By Billy Davis

Como’s mayor and aldermen received a little Christmas cheer Tuesday night when it was announced a private benefactor plans to build a blues park on Main Street.

David Dickerson, standing beside a model of the future pavilion, announced the plans during the regular board meeting in the Como Public Library.

He referred to the future project as a “pocket park,” referring to a mini-park that would parallel Main Street next to the former town hall.

Dickerson’s presentation included detailed plans that appear to be moving forward, including using national engineering firm Neel-Schaffer for design and construction of the park.

“We are not asking for any cash money from Como,” Dickerson said, including any matching grants that would require city funds.

Aldermen voted unanimously to draft a letter of support for the project.
 
The announcement drew applause from city leaders and the public, since the park would build upon Como’s growing reputation as a must-stop for blues-loving tourists.

Dickerson explained that his wife, artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, was approached about her face casts of blues musicians. The structure will include many of the face casts in bronze, he said.

A bronze statute of Otha Turner, the late fife player, was also on display next to the park model.
Sharon Dickerson said the project is being referred to as “Blues Alley Park,” which she called a “working title” so early in the process.

Turner and “Mississippi” Fred McDowell were honored with Mississippi Blues Trail markers in 2009.
Como librarian Alice Pierotti announced Tuesday night a private benefactor will pay to install a blues marker for the late Napoleon Strickland.

“We’re the only town in Mississippi that will have three,” she said, drawing more applause.