The Italy Economic Development Corporation members beamed with pride as the newly constructed downtown pavilion made its debut during the 2012 Christmas Parade and festival held earlier this month. The open-air structure located at 100 E. Main Street in downtown Italy served as a central meeting place as festival goers perused gift booths and food stands in and around the pavilion.

A Christmas tree centrally standing within the pavilion served as a beacon welcoming shoppers inside where they could sit on metal picnic tables, created by Charles Hyles just in time for the festival, and gaze at the elegantly decorated tree as well as take in the sights and sounds associated with the downtown events.

The pavilion project, with Ronnie Hyles serving as the project manager, reused bricks from the community center, that stood on the corner previously, and has two iron columns in place along the front facade that were also preserved from the historical community center.

Personalized brick placeholders can still be purchased and will join bricks already in place along the structure’s pony walls, which also serve as extra seating areas and conversational pieces.

The bricks sell for $30.00 each. Each brick will have three lines available and either 16 or 13 letters/spaces per line depending on whether a logo is ordered.

It’s just a great way to continue preserving the memories of so many that have helped mold the town through the years and make Italy the special place that it is. With the pavilion to be used as a farmers market, as a site to house vendors during the annual Christmas festival and other types of events, the bricks will always be in place and accessible to residents and visitors that may enjoy the facility throughout each day.

At last count, there was still space available on the pony walls for up to 157 more personalized bricks to be set in place. Everyone is encouraged to spread the word, particularly to former residents that may have moved away but would still like to have a loved one or their family members remembered within the pavilion structure.

Brick Forms can be picked up and/or turned in at Italy City Hall.