Last year this event promised to raise thousands of dollars for downtown. That never happened. A small portion went to children's charities. A good and noble cause, but honestly guys where is the rest of the money going? Was $40,000 used for public improvements,advertising, culture or art (like their ads promise)? Not last year, not this year. Once again raising money to get out of debt? These are tough economic times, let's keep our money downtown for downtown.

Over the last twenty years Conway Main Street has been a valuable asset working to revitalize and improve the economic climate downtown. The question remains, how was the remaining $45,000 spent last year and how will CMS spend this year’s $50,000? We know that the one festival they put on each year is paid for by the sponsors and most all of advertising is donated. We know that the City of Conway (our tax dollars) funds the majority of their salaries. We know that they received an additional $5,000 from City Council (our tax dollars) just recently to pay their national membership dues. With a budget of over $100,000 per year, you would think at least 50% of that budget would go towards public improvements, downtown benches, landscaping, planters, advertising, something! This is a public non-profit organization that should have the courage to put its budget and plans out there. The public has the right to know, without being ridiculed for asking the question.

Yes I'm sad, not very little, but sad. What has happened to Conway? Some changes are good and some are bad. Good are the organizations that bring people to Conway and improve business for those people that are still in business. Mainstreet and other organizations should be working on events to bring people into Conway and not to MB. Yes, they do ONE festival (festivals??)a year. In years past, the Christmas Open House on Sunday was a hot topic, businesses open late on Thursday evenings was the place to go, Jazz Festival was looked forward to every year, this year they were all ho hum....where was the great advertising and posters plastered everywhere? Mainstreet in the past has been an organization that cared about Conway and worked to help give this town a special name....A City of Character. Come on everyone...let's work together and make Conway a destination place for those in MB, not the other way around. If things don't change soon Conway will be known as "A City With No Character'. Yes....I'm sad.

Question. Since this organization did not put even $1000 in downtown improvements, why would they need to raise $50,000 for salaries? Seems like such a waste when there are so many other needs in the community!

I find this kind of activity a bit demeaning. Grown men dressing up like women. This is a slap in the face for women. What implications does it have for the participants. Is alcohol served at this function? I also would like to know where all the money went. Were we that much in the red?

Cheers to Main Street and Conway! Bringing drag mainstream is a major step in the advancement the LGBT movement. What is so remarkable is that it is being led in a conservative christian stronghold such as Conway. Big thanks to all those brave contestants, whoever you are, you are our freedom fighters!

Hasn't this event been overdone already!! Humane Society has been doing this for years and now Mainstreet is doing it for a second year in a row. Can't someone at Mainstreet get a little more creative? Whatever happened to Downtown Goes Uptown? At least that was held in Conway and attended by Conwayites and others.

I too would like to know why there is no longer a Downtown Goes Uptown. My family bought tickets every year and donated items for auction. Everyone had a really good time and it was a reason to get dressed up and meet friends for some fun in downtown Conway, it was a special night. Was it moved to the beach too? Bring back Conway's one special, dressy evening. I'll be the first to buy tickets when I see the advertising for it.

It is nice to get online and throw out negitive comments about people trying to help others. You stay hidden and it makes you feel like you are getting involved. Problem is you are not. Lets take all that pent up energy and join a local organization, serve on a board of an orginization you think is doing wrong, show up at a public meeting asking for input. No we stay at home and do the armchair quarterbacking. Heaven help us if we have to get involved. If you do not like this event. If you do not like where the money is being spent. Then get involved. Take action. My wife says you can get more done with killing someone with kindness then belittling them. So lets get positive and involved. If you are concerned then you should want to help not hurt. Together everyone can achieve much more then individually standing back and throwing darts. Help us make Conway grow and prosper.

Not sure why everyone is so defensive, slowly reread the 1st post. I interpret the 1st post as 3 simple parts. 1st an inquiry, 2nd a statement of facts and 3rd a recommendation. This person is then attacked by later posts. Such harsh responses lead me to think that this org believes it is above reproach. Either the money is mishandled or it isn't and a detailed financial record should make that clear.

I can't speak from any experience with this program, but I have worked closely with non-profits elsewhere. On the surface it would appear that the program could be overweight in salaries. If they maintain two full time professional employees on $100k budget, salaries could account for over 60% of revenue. This is universally frowned upon in the nonprofit arena. Why doesn't someone request to see the check register and related financial records. If they receive gov't funding it should be public info (see freedom of information act). Or better yet Main Street should proudly post them for all to see.

I found this from bankrate.com
"In addition, you may want to re-think your support of an organization that won't provide a financial statement. Reputable charities should encourage your interest in them."
Full article here:http://w ww.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20020107a.asp

This country was founded on dissent. Fighting may be bitter, but the rewards of setting things right is a lasting sweetness. Just ask our founding fathers.

I'm confused. I thought that the Cutie Pie contest was a contest of little children, mostly little girls with frilly dresses, tiaras, shiny shoes, and her MaMas makeup prancing around a stage hoping to win a trophy, scholarship, money or a bigger tiara. I'm new to the south, have these children been replaced with grown men doing the same thing? Who has 50 bucks these days to buy a ticket and then buy food and drinks? Sounds like a $200.00 evening for two. I need a date that will spring for the tab for this show. Who cares where the money goes in the end, it sounds like crazy people throwing money away in the first place.

Something is bothering me. I see this Cutie Pie Contest about fund raising for the Conway Mainstreet and children's charities. Which is being held in Myrtle Beach. Shouldn't it be called the Myrtle Beach Mainstreet?
Now I read today in the Sun News that there is going to be a Chicken Bog at a place called Pully Bones for $10.00 a plate to benefit Conway Mainsteet and children's charities. How much of these monies raised are going to Conway Mainstreet and how much is going to the children's charities? Is Mainstreet broke (financially and structually)? Is there a way to find out what the "planned" percentages that these two money makers will be paying to Conway Mainstreet and to each of the children charities? The rumor I heard was last year the children got a very small amount. Is that true? Any answers?

Last year it raised $50,000 and 5k or 10% of that went to children's charities. They promote the children's charities for the emotional connection. People will donate $$ to help children, it's a common ploy with charities that lack an emotional trigger.

Has anyone walked around and asked the merchants how they feel about Main Street? Most have given up, less then 25% are members. Many members are not happy either.

Where did $45K go? you'll have to ask them, but they are not fond of inquiries(see 2nd post). I hope to see major changes at mainstreet. Anyone on the board for the last 5-6 years has got to question where i all went wrong. Years ago it was great and with a lot smaller budget.

I remember when Conway Main Street USA started and the great people who were on board to turn our town around. I believe that this organization has helped downtown Conway to stay alive through the years while other small towns around us have a dying downtown. I have questioned some of the decisions that have been made in the past and some of the people who have been working for the organization, but I do believe that the addition of Hillary Howard is bringing our downtown back to the fundamental principals of Conway Main Street USA. I see Hillary all over downtown and always has a positive and fresh idea on hand to bring the spotlight to our lovely downtown. Where is Gayle??? I never thought Gayle was in line with the values of Conway Main Street USA and I believe she is the person behind the Cutie Pie contest in MB idea. If it is true that payroll is eating up the money for the non-profit organization we need to consider who can do the job best in sync with our community's values. Just because Gayle holds the Director position does not mean that Mrs. Howard could not be the Director. We should look at the whole picture and the long range goals each lady presents for our downtown.

Hillary sure does have a huge fan. Watch your back Gayle. Let's see who comes out on top when the dust settles and the Cutie Pie Contest is over.

National Main Street Program spends thousands of dollars Promoting Gay Pride Month in June 09
http://blogs.nationaltrust.org/preservationnation/?p=5050

Then financially sponsors Capital Pride 2009, a large gay pride festival in DC
see video: http://www.capitalpride.org/?page_id=36

see sponsor list: http://www.capitalprid e.org/?page_id=46

For more info search "DC Pride 2009" on YouTube.com

Conway Main Street goes to City Council and asks for and receives 5,000 of the tax payers dollars.
see: http://www.cityofconway.com/departments/council /Minutes/2009/Minutes/072709ccmin.pdf

Conway Main Street sends your $5000 to the state and national main street program.

National Main Street encourages local Main Street programs to incorporate "pride" promotions in their hometowns.
See National site: http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/diversity /lgbt-heritage-in-preservation/
and http://www.pres ervationnation.org/issues/diversity/lgbt-heritage-in-preservation/out- on-main-street/bill-mcleod.html

and http ://blogs.nationaltrust.org/preservationnation/?p=4686

Conway Main Street organizes a drag show in MB and drops their traditional black tie fundraiser in Conway.

Many residents see event as just all in good fun and for a good cause. Demand grows for it to be hosted in Conway.

Future Prediction
3rd year - No venue large enough in Conway so event is held outdoors. October nights are too chilly so event is coincidentally moved to June. Now Fall is open for black tie event to return to Conway and pacify conservatives.

4th year - Professional Queens are brought in to MC and add entertainment value. These pros have a strong following and bring pride supporters to the only pride event in the area.

5th year - Due to success, the event begins earlier and becomes an all day festival.

And in 3 short years from now Conway has an official Pride Festival. Unrealistic? We are already half way there. They have great support from the newspapers, TV, City Council, and some pretty influential business men. Momentum is on their side.

Good idea? Bad idea? No judgment here, just a prediction. Just wait 3 years and search "conway pride 2012" on Youtube and see what comes up.

I was not aware of the strong affiliation the Main Street Program has with the Gay Pride Movement. I guess I have not kept up with what is going on lately in the National scope of the program. I am proud that our little downtown is this progressive and is supporting LGBT causes. To know that $5000. each year goes to support these types of programs was news to me! I hope that Conway Main Street efforts are sincere and they will continue to support equality for all. Thanks for the update!

This just keeps getting better.

I absolutly loved the cutie pie contest!!!! It was great and we RAISED ALOT OF MONEY and to all of you who think its terrible.... let us know when you figure out a way to raise money and have fun with it. Why is it such a big deal that we take local "VOLUNTEERS" (may we remember) and dress them up as women and have them dance and sing??? I thought it was great and i wll definitly be going to next years!!!!!! Great job Hilary and Gayle!!!

L. Wood I think you may be missing something. You suggest that you are happy as long as the activity raises a lot of money and that it goes to a good cause. You feel that the end justifies the means. I'm sure that if a MB strip club hosted an event involving prominent Conway business women removing their clothes that too would raise a great amount of money. Everyone has a point at which they feel some activity is offensive. Please don't be so surprised by those that draw the line before you draw yours.
As a Christian I cannot in good faith support an event that violates so many of the principles universally held by the body of Christ.

While many Christian denominations find the consumption of alcohol permissible, none condone the level of drunkenness that was present at this event.

Men dressed as women, stripping down to bikini underwear, while women in the audience place dollars in their briefs is offensive to many Christians. There is no honor for these men, their portrayal of women is demeaning.

Humor and charity were indeed present as was vulgarity, perversion, and drunkenness. Everyone must draw the line somewhere. May I suggest that some of the contestants and spectators who claim to be Christian look to Scripture instead of society when determining where to place that line.

I know i was there! It was fun.although there are just still many questions about why this "ton" of money is not being spent on downtown Conway. If anyone could please give an answer and tell us where it goes, you wouldn't be hearing so much negative talk.

Saw the write up in the Independent and pics. I had to laugh at the picture of the line of guys, one guy looks sheepishly like he is not comfortable in his wig. If I were these "women" I'd be mad that I did not win a big ole tiara. Putting on pantyhose can take a lot of talent and time. These "women" should try out for the little girls "cutie pie contest", at least they go home with a trophy and shiny tiara.

Did you notice that the article does not mention anything about downtown Conway? Gail's headline reads "Cutie Pies Rock the Town" LOL Which town?...not this town! The article says the money is going to children's charities...and....how about the rest? Duh.... Everyone is really tired of hearing about how Ms. Alexander raised money to pay her own salary! I have two ideas for the board of Main Street.
1.Have Hillary run Main Street.
2. Get rid of Gail.
That way you wouldn't have someone working all year to raise money to pay their own salary. This fund raiser does nothing to promote or benefit our downtown. If it does I would really like to hear about it. Show me the money!

I wish who ever was in charge of your downtown would advertise about all the great shops you have. You guys are so lucky, great restaurants and all. All I see are things about your trees and river but I don't think that helps the downtown businesses. You people need a merchants association to advertise what a great shopping experience you have. Who is in charge of marketing? All that money Main Street raised should go towards advertising to bring business downtown. Where I used to live that's what our Main Street did and we had a busy downtown.

From what I have read and heard about this event, it was a great success. Congrats Gail and Hillary. With such an influx of money to your organization I am sure that you already have great plans for new and exciting things in downtown Conway for the coming holidays and the year beyond. Can't wait to see what you have planned next to spark interest in our little town.