published in Gulf Coast News Today   Submitted by Foley Main Street

Through the month of April, get your picture taken with the “Foley Butterfly” and when you share it on social media simply add #foleybutterfly to be entered into a drawing for gift cards valued at $250 from downtown businesses.

“We want to thank everyone who visits Downtown Foley and who supports our local businesses,” said Shannon Tierney, Chairman of the Foley Main Street Promotions Committee. “Come down and try on your wings!"

Foley Main Street is committed to working with the city and businesses to enhance Downtown Foley through beautification and walkability efforts and focus attention on our downtown businesses. The Design Committee Chair Deborah Mixon said, “This is just the beginning. We are so excited about expanding the reasons for people to come downtown and the goal we have to freshen up downtown.”

The Foley Butterfly mural by Victoria Cirilli was commissioned by Foley Main Street and is the first of many new murals and public art coming to Foley through the Foley Main Street Public Art Initiative.

Tucked away in the alley between the Post Office and South McKenzie Street, you will find The Foley Butterfly. Chock full of details - it highlights portions of Foley and the South. In the upper left wing, you find an oak tree standing sentinel over rows of young plants pushing their way through the soil. A magnolia in full bloom drops into the lower left wing where a train comes barreling from the past. The L& N Railroad stopped at the Foley Depot which was built in 1909 and was the city’s hub of activity for over 60 years. The top right  wing soars with hot air balloons since Foley is known for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in May. Below, our pedestrian bridge and clock tower are captured along with roses from the Wilbourne Rose Trail. The steaming cup of coffee symbolizes the timeless act of getting together with friends. Finally - but certainly not least - the Foley Lion is the mascot for the Foley schools and proudly stakes his claim in our mural. You can access the alley from Laurel Avenue (Highway 98) or from Orange Street. It is on the sidewall of the Kit and Kaboodle store. You can also access it by walking through Stemz Florist, Soul Bowlz, or SunCoast Blinds & Shutters.

Darrelyn Dunmore, Executive Director of Foley Main Street, said, “We would like to challenge the downtown businesses to get their pictures taken with the butterfly as well. Show off a new product or just bring all your staff. It’s time for some fun. Remember #foleybutterfly! Thank you to our artist Victoria Cirilli for her wonderful artwork and to the City of Foley, WAS Designs, and Home Depot for their donation of time, supplies, and talent.”

PHOTO: Pictured from L to R: Standing with the Foley Butterfly: Foley City Councilman Charlie Ebert, Foley Main Street board member Frances Holk-Jones, Foley Main Street president Chad Watkins, Foley Main Street board member and design committee Chair Deborah Mixon, mural artist Victoria Cirilli, City of Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich, Design committee member Janay Dawson, Foley Main Street board member Justin Shanks, and City of Foley Municipal Complex Director Pam Harris.