10.25.2011

Loft Development Presentation Online Now!

Developer and preservationist Chris Chain, Renovations of Mississippi, Inc., made public presentation on Thursday, October 20 in Athens, AL.  Click to watch the video.

10.11.2011

Ully Fest - Good, Ole Fashioned Fun

Ever tried to explain to your children or grandchildren what life was like without texting, tweeting, skyping or gaming?  On Saturday, October 15, you can experience some good ole fashioned “unplugged” fun at U.G. White Mercantile’s Open House and UllyFest.   From 9 AM to 4 PM, the store will have free family activities, in store demonstrations, refreshments, door prizes, and live entertainment. 
   
“We want to celebrate new product lines and reintroduce the store to those that haven’t been in awhile,” said owner Derrick Young.  “Our schedule that day includes many nostalgic activities for every member of the family.”
 
Activities include pumpkin carving contest, Penny farthing, shooting Red Ryder BB guns and whittling contest.  There will be soap making demonstrations and a honey making presentation.  Weather permitting, there will also be a free dog wash provided by Peace, Love and Animals and live entertainment by Barron River Trio.

Door prizes will include Tilly hats, Red Ryder guns, Case knife, and other store favorites totaling more than $2500 in giveaways.  The winner of the pumpkin carving contest will receive a $300 shopping spree.  Participants for the pumpkin carving contest need to bring their own tools and can purchase a pumpkin on site.  Judging will begin at 3 PM.
   
Ully Fest is in honor of the original owner, Ulysses Grant White a farmer and business owner that founded the store in 1917.  Born in 1876, he tragically lost his right arm in a gin accident in 1902.  In an Alabama Courier article from October 22, 1902, his friends and family stated that “U.G. White, with one arm, is worth more than lots of fellows in a community with two.”  White persevered until his death in 1952.  
   
Young and the U.G. White Mercantile staff are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the store and hope that UllyFest will become an annual celebration.
   
For information on Ully Fest, visit U.G. White on Facebook or call the store at 256-232-4540.