PROSPERITY —The Prosperity Business Association is ready to celebrate a new year with plans in work for spring and summer events for the community.

The business association discussed the Swingin’ in the Square series held on Fridays during the summer and decided to cancel it for now.

The music series was typically held on the third Friday during the summer months but they decided to cancel it as the revenue was not up to par. President Marilyn Spurgin agreed with the association to cancel it and to reevaluate their reasoning for having it.

The question came up whether this was for the community or for the businesses.

While there will not be a Swingin’ in the Square this year, the yard sales and Prosperity Hoppin’ will continue.

The community yard sales are held the first Saturday mornings of the month from March until June and the association is contemplating one in September.

The yard sales are held in the town’s parking lot beside Grace Lutheran Church and the association members would like to feature some music by the gazebo in downtown to help draw interest to the businesses for Saturday.

The high school bands as well as the Newberry College band were suggested for entertainment.

The members also suggested to have more ideas such as an antique car show or other entertainment to help out the downtown area and the community.

As for the Prosperity Hoppin’, the annual family festival will be held in May rather than August. The Hoppin’ is a town organized event but the business association does help with the food.

At last year’s Hoppin’ festival in August, people voted by way of ballot whether they would prefer May or August and most people chose May.

The Town Administrator Karen Livingston said that the town is looking at May 4 and the Hoppin’ pageant could be held April 20. However, these dates still need to be reviewed.

Livingston also discussed with the association about having the Hoppin’ festival on just Saturday, all day long. This would begin with the 5k road race and continue with the festival at the end of the day. The yard sale would also happen the same day. In the past, the Hoppin’ was held Friday night and Saturday.

Livingston did add that there is a committee but would welcome anyone else to help organize the event. Details are still in the works about the festival. If anyone is interested they can contact Town Hall at 364-2622.

In other news, Spurgin says the association is still working on the keepsake items they want to have in the town. This would include postcards and ornaments.

The association is talking with a couple of photographers who have pictures from around the town who would be willing to sell some pictures for the town to use on mementos.

However, the association welcomes anyone who may have pictures of the town to share with the association. They can contact Spurgin at 364-0943.