Making Magnolia Blossom made a “big splash” in October with more than 500 volunteers transforming the look of Magnolia’s Main Street, and the organization is recruiting volunteers for a 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 11 Big Splash Spring Edition.
Interested volunteers can register at www.MagnoliaBlossom.org. On the registration form, volunteers can sign up individually, as a family, or as a team leader. Projects for this cleanup are focused around Magnolia’s downtown and courthouse square, in preparation for the Magnolia Blossom Festival in May.
As with October’s Big Splash, there are a few spotlight areas which will receive intensive makeovers. One of the major projects will be at the former service station across from the Farmer’s Bank & Trust Operations Center on Main Street. MMB hopes to gather around 50 volunteers to paint the building and curbs, which will be followed by replacement of broken glass panels in the doors and windows.
Another major initiative will take place at the former community garden next to the Cameo Theater building on Jackson Street. 
Another large group of volunteers will join forces to remove the fencing and clear the lot. MMB is working to partner with groups and individuals for an exciting future project at this location. More information will be distributed as plans develop.
Around the Courthouse Square, volunteers will plant flowers in the landscaping planters and put fresh paint on the curbs. A big push will be made to cut back and clear overgrowth around the Square, and specifically on the north side across from the Wilson Memorial Garden.
MMB is also working with the Columbia County Master Gardeners to possibly offer volunteer help at the Wilson Garden. Tasks are being identified, and if Magnolia citizens show up in force like in the fall, various paint projects may be completed at this location.
Volunteer groups will also be dispersed throughout town and at the entrances to Magnolia to pick up litter. If volunteers are available, other projects will be completed in various areas on Main Street and around town.
As volunteers register online at MagnoliaBlossom.org, they will find more information about some of the key projects and will even be able to select the project at which they wish to work. Pre-registered volunteers will either check-in at their selected work area, or will arrive at the central check-in to be located at the parking lot next to the former community garden at the corner of Jackson and Union.
Big Splash Saturday was held on October 25, 2014, and was the kick-off event for Making Magnolia Blossom, a community organization established at Southern Arkansas University.
Organizers received $14,000 in early donations to help fund Big Splash Saturday. The Magnolia Advertising and Promotions Commission awarded Making Magnolia Blossom a $10,000 grant, and Magnolia’s Walmart gave a $2,000 Community Giving Grant. The remainder of the donations came from local businesses and individuals.
Since the Big Splash, an additional $10,000 has been given by an anonymous donor who wants to see the improvements continue, and they will not have to wait long. A follow-up event was held on December 6, and volunteers completed the painting of two Main Street businesses. Also on December 6, MMB sponsored its first fundraising event – the Ugly Sweater 5K. This unique event was held at the SAU track and community walking trail.
