In Pearl River Avenue’s heyday, families looked forward to displays of lights during the Christmas and Easter holidays.
Homes and businesses along the McComb avenue put out nativity scenes, wildlife figures and Easter decor.
The strip that connects east McComb to Highway 44 once bustled with a mix of businesses and homes but has become more residential today.
The East McComb Community Association wants to change the way people in McComb view Pearl River Avenue and bring it back to its glory.
Selectman Albert Eubanks said the association, with the help of Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Executive Director Joseph Parker and McComb Creative Economy Partnership President Vickie Webb, is throwing a “Know Your City” event Sept. 17 at the McComb Sports Park conference room.
Eubanks said that through this event people can find out what’s available to them in the City of McComb and Pike County.
“It’s where business owners can get to know those that live” in east McComb, he said.
At the Pike County Chamber of Commerce board meeting, Eubanks said the event is seeking sponsorship for participants who would like to set up a booth.
Sponsorship begins at the silver level of $100, which pays for a booth and for the company to be advertised on social media, and increases to the diamond level of $1,000.
All proceeds will benefit community events and landscaping improvements in McComb.
Eubanks said he remembers growing up and being excited to see the lights.
“I remember wanting to go to Pearl River Avenue for Christmas. The street used to be lit up,” he said.
Eubanks said there was an East McComb Association at the time that focused on beautification and crime prevention in the area.
“We want to get Pearl River Avenue back to where it was,” he said. “When I campaigned the first, and second, time, I spoke to the people in the neighborhood, and they said they want to see Pearl River Avenue back to its glory,” he said.
Eubanks hopes that events like this will help bring more businesses into the area. He said he wants to create an economic empowerment zone that builds up existing businesses as well as new ventures.
For more information call 551-5454.
