By Chris OrletRecord Managing EditorThe success of last week’s Hometown Downtown Halloween coupled with some new, enthusiastic leaders has members of the Warrenton Downtown Association thinking good thoughts about the future.Downtown Warrenton has stagnated for decades as longtime businesses like Advance Beauty College have moved away and longtime anchors like Spudmasters restaurant, Sportsman’s Bar, Kathryn’s Gift Shop and Florist, and Western Auto have closed their doors.But there is a change in the air.WDA President Jason Emmerson says these days the organization’s members are positive and energetic.“These men and women truly want to see the downtown area of Warrenton as well as our entire community be a successful and supportive place to live and work,” he said. Brenda Sue Fowler, of Brenda Sue’s Costumes and Vintage Clothing Shop, said the WDA is doing as much as they can to entice people to come downtown.“We’re trying to show people that this is a viable and progressive downtown,” she said.There have been signs of rebirth of late. Brewskies just celebrated its 20th anniversary downtown, which means a good business can make it long-term on Main Street. Dr. James Brent recently moved his dental office to downtown. The Village Bookstore opened up on Main Street two years ago.“Yes, there are vacancies but those should be considered opportunities,” said Emerson.Emmerson says that a downtown is crucial to a strong city.“I believe a vibrant downtown, especially in a rural city like Warrenton, is incredibly important,” he said. “In a city like ours, the downtown should be a place of joy and pride, of energy and development. Every city needs a center, a core, a heart and our downtown area should be that.”Prehaps the biggest recent success was the Hometown Downtown Halloween. An estimated 600 people crowded the sidewalks of downtown for that event.“The Halloween event had a great acceptance by the whole community,” said Fowler.Emmerson says the WDA is focusing on creating and sustaining several fun and family focused events downtown.“Our 25th annual Hometown Christmas is coming up on Dec. 6 and we seek the same thing — participation and attendance,” he said.Events will begin at 5:45 p.m. with carriage rides, Santa visits, reindeer at the city hall, an open house at the Schowengerdt house, lighting of a Christmas tree, and carolers and other musical presentations on Main Street.If that doesn’t get people downtown, maybe this will: a chili cook off at Brewskies. And there is more. The Historical Society will host displays of memorable Christmas gifts from the childhood memories from the Who’s Who of Warrenton.To get residents in the Christmas mood, The Warren County Record will host an “Ugly Sweater Contest” from Nov 15 to Dec 5. Prizes include a dinner for two at Brewskies, two movie passes to Warrenton Cinema, tickets to a musical event at Innsbrook (a $180 value), a dozen roses from A Moment of Grace Florist, and a $25 gift certificate to Davis Meat. Readers are asked to submit their ugly sweater photo on line at www.wcrnews.com. Emmerson said ideas are starting to form about a summer event next year.“The renaissance is just beginning. It will take time,” said Emmerson. “But the overwhelming support shown by the great people of our community is evidence enough that we are on the right track.”For more information concerning Hometown Christmas contact Jason Emmerson at revjay@gmail.com.  For more information concerning the “Ugly Sweater contest” contact Jana Todd at The Warren County Record.

Chris Orlet Photo DOWNTOWN NOW — Leaders of the Warrenton Downtown Association are optimistic about a rebirth in the heart of Warrenton. Pictured are WDA President Jason Emmerson, Brenda Sue Fowler and Alouise Marschel.