By Maralisa Marra
This month’s Wind Down Wednesday, held on July 13, was a warm, sunny evening filled with laughter, delicious food, ice-cold drinks, and great tunes.
The energy was contagious as conversations with friends filled the air and children eagerly jumped in the new bouncy house provided by Casey’s Restaurant. Exciting discussions about up-and-coming ideas for Shinnston like new businesses, mural paintings, and car shows were only a few of the conversations shared amongst friends and families.
Shinnston-based Dead Canary Coffee also made their debut that evening serving their signature cold brew. Attendees said it was the perfect thirst-quenching pick-me-up to combat the toasty sun, and it was delicious black or with cream and sugar.
Coffee was not the only ice-cold drink available; Casey’s was also selling their craft beer.
Heavenly Hoagies was on hand, as well. Kiddos slurped down Zul’s frozen lemonade from Heavenly Hoagies after they worked up a sweat from bou
ncing all evening long.
As musician John Bonnett’s rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl” set the mood for the laidback evening, more and more citizens piled into the Green Space. Some brought their chairs to sit back and enjoy the music while others checked out the collection of pristine old vehicles rebuilt and displayed by Robbie Vance, Travis Vance, and Brian Kasey Raines. Some residents rode their bikes down to the Green Space, and a couple people drifted in on their golf carts.
Owner and creator of Soul Miner’s Daughter Sarah Benson and her family came out to enjoy the relaxing evening, and she expressed her excitement for bringing her business downtown. She will be making and selling her natural beauty products across the street from Casey’s between the barber shop and the old Shinnston News building.
New Mayor Rodney Strait struck up a few conversations about the progress Shinnston is making, “We need to have people with new ideas,” and he said that he is eager to work with the new volunteers of the Shinnston Volunteers group. According to the group’s Facebook, it is “specifically for anyone interested in volunteering in Shinnston.” They post volunteer opportunities.
Excitement about this year’s upcoming Frontier Days whirled about the Green Space, as well.
“I want to see the town boom,” Robbie Vance said in regard to the city’s new grip on arts, culture, and community involvement.
For August’s Wind Down Wednesday, Andy Benson will be taking the Green Space stage at 6 p.m.
Nice article, Maralisa!