Citizens gathered in the heart of the Camellia City Thursday night to enjoy good food, live music and a chance to fellowship together.

The occasion was the annual Main Street Summer Supper. the decade-long tradition which also offers an occasion to honor and celebrate those who dedicate themselves to making Greenville a better place.

During the social hour, folks mingled in the front dining area of The Chef’s Table while they listened to music by local talents Steve Norman and Paul Gordon, who sang and played their guitars.

Guests enjoyed a traditional southern meal served buffet style, including barbecued chicken, potato salad, marinated salad, fresh tomatoes, baked beans, savory pickles and sweet tea, with Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Place mats featured a photo of the restored Ritz Theatre marquee, a portent of things to come.

The Greater Greenville Main Street Award, given to the individual, business or organization that has undertaken a renovation/restoration project in the downtown area in the past year, went to Roberta Gamble and the Greenville Area Arts Council.

Gamble (who was unable to attend Thursday’s night event) and the GAAC won the award in previous years for the conference room and reception room/kitchen flanking the Ritz.

The marquee project was the culmination of many years of work restoring the 1930s Art Deco theater to the splendor of its glory days.

“We want to thank you, the community, for letting us know, yes, you wanted this done. And we also thank the City of Greenville, which was so important in making this happen,” GAAC executive director Nancy Idland said.

David Norrell was named as the Main Street Volunteer of the Year by Idland, who also serves as Main Street director.

Norrell, who was out of town on vacation, is a person “who volunteers in so many different ways in our community,” Idland said.

The business manager at Stabler Clinic in Greenville, Norrell, is also a minister of music at a Crenshaw County church and active in GAAC events, including the past two musical fundraisers, serving as the show’s vocal director this year.

He also appeared as Daddy Warbucks in Fort Dale Academy’s production of “Annie.” Norrell has assisted in emceeing numerous events, including Celebrate America, The Hank Williams Festival, ACS Relay For Life and area beauty pageants.