VIDEO: Mississippi Main Street Honors Mother Goose

JACKSON, Miss.(WCBI)—Honoring the people who make Main Street come alive all over the state was the goal today as the Mississippi Main Street Association hosted it’s 28th annual awards banquet.

During the ceremony several local directors, workers and Main Street personalities were recognized for their hard work in giving the downtown area
life.

Edwina Williams, better known in the Golden Triangle as Mother Goose, was honored for her work and dedication to others by the Mississippi Main Street Association.

It was such a great honor. To represent Main Street in Columbus, Mississippi, and all the great work that Columbus and Main Street does. So I was thrilled.
It was sort of a surprised until they told me at the last minute and I came with them and I’m nothing but smiles,”said Main Street Hero Edwina Williams.

Generations of kids in Columbus have heard Mother Goose read countless stories. Her goal has always been to inspire kids and give them the love she has for reading.

” I’ve been around for a long time. I just developed the character of Mother Goose because I was with children telling stories. I though maybe if I could
find a character they could relate and I’ve been doing it for many many years,”said Williams.

Director Of Field Services for Mississippi Main Street Jan Miller  says  a Main Street Hero is a person who goes above and beyond volunteering. Main Street Columbus Direct Barbra Bigelow says that’s exactly why Mother Goose was perfect for the honor. They’re happy to share the love she shows for others with a small token of appreciation.

” We are so excited. We all know she is Columbus hero. We were so excited to have the opportunity to present her name for this award or to be honored with this award,”said Bigelow.

You can usually see Mother Goose at the Library or at the numerous events Main Street Columbus hosts in downtown. She’s always a big hit with the kids and the young at heart.

” I love it the children keep me young and they are just precious and adorable. I have a good time with them and especially in Columbus Public Library,”said Williams.

There are 50 certified Main Street Programs and 7 network programs. Main street helps to develop down towns all over the state.

Columbus was one of the first main streets in the state.