Since 1996, Picayune has been a member of the Mississippi Main Street Association with a mission of “preserving the historic downtown and commercial district’s character and integrity while enhancing the culture through community involvement,” Jo Scheel, assistant to the director of Picayune Main Street, said.

During the Rotary Club of Picayune’s meeting Tuesday, Scheel briefly discussed the history of Picayune Main Street and the community events that are around the corner.

Scheel said that out of 58 Main Street Communities in Mississippi, 38 are nationally recognized, which motivates the staff at Picayune Main Street to maintain and preserve the historical monuments and buildings in the district.

“Everything we do is to better the community,” Scheel said.

On September 10, the festivities sponsored through Picayune Main Street begin with the Sidewalk Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scheel said. The sale will be held in downtown Picayune featuring special sales by downtown merchants.

“This sale is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on some holiday shopping and even do some shopping for yourself,” Scheel said.

Later this fall, the ninth annual Blues and Heritage Festival will be held on Oct. 22. This block party on East Canal Street will feature popular entertainer Vince Vance and multiple local bands from 3 to 8 p.m. Scheel said the event is free but people should “bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music and entertainment.”

On Nov. 5 and 6, the Fall Picayune Street Festival will be held. Local interest in the festival continues to grow.

“The first year we did the festival there were six stores wanting to get involved. Now we have over 300 vendors,” Scheel said.

Anyone interested in being a vendor can sign up by calling Picayune Main Street at (601) 799-3070.

On Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., Shop by Candlelight and Christmas on the Rails will take place. Both of these events are in need of volunteers, Scheel said.

Lastly, Late Nite Shopping is on Dec. 15.

Main Street communities thrive off the support of local businesses and grow because the community’s involvement, Scheel said. With involvement comes progress, something Scheel plans to see for the future of Picayune Main Street.

Scheel said there has been an increase in sales for local businesses recently. During Small Business Saturday, there was a 14.5 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. National Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26.

“People are staying home and shopping downtown and that is part of our mission as Picayune Main Street,” Scheel said.