Dadeville's Business Boom
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adeville’s business community is growing so fast, it’s hard to keep up with it, but Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited about the progress, said the chamber’s president, Peggy Bullard. “Last year, there were 25 new businesses in our area. We did 17 ribbon cuttings last year,” Bullard said. From boutiques on the courthouse square to restaurants, the arts and business consultants, Dadeville’s potential has been discovered. Natives and newcomers alike have invested in the local economy. One of the first arrivals was Raining Dogs Gallery on the square. Opened in 2018, the Southern gallery features local and regional artists across a wide spectrum of media. Owner Will York said he established the gallery at the behest of Everything’s Art, a volunteer driven nonprofit that promotes the arts in the community.
28 Lake Martin Living
“Rejunevating often The Downtown Experience Left: Ellaby Boutique starts with a strong arts adds Hallmark charm to organization,” said York, whose background includes the Dadeville downtown square; Right: Jewelry, work with the Alabama handbags, clothing and Shakespeare Festival. “We shoes, as well as gift have many artists in the and hostess items, are area, and they are very good, popular at the quaint very diverse.” boutique on the square. York frequently changes the works on exhibit in his professional space. He features painters, sculptors, jewelers and good quality potters. In addition, he has started to conduct studio classes at the gallery, with a pottery class planned for June. Zazu’s Verandah also was early to the scene on the square, opening about four years ago. The event venue draws visitors downtown with weekly music and other
