Founders Week saves the day in Brooksville

Coming to the aid of a casualty in the government budget-cutting expeditions of 2007, a group of business people has found a way to save the day in Brooksville.e_SClBEven better, the event previously know as Founders Day, which this year will celebrate the city's 151st anniversary, will now be expanded to Founders Week.

Residents have the Brooksville Business Alliance to thank for taking over the planning of this charming celebration, which draws attention to the city's heritage and offers visitors relaxed opportunities to explore the downtown area and make or renew acquaintances.

Although it appears there will be no parade this year, Mary Jane Russell, who has volunteered to coordinate Founders Week, said events will be staggered throughout the week of Oct. 13-20. Russell, who also is executive director of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, believes the observance has both cultural and economic benefits for the city and merchants.

Russell and the other organizers of Founders Week are astute in realizing that potential. These types of annual events, if properly promoted and executed, are the type that can put Brooksville on the map as a tourist destination in this region of West Central Florida. Just as Hernando County residents take day-trips to enjoy events or shop in downtown Mount Dora, Dade City or Inverness, they will give Brooksville a try when they realize there is a shared vision and committed effort to welcome them and showcase the city.

Members of the Brooksville Business Alliance should be commended for assuming responsibility for this worthwhile event. Their investment of time and resources demonstrates both pride in the community and esteem for the city's history.

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More on Founders Week

To find out more about events planned for Founders Week 2007, and view photographs from the 2006 observance, visit www.brooksvillebusiness.com

[Last modified September 6, 2007, 20:10:31]