer vegetables, including peas, available on Saturday. Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. until noon Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Top: Mavene Nichols buys peaches from Ron Brooks.
Andalusia Star News
Want to make a “scene” at a local business?
The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is asking locals to do just that Thursday night.
The first ever “Cash Mob” will be held Thurs., May 31, at Hilltop Meat Co., from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
“A cash mob is like a flash mob,” said Chamber executive vice president Ashley Eiland. “It’s just the economic or chamber of commerce version of it.
“It’s to spur the local economy by inundating one local business at a time,” she said. “We’re asking that everyone spend $20. They’ll be a part of history, as it’s the first one we’ve done.”
Cash mobs are “in fashion” throughout the country, and serve as the people’s stimulus package to help small businesses.
“The mayor started seeing it on the Internet, and he wanted the chamber to try it,” Eiland said.
“We need to focus on our small businesses,” Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said. “And this will shine a spotlight on buying local. Every little bit helps, and it’s a way to draw attention to the local economy in a fun way.”
“It’s a great thing to do in a group aspect and make it a party atmosphere,” Eiland said. “We’re going to do this once a month. We have enough businesses signed up that we think we can do it throughout the year. It’s for chamber members only. We’re also hoping it will grow the chamber.”
Cash mobs throughout the country have reported anything from doubling Saturday afternoon sales to seeing 600 percent increases over the previous weekend.
Dinner and drink will follow at Hilltop Seafood and Restaurant, but it’s Dutch treat, Eiland said.
Andalusia’s streets, city hall and First United Methodist Church were lined with flags in observance of Memorial Day yesterday.
Saturday was the official end of regular-season play at the newly rennovated Johnson Park in Andalusia in the 2012 city and county youth sports season. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Earl Johnson, pictured above throwing out the ceremonial pitch, and Commission Chairman Lynn Sasser were on hand to thank players, parents and volunteers for making the renovation of Johnson Park a reality.
The City will hold its annual Memorial Day service, Sat., May 26 at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Terry Powell is the speaker.
The City of Andalusia will be closed Mon., May 28, for Memorial Day. Garbage and recycling pick up will be on Tues., May 29, for both routes.