First of all today, the DJDC would like to congratulate Jeff James, his wife, his family and employees for five years in business at the Labyrinth Press Company.
It almost seems like yesterday we went down those stairs in his coffeehouse to get that great cup of coffee. Jeff has managed to evolve into a full-blown restaurant, complete with take-out service. For those of you who have not tried it you, should add it to your list of priorities. Congratulations!
The DJDC would also like to welcome a very new business to downtown Jamestown. Patient's Pharmacy has been established on North Main Street in the former Bro Laines Bridal Shop. As we understand it, this new business will add more than 20 employees to the downtown landscape. Patient's Pharmacy has already been involved in downtown activities and we look forward to working with them in the future. You will be hearing more from this new company in the very near future, but if you are walking by the new storefront, just stop in and welcome them to the downtown!
A BUSY WEEKEND DOWNTOWN
Now I think it would be good to talk about this weekend. Just another great weekend in downtown Jamestown. Cruisin' and Thunder In The Streets attracted thousands of people to downtown Jamestown. As soon as we have a chance to tabulate some of the statistics we will provide them for you so you can have an idea of how successful these events have become.
On the west side of Washington Street, along Third Street we held the ninth annual Thunder In The Streets. People bring their motorcycles and admire each and every one.
There is food and entertainment. This year, the featured entertainment was Team FMX from Florida. They erected ramps in the middle of Third Street directly in front of the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. They had a take off ramp and a landing ramp. If you did not see this it was a sight to behold. In their ramp-to-ramp jumps, they were higher then the roof of the arena. While they were at those heights they did stunts where they completely let go of the bike and then pulled themselves back to the bike, and also a complete backward flip - none of which is good for the faint at heart.
In addition, these two individuals not only did the tricks but appealed to the younger members of the audience as they described how you should follow your dreams. They repeatedly told the audience they can make life what they want it to be. They also talked about the need for safety and correctness while you are pursuing your dreams. Young faces were really lit up when they saw the act and heard the messages - it was much more then a simple motorcycle show and we are very pleased we could bring that to all of you.
On the east side of Washington Street was the 20th annual Cruisin'. People brought their favorite cars, and the event included about every type of vehicle you could imagine. People had fun and met with people they have not seen in years. One highlight of the evening was the arrival of Elvis in a big black limo escorted by the Jamestown Police Department. He provided a show, accompanied by The Untouchables, which everyone enjoyed in true Cruisin' style. There were multiple contests for our young people, who also enjoyed the event.
Taking all of this one step further, Jamestown was also represented by great musical entertainment. As you walked west on Third Street, the Infinity Performing Arts Center had a great concert in their building and patio. The Untouchables performed at the corner of Third and Main streets. Local bands were featured at Renaissance Square between the BWB Building and the arena, and still another great band performed on the patios behind the arena - all of this at one time during this last Friday evening. It is these types of events that make Jamestown the great community it is.
I would like to finish by thanking all the volunteers, Der Kobblers, DJDC members and board, for their help with this event - and this also includes DJDC employees. And I have to say we also need to thank the city of Jamestown and their departments because without them these events might be impossible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a great success.