Joseph Pratt
Boneyfiddle has been booming recently, with small businesses planting themselves in the shops and local arts taking off. One of the biggest continuing draws to the area, Boneyfiddle’s Final Friday, has had mad success of bringing thousands to that old part of town and has even cultivated a sense of pride in the locals. One of the benefits of the event is the monthly award presentation of the Boneyfiddle Beautification Award.
The award is presented in between the musical performances by the event’s parent organization the Boneyfiddle Project, which is organized by Robert Black.
“They are designed to show appreciation for those who go the extra mile in keeping their part of the historic district beautiful,” Black said. “The recipients appreciate being recognized. I think it is becoming a coveted thing.”
The Boneyfiddle Project has awarded many individuals this year, including Ghosts in the Attic, Main Street Portsmouth, Brain Freeze, and Russell Glass.
The places honored did everything from painting the entire facade of their building to keeping the general area clean.
The Boneyfiddle Beautification Award for September was presented to Russell Glass. The presentation was made at the Final Friday in Boneyfiddle on September 25. Accepting the award for Tom and Jo Russell was Mike Russell.
Main Street Portsmouth President Sue Burke was one of individuals to accept an award this season. Burke has been heavily involved in cleaning and beautifying the area over the years and believes the new award presentations are a benefit to the area.
“Everybody asks why Main Street doesn’t do this or that. We try to do the most we can, but we can only do so many things with the people we have. I am happy to see someone else pick up the reins and do something. Plus, it is something very nice and something people enjoy.”
Burke and the volunteers of Main Street received their award for their ongoing maintenance of Tracy Park.
“I was honored to receive the award from them,” Burke said. “We spend a lot of time working in the park and it was nice to know people see us doing it and to receive recognition for it.”
The awards will continue with the Boneyfiddle Final Fridays in April.
Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.
