Hundreds Enjoy Prattville Cityfest as City Rebounds

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: May 4, 2012 at 11:09 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 4, 2012 at 11:09 PM CDT

Hundreds kicked off Prattville's Cityfest Friday night downtown, along the Autauga Creek. Mayor Bill Gillespie says events like this wouldn't be possible without the support of this strong community.

It's a night of fun, food, and fancy feet.

"We love to come to Cityfest and hear the Tip Tops for the street dance. That's why we come," said Prattville Resident, Delores Payne.

"It is a fun event. The band is great, the people, the vendors. It's all very much worthwhile," said Debbie Mckig, who lives in Prattville.

But there was a time when some Prattville residents weren't always so happy. The city's budget issues hit close to home for many throughout the community.

Mayor Bill Gillespie says they are working hard to change that.

"We are just trying to get everybody aware of downtown and everything Prattville has to offer and just get the community pulled back together," said Mayor Gillespie.

Mayor Gillespie says since he took office, they reduced their expenditures by six million last year and 1.4 million this year. He says it's huge strides for the small city, but it's not over yet.

"We've still got a lot of challenges and we are still trying to deliver the quality of service that they have been looking forward to and I think the employees of the city of Prattville have stepped up being able to do a lot more with a lot less," said Gillespie.

Cityfest being one of them.

While money issues threatened some of the other city events from continuing, like their Mardi Gras event, Mayor Gillespie says Cityfest, wasn't in jeopardy. It's paid for by the Chamber of Commerce, city of Prattville through additional sales tax funds, and vendors. Residents are excited when it comes around each year.

"With all the struggles Prattville has had, it's come turn about. This is what our city does for our people here, take a bad situation and make it into a fun situation," said Mckig.

"It's very positive, something we need to have every year. We hope it don't ever stop," said Prattville resident, Barbara Robinson.

Prattville Cityfest continues on Saturday in downtown Prattville from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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