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March 7, 2013

Ford named New Main Street Director

Jessica Lane, Staff Writer, jlane@chickashanews.com The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — New Main Street Chickasha Director, Andrew Ford, wants to bring Chickasha's rich history to the forefront.

Ford said he remembers when his dad worked in the Petroleum Building. Every day, they would take a break around 10:30 in the morning at Liberty Drug for a milkshake or soda. Ford's mom always took him to William's Shoes for their great shoe selection and he even got his hair cut at the Chickasha Mall.

"I'm hoping to get that aura back to Chickasha," Ford said.

A third generation Chickasha resident, Ford's parents and grandparents grew up and raised their families in Chickasha. Ford graduated from Oklahoma University in 2010, majoring in film and media studies with an emphasis in broadcasting. He married and moved back to Chickasha and started working for KOOL 105.5 FM as a sports announcer.

Ford wants Chickasha Ave. and the surrounding area to be a place where families can spend a Saturday together.

"I want to make it a fun place for them to hang out."

Some of Ford's goals include increasing retail shops such as small clothing stores, create a night life and draw in more restaurants. Ford said that the area does have three good options, Temazcal, Crazy 8 and BJ's Pizza, but he would like to see more variety.

Ford said he would like to see the movie night idea at the Rock Island Depot revived.

Ford said that there are events during the fall and winter, such as the downtown Halloween event, the Rock Island Arts Festival and Christmas parade. Ford said he would like to start laying the groundwork for a late spring/early summer event, possibly a block party.

Events downtown could draw attention to the area's history, such as the train depot, the Grady County Historical Society which is located in the Dixie building and the Washita Theater.

Ford said he wants the community to know that he is open to any ideas of activities, events and other attractions that could be brought to downtown Chickasha. Contact information is being set up and will be made available in the near future.

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