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LaFayette Main Street held a mural dedication and city sign reveal on Thursday, ushering in a new era for ‘first impressions’ into the city of LaFayette. 

The mural, a fall project sponsored by grants from the Alabama Department of Tourism and the East Alabama Community Foundation, was designed and painted by LaGrange artist Jim Frank with help from Thea McElvey. 

LaFayette Main Street Director DeAnna Hand said the project could not have been completed without the help of State Senator Randy Price and Representative Bob Fincher who were both present for the celebration. 

Three state grants and several hundred hours of work funded the project.

LaFayette Main Street is a community organization and downtown designation with the goal of breathing life back into downtown through design, economic vitality and community engagement. LMS hosts several events throughout the year around downtown including its popular Food Truck Festivals. 

“Our commitment to LaFayette remains steadfast and continues to grow each day with each project and every step that we have to move forward,” Hand said.

The mural itself is a ‘welcome to LaFayette,’ reflecting in its design the many aspects of the county seat that make up its community and heritage, from its fertile farmland to the legend of LaFayette native Joe Louis Barrow. 

“It’s a very beautiful mural, and I know the town of Lafayette is going to be proud of this for many, many years to come,” Fincher said.

Hand said the mural represents the beginning of a new initiative in the town for improving downtown’s optics and keeping tourists around. 

“All the visitors that came by were so kind to Mr. Jim. They showed their appreciation. The feedback that we’ve received from the town, the community, chambers, county residents, has been uplifting and inspiring,” Hand said. “We hope that this first mural is just merely the beginning of a larger initiative, and we encourage more feedback and support so we can keep this going.”

The mural stretches across one side of the building right across the street from the new side of the Chambers County courthouse, giving visitors an excuse to stop and gather in the sights of downtown. 

“Our Welcome to LaFayette mural showcases a vibrant blend of historical references and community spirit, invoking a sense of pride, nostalgia and affection for our charming town,” Hand said. “We are honored to present this gift and hope this mural will serve as a source of inspiration, motivating individuals to strive for excellence and experience pride in our town.”

LaFayette Mayor Kenneth Vines spoke about the progress that he has seen in the city of LaFayette since 2020 when he took office. 

“We want progress, and that’s what we’re receiving from Main Street, my office staff, the council,” Vines said. “I can’t do anything without them.”

Hand also thanked building owner Susan Harmon for giving Main Street permission to use her building for the mural. 

After the mural dedication, Main Street held a city sign reveal on Highway 431 coming into the city of LaFayette from the north. The sign, one of three donated, is a replica of the one that Main Street erected on Highway 50 earlier this year. 

The three new signs which can be seen coming in from the three main roads into town were donated by LaFayette native Tim Vines who could not be present at the ceremony on Thursday.