Features Editor

Spring time is picnic time and where better to enjoy a lunch on the green than around the square in downtown Troy.

The city of Troy and the downtown revitalization committee will once again host Brown Bag on the Square from noon until 1 p.m. each Thursday during the months of April and May.

"The Brown Bag lunches have been very popular over the last few years and we want to continue them because so many people enjoy getting out in the fresh air and sunshine during their lunch breaks at this time of year," said Shelia Jackson, public relations director for the city of Troy and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Jackson said a great lineup of talent has been scheduled for all Brown Bags.

"Michael McLendon and Johnny Barron will be our entertainers for the first Brown Bag lunch Thursday," Jackson said. "They both have been regulars at our Brown Bag lunches and are very popular with the crowd. We expect a large number of people out Thursday as we kickoff the Brown Bag season.

In addition to McLendon and Barron, there will be an open mike for karaoke.

"We have a lot of talent around our area and Brown Bag is a good time to share the spotlight with anyone who will get up and sing," Jackson said, adding that she might take the mike herself.

Those who brown bag it Thursday need only to bring their favorite fast food or a picnic lunch because lemonade will be furnished.

"We’ll have tents for those who would rather not sit in the sun, so it should be a very pleasant outing for all ages," Jackson said. "There will also be door prizes to add a little excitement the outing and, before or after the Brown Bag lunch, we invite everyone to stroll around the square and see what all is available to shoppers in downtown Troy."

Those who have not been downtown lately might be surprised how different and how much better everything looks with the new sidewalks and parking lot and all of the beautification projects that are going on at this time, Jackson said.

"We hope that the Brown Bag luncheons will reintroduce or introduce our downtown area to local residents," Jackson said. "We have a variety of shops and services to offer and we hope that more and more people will make downtown Troy their shopping destination."

Future Brown Bag entertainment will include dancers and musicians as well as singers.

"We have an open invitation for performers," Jackson said. "We welcome and encourage anyone who would like to entertain on Brown Bag to contact us and we will schedule them at their convenience."

The number to call is 566-0177.