On Monday night, the Rockmart Civic Arts Commission hosted a visual arts exhibit at The Arts Center & Gallery, 116 East Elm Street. Classes offered by RCAC were displayed and demonstrated. Refreshments were served and a variety show presented.
Tuesday, downtown Rockmart was filled with a sea of people who surged about as they enjoyed the free food and festivities in celebration of Georgia Cities Week.
“It is a good thing for local people,” said Nolana West, who sat on a bench with other members of her family that had come to watch the activities and listen to the music provided by Running Wild Band. This group of musicians were set up in front of the historic downtown police building, which is being remodeled to house the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and Rockmart Historical Society.
The shady side of this structure proved a popular gathering place for families who brought not only their children but hunger to the event. They lined up at a table where more than 1,000 free hot dogs were given out. These were served with Cokes, cookies and potato chips. City Manager Jeff Ellis and Councilman Ray Carter cooked the hog dogs while Council members James Payne. Steve Miller and Lucille Harris wrapped and Councilman Bruce Bell served the food.
Nearby, Leigh Hulsey and Brittany Keith offered face painting to excited youngsters. Jatavior Stocks selected a football design and happily danced away once it was completed.
Ann Wheeler, Rockmart Library, and Brenda Leslie, Rockmart Business Alliance (RBA), faced the late afternoon sun as they hawked their separate services.
A display of materials were provided at the library tent where people could discover facts about planned programs and the move into a new building later this year.
Leslie pointed to a sign listing supporters of RBA, which has sponsored such events as Touch A Truck and the December tour of homes. They also provide support to downtown programs and community gatherings.
Executive Director Tamaka Hudson and Cathy Broome, Polk County Chamber, talked with a number of people interested in what services this countywide organization provides. Each commented on the weather as Mother Nature blew a hot wind down South Marble Street that had been blocked off to traffic.
Police Chief Keith Sorrells and several volunteers, including Kiarra Tolbert, filled balloons with air. These colorful balls were tied and presented to visiting children.
“We are busy,” Sorrells said as more kids arrived at the site where he was set up.
Free t-shirts were given out to a line of people.
Rockmart Fire & Emergency Services, Information Technology and other departments demonstrated to the public what services they provide in the community.
Representatives from Redmond EMS, Floyd Home Health and other area agencies were on the scene to give out free information and answer questions.
Community Clean-up Day was on Wednesday. Waste Industries worked in partnership with Rockmart and placed containers near the complex on Piedmont Avenue.
No fee was charged for disposal of white goods, old tires, construction material and other debris from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Friday night, community theatre opened at Hilburn Field with a showing of Toy Story III.
Stacey Smith, coordinator, said the week’s activities were better than expected. “We had people from throughout the county who came to celebrate with us,” she said.
The City will continue the “penalty amnesty” until April 30.
This amnesty period allows for the payment of delinquent bills for City Real and Personal Property Taxes, and City Water, Sewer and Garbage Utility charges without accumulated or additional penalties. Such penalties will be credited to the account upon full payment of the original billing charges.
For more information about the amnesty program, contact City Clerk Pam Herring at 770-684-5454.
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