WMC Action News 5 has an article that is a must-read if you’re a fan of Memphis history. It’s a look at how Memphis in May got its start, back in the 1970s when less than 500 people lived Downtown, the Peabody and Beale Street were shuttered, and the neighborhood was so dead that the Orpheum had to show X-rated movies at times to stay afloat. At the time, white Memphis and black Memphis tended to celebrate the month of May separately, and Memphis in May was conceived as an event to bring the races together.
New Memphis soccer team Memphis 901 FC is having a Fan Fest at AutoZone Park Saturday, March 2 from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event is free and open to the public. There will be an open practice session, and fans will have the chance to go onto the field and shoot penalty kicks. As the event wraps up at 2 there will be a team photo with fans. Season ticket holders will have access to an exclusive autograph session.
There’s been a hole in the ground at the northwest corner of G.E. Patterson and Front for the past 13 years. That was the site of the original Downtown Blue Monkey, which burned in 2005. The owners of the Monkey decided it was more cost-effective to move into the building next door rather than rebuild. They still own the land, though, and the Daily Memphian reports that they are now ready to do something with the space. A 3-story mixed-use development will rise on that corner with a ground floor deli and apartments upstairs. With Central Station and Malco at the Power House opening right down the street, that corner is positioned to be prime real estate.
Street closure notice: The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is coming to the Cook Convention Center next week. Poplar Avenue between Front and Second will be closed off February 25 to March 3 so vendors can show off their equipment. 50 vendors and 19.500 spectators are expected.
Next Thursday, February 28, there will be Competitive Connect Four at Loflin Yard 7 PM-10 PM. This is a 21 and up event. All skill levels are encouraged. There will be prizes for the winners and an additional prize for the first one knocked out.
If you have outdoor plans Saturday, you may need to re-think them.
NEW: The #Memphis area has been upgraded to an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather Saturday, mainly in the afternoon. See attached graphic from @NWSMemphis for the detail we have available now. More data in the coming 48 hours will refine the forecast further. #memstorm pic.twitter.com/juzU7HpvCA
— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) February 21, 2019
The Memphis No Kid Hungry Dinner will happen at the Gray Canary Monday, March 18 at 6 PM. Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman will present a multi-course seated dinner, preceded by a cocktail hour. There will be a live auction as well. The purpose of funds raised by this dinner is to make sure that no child goes without food and to teach families how to cook nutritious and affordable meals.
South Bluffs residents have requested more SkyCop cameras for the entrances to their communities. The city has awarded them $2500 for five cameras. Now they need to come up with matching funds.
Lunch time! I walked up to Court Square and visited the @NineDoughOne food truck. I got a Buffalo pizza: Buffalo sauce base, mozzarella, pulled chicken, bacon, topped with ranch and more Buffalo sauce. The trucks are there every Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM.
They have a lobster pizza on the menu, but were sold out of it. Maybe next Thursday…
Back tomorrow with more news.