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Saluda still considering movies downtown

SALUDA—Saluda commissioners decided this week not to have concerts downtown but are still considering movies in the park for the public.

Commissioners met Monday and heard from Johnny Perez, who last month proposed doing a series of concerts and movies that could be seen while social distancing from McCreery Park downtown.

The Saluda Business Association decided that the city could spend the approximate $3,500 on things that would help businesses, such as streetlights.

The proposal was for 4 nights of bands then movies after dark.

Commissioners said they had reservations, especially after the SBA voted unanimously against the proposal.

Perez asked commissioners to look at it from the public’s standpoint with all that is going on currently. He said it would give people something to do 4 nights over the next 6 weeks.

Commissioner Stan Walker said the governor is keeping the state at Stage 2 restrictions for the virus.

“We have frozen all the salaries in the city,” Walker said. “It does concern me what kind of message we are sending the employees.”

Commissioner Paul Marion said the city is also offering the community with something they can do. He said he is not in favor of the live bands, as he heard last time people were dancing.

“We at least need to try to promote social distancing,” Marion said.

Marion suggested only doing the movies and promoting social distancing on only families sitting together.

“I think the community would like something to do,” Marion said.

Commissioners asked Perez to come back next month with costs of 2 movies in September.

Perez was also asked to look into the capability of broadcasting the movie over the radio so people could listen from their cars.