World Storytelling Day is March 20, making this month’s Main Street Monday ideal for showcasing many of the talented local authors we have in Harrison County.  Main Street Monday was launched in February as a way to celebrate Bridgeport by offering family-friendly activities, merchant specials, art and entertainment on the third Monday of each month. The event is sponsored by Create Bridgeport+Clarksburg, a group of volunteers who are dedicated to making Harrison County thrive.

 

March’s Main Street Monday features the following local authors:  Colleen Driscoll, Anna Smucker, Charlotte Snead, Paula Flint and Diana Pishner Walker.  Each author will read portions of their books, have books on site to sale, and will gladly pose for pictures as they celebrate how lucky we are to live in Bridgeport, a side theme to the event.  The event will run from 5:30-7:30p.m. on Monday, March 20.

 

Driscoll will be reading her 3 Piper the Elf books and signing autographed copies of the books.  She will also answer questions about her new book to be released this fall.  Country Peddler will be hosting Driscoll and offering 20% off everything in the store with the exception of Alex and Ani. She will be at Embellishment Too.

 

Christian Romance novelist Charlotte Snead will be showcasing her five books at Sprout Holistic Spa, located at 147 West Main Street.  Her book, A Place to Live, earned her the 2016 Believe and Achieve Award and copies of all books can be signed and bought Monday evening. The spa will also have $100 gift certificates on sale for $80.00 during the event

 

Almost Heaven, Pishner Walker’s book, Spaghetti and Meatballs Growing Up Italian, is something most of Harrison County can relate to.   She will be reading from the book at Almost Heaven Monday evening and offer autographed copies for sale as well.

 

Bridgeport’s own Paula Flint’s book, Life Coach, will be available at the Holistic Health and Wellness Center across from Dairy Queen.  The book profiles lessons Flint has learned throughout her spiritual journey and offers practical ways to explore both past and present to create a full life. Flint will also offer a package deal on sessions.

 

Smucker, who has authored the award-winning book No Star Nights, will also be reading from her other West Virginia-themed books, including Outside the Window , A Cinderella Apple Story, Brother Giovanni’s Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born, To Keep the South Manitou Light and she will discuss her upcoming book about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water.

 

All princes and princesses are invited to Expressions for the event, as they do mini makeovers for kids who dress as their favorite fairytale character.  Whether it’s glitter and updo’s or mustaches and salutes, the royalty will be welcomed by Belle from Beauty and the Beast just in time for the movie’s release.  Pictures with Belle are $5 and Michelene Sheppard will be selling Park Lane Jewelry on site to accessorize the bigger princesses in town.

 

The Starving Artist will draw free caricatures for kids dressed as their favorite book character and there will be storytelling and singing by David Morrison.  Enliven Chiropractic will be offering a free introductory essential oils class and having a question and answer session about concussions.  Massage Therapy Headquarters will be doing head and neck massages for $10 during Main Street Monday. The massages will be free with a donated book for the drawing.

Artworks will be offering 25% off and showcasing their new spring merchandise. 

 

The Vintage Shoppe will take $10 off any workshop with pre-registration and offer a 20% discount on furniture. Additionally, Embellishments will have 50-60% off storewide and In Harmony Jin Shin Jyutsu will offer free sessions to the first five people.  Bridgeport’s newest store, About You, will offer specials and also host Kauffman’s Auctions.

 

Those attending Main Street Monday in March are encouraged to donate a book for ages 5-15.  With each donated book, people will be entered into a drawing to win a Swedish massage, handmade jewelry valued at $50, gift cards, Annie Neeley CDs and more.  All donated books will be taken to the pediatric units at United Hospital Center and Highland Hospital in Clarksburg. 

 

All participating businesses will have balloons on their buildings and book donations and forms for the drawing will be available at each site.  Main Street Monday will take place each month on the third Monday.  Suggestions are welcome and the committee is always accepting new members.  Contact Trina Runner at trinarunner@gmail.com with questions.