Throughout March 2001, the city of Greenville will be celebrating a special occasion-the 130th anniversary of this "fair city." It's a month that promises to be filled with music, dance, history, fun and games and memories galore-something to appeal to every citizen, young or old.

While it's true that Greenville was settled prior to the year 1871, that happens to be the year the town was officially incorporated.

One might ask,

"Why choose this birthday in particular to celebrate?"

"Well, I love Greenvilleand I don't think I'd personally have the energy to put this thing together in another 20 years," quips Main Street Director Nancy Idland.

On a more serious note, Idland adds that "every opportunity to celebrate our hometown .. . contributes positively to this community."

The month-and the celebration-will be kicked off with a fun old-fashioned parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.

"They parade will assemble as we did in the old days, close to the courthouse, and proceed from there," Idland explains.

The Greenville High Tiger Marching Band will be providing the music and anyoneinterested is encouraged to participate in this traditional community event.

"Parades have always been a big part of Greenville's history-we want to carry on that tradition as we begin our month-long celebration," says Idland.

Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited down to Confederate Park for a big birthday party, complete with traditional party refreshments and a special cake provided by Greenville's Super Foods.

Special surprises will also be on hand. "You won't want to miss this," teases Idland.

Local golf lovers will be able to enjoy a tournament celebrating "Greenville on the Greens", scheduled for Saturday, March 10.

"We want to celebrate our past and our present by celebrating one of the current assets our community enjoys, Cambrian Ridge," explains Idland.

On Wednesday, March 7, a walking tour is scheduled to meet at the Main Street Building

at 1 p.m.

The history-filled tour of various points of interest downtown will be lead by Greenville native and local history expert, Tom Braxton.

Braxton will also present a slide show picturing the vanished' Greenville of long ago.

Music will fill the air at the Ritz Theater when the TSU Jazz Ensemble performs a concert on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

The cost is only $5 for adults and $3 for students and tickets will be available at the door.

On Wednesday evening, March 14, community-wide prayer service will give local citizens the opportunity to count the many blessings of small-town life and to pray for local community leaders.

The service will be held at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church.

All local church offices will be sent further information on this event.

On Saturday, March 17, everyone's invited out for an old-fashioned ice cream social at the Greenville Library.

The library's two "new" buildingsthe one-room schoolhouse and the smokehousewill be dedicated on this day.

Old-time bluegrass music will set many a toe a-tapping as the group Southern Comfort performs a free outdoor concert.

That same evening, Idland says, the "Big Bash" will take place-a dance celebrating Saint Paddy's Day. The band Remedy will provide the live music and locals are invited to "trip the light fantastic" from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the National Guard Armory.

The last special event scheduled for March is an evening of "Music and Merriment" at the Greenville Library on Thursday, March 22 at 6 p.m. "We'll be putting that natural amphitheater they have on the property to good use that day.

There will be music and some, shall we say, very interesting auctions-that's all I can tell you for now," laughs Idland.

As you can see, March will be a busy month filled with activities-many of which are free-that allow local folks of all ages to celebrate and say, "Happy Birthday, Greenville!"

For more information on the 130th Birthday celebration, contact Nancy Idland at 382-3041 or 382-8729.