The Heart of Pell City has been gaining in momentum and membership over the past year and the group is continuously working to better downtown Pell City. They have made their mark in yet another way just this week. Hanging baskets filled with flowers now hang from the light poles that line Cogswell Avenue, and the group expects the foliage to grow alongside the group.

The group was founded through a collaboration among several business owners on Cogswell Avenue, and has evolved from a small number of caring citizens into a movement over the course of this year. Organizers have been active in making and executing plans to beautify the downtown area. The flower baskets are another step in the organization’s dream of making the area more aesthetically pleasing. 

Local businesses were involved with providing supplies for the project. Diane Seals, owner of Collector Showcase gave the group a discounted rate on all of the flowers to the project and the baskets they are growing in. 

Greg Gossett with the City of Pell City Street Maintenance was supportive throughout the conceptualization of this project, aiding in determining weight capacity, checking light posts for safety and hanging requirements and physically hanging the baskets. 

The Heart of Pell City is led by Antebellum Anne’s owner Beth Hoyle Waggoner, and focuses on making cultural and aesthetic improvements to Pell City while increasing community involvement. The group’s end goal is to make downtown a cultural and entertainment hub for people from Pell City and beyond to explore and enjoy. 

Renee Lilly, Sue Turton, and Janice Entler were instrumental in procuring and arranging the baskets. The first phase of the project included the 1900 block, but the group hopes to expand that in the near future. 

The group is currently accepting donations to help beautify downtown, with projects including green spaces and the maintenance of the baskets. 

For those wanting to get involved, membership opportunities are available for the group. For more information on The Heart of Pell City, contact Beth Hoyle Waggoner at Antebellum Anne’s or visit the group on Facebook.