From Downtown Jackson Partners:

The first ever “Downtown On Display” will take place in Downtown Jackson on Saturday, October 5th, 2013.  Joining the excitement of the third annual Town Creek Arts Festival, Jackson’s most historic neighborhood is opening its doors to give visitors a unique view of the buildings, churches, and businesses that call Downtown Jackson home. From 2 – 5 PM, visitors will have the opportunity to take architectural tours, get access to magnificent views, eat, shop, and listen to live music.

“‘Downtown on Display’ is an invitation to everyone to come and see those unique and wonderful places of Downtown Jackson that are not normally made available to the public,” says Steve Davis, partner at Canizaro Cawthon Davis Architects, and one of the creators of the event.

One of those unique places that will be open to the public is The Mississippi State Capitol. Usually closed on weekends, the New Capitol will open its doors for the event and provide free, guided and self-guided tours that will detail the Capitol’s history, its Beaux Arts-style architecture, and offer a glimpse inside the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The event, which is free and open to everyone, will also include tours of Jackson City Hall, Old Capitol Museum, Cathedral of St. Peter, St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, the 1905 Central Fire Station, the Electric 308 building, the restored Greyhound Bus Terminal, Regions Plaza, and the Pinnacle at Jackson Place, just to name a few.

Along with drinks and light refreshments at many stops, the Old Capitol Inn will be providing a “Happy Hour” with fruit, wine and other assorted hors d’oeuvres. Visitors to the Historic King Edward Hotel will be treated to a live cooking demonstration in the lobby as well as appetizer specials.

Town Creek Arts Festival at the Mississippi Museum of Art will showcase artists, craftsmen, food from local vendors, and live performances. Other Downtown offerings at Downtown spots include complimentary iced coffee and delicious Amish Bread at The Coffee Roastery and a unique exhibit on the Jackson Blues Marker Trail at the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The William Winter Archives & History Building will have on display the Medger Evers’s exhibit “This Is Home: Medgar Evers, Mississippi, and the Movement” and have an opportunity for people to bring their historic artifacts, documents, photographs, or other materials for analysis and possible donation to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History, which both open in 2017.

“Any business in the Downtown area who wants to participate can,” says Ben Allen, President of Downtown Jackson Partners. “People are signing up every day for this great event. If you’re a business and you’d like to show off your space, there’s still time to sign up.”

Shuttles will be on hand to transport people to and from locations. Volunteers and the Downtown Ambassadors will be available with information, maps, and directions.

You don’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to experience Downtown like never before! Come see “Downtown on Display.”

For the most up-to-date listing of Downtown open house spots visit www.itsdowntown.com/downtownondisplay

Categories: Cool Old Places, Jackson, Preservation People/Events