Times-Tribune Staff Report

Several events are planned for downtown Corbin Saturday, starting with the blessing and dedication of the restored Engineer Street walking bridge and ending with a free outdoor screening of the animated movie “Cars.”

In between, residents can tour downtown housing and take in the sights at the Cumberland Valley Cruise-in.

Activities start at noon, when city leaders, members of the Main Street Design Committee and representatives from the Kentucky League of Cities will dedicate the Engineer Street bridge over Lynn Camp Creek. The Rev. John Burkhart with St. John’s Episcopal Church will perform the blessing.

The bridge’s restoration was a locally-funded project that involved the city, Main Street and local businesses and clubs.

“The Design Committee came up with the colors and railings, and Kenneth Pennington who’s on the Design Committee did the architectural work and led the design for the planters that are on each side of the bridge,” said Main Street Manager Sharae Myers.

Brock McVay donated the lighting for the bridge, CSX donated the new wood for the walkway, and the Master Gardeners have committed to maintain the planters on the bridge.

After the dedication, residents are invited to take a self-guided walking tour of Corbin downtown housing from 1-4 p.m., in one of a series of tours being offered across the commonwealth as part of the Kentucky Heritage Council’s focus on reviving downtown living.

Maps of the tour can be picked up at the bridge dedication or at Nibroc Park, and Main Street signs will be placed in the yards of open homes. Among the homes on the tour are an upper-story apartment above Alley Stuff belonging to Dora Mobley, Mayor Willard McBurney’s home on Poplar Street, and the Padgett Street homes of the Main Street manager and The Times-Tribune managing editor. Available property on Chestnut and Padgett streets will also be included on the tour.

“It’s a great opportunity to be close to quality of life,” Myers said of downtown living. “It’s being able to walk downtown, because now we have a great Main Street program and great events, movies, music, concerts and restaurants downtown... Downtown creates gathering experiences.”

Data shows that downtown housing plays a significant role in establishing an active, 24-hour downtown, reinforcing revitalization goals.  Typically, these are unique spaces located in historic buildings in prime locations with established infrastructure, high visibility and great potential for reuse. 

“Kentuckians are finding that living close to restaurants, shops and businesses brings a new energy and quality of life to downtown.  Downtowns are the heartbeat of our communities, and their economic health and vibrancy benefits all Kentuckians,” said Donna M. Neary, Heritage Council executive director and state historic preservation officer.  “We invite everyone to take part in a downtown tour in your community, or check the schedule and see what other communities across the state have to offer.”

After the walking tour, the first Cumberland Valley Cruse-in of 2008 will take over Main Street, with classic cars, music and prizes from 4-8 p.m. — a later start time than in years past.

“Last year it was from noon to 6 p.m. and it was too hot and too long,” said Diane Skinner, one of the organizers of the cruise-in. “This way it also gives people a little more time to get what they need to get done during the day and come downtown and spend the evening with us.”

Each car that registers (at no cost) is entered into a drawing for a flat screen TV giveaway at the last car show in September, but Skinner said the car show isn’t just for car enthusiasts. With support from the Corbin Tourism Commission, the cruise-in has been able to spend more on prizes. Events include a poker walk, a poker run, a car parade — all with cash prizes — and a DJ, hay rides, corn hole and other games for the kids.

At dark (about 9 p.m.) Saturday, Main Street will present a free outdoor showing of the Pixar animated film “Cars.” Movie sponsors are Cumberland Valley National Bank, Tri-County Cineplex, Forest Hills Bowling Lanes and Hamlin & Kersey.

“Bring a chair and blankets,” Myers said. “Concessions will be available during the car show and the movie, and restaurants on Main Street will be open.”

A free outdoor movie will be shown during all the cruise-ins, held the second Saturday of the month through September. Main Street’s additional Friday night movie series will be June 6 through Aug. 1.

For more on the cruise-in, visit www.cumberlandvalleycruisein.com. For more on the rest of Saturday’s events, visit www.corbinmainstreet.com