Downtown Smithfield using music, community spirit to fight coronavirus By Randy Capps
The coronavirus pandemic has written a new normal for people all over the world, and Johnston County is no exception. A typical weekday lunch hour in Downtown Smithfield would feature the hustle and bustle of people coming and going from the courthouse, shuffling in and out of town hall or perhaps doing a little shopping on Third Street. Of course, none of that was happening on a recent Tuesday afternoon. Simple Twist, The Diner, Sami’s and the other downtown restaurants were filling take out orders, but otherwise it was oddly quiet, thanks to the governor’s recent orders designed to slow the spread of the virus. But this new normal came with a bright side. A young woman stood on the corner of Market and Third Streets, filling the air with music. Elle Stephens, strumming away on her guitar, was doing her best to sing the streets back to life. Or, at the very
least, show a glimmer of hope to anyone within earshot. She was there to support the local restaurants, but there was a little something in it for the Clayton native as well. “Playing,” she said. “I love sharing my music with people. I’ve got a lot of original songs that I play. It’s fun. I just got into it in August. I’ve been writing and singing for a while, but I’ve just started playing locally.” While her usual venues, places like bars and restaurants, are unavailable, any chance to perform is one worth taking. “(I’d have to) Write music in my room,” she said, with a laugh. “One of my friends is still working, and she plays around, and that’s what we do when she gets home. ‘Let’s just play music, because there’s nothing else to do.’ It’s making us feel better. Giving us something to do. An outlet.”
only Sarah Edwards’ passion, it’s her job. As Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, she’s tasked with promoting the businesses there. It’s a demanding mission even in the best of times, but it’s one she believes in.
Promoting Downtown Smithfield is not
Musicians like Stephens and Proton
Tammie Sperry, from Designs Down to a T, painted the windows at O’Meara Realty Group. They are in support of small businesses, Easter and a bear for the bear hunt.
14 | JOHNSTON NOW
