June Mayors Message
6/30/2025
Mayor’s Message
By the time you receive this newsletter, my favorite holiday—Independence Day—will have come and gone. Growing up here in Huntsville, I always looked forward to July 4th, a day that filled our small town with patriotic spirit and celebration. One of my early heroes, Mayor Sterling Wood (father of Suzanne Ferre, Becky Wood, and Willow Buttars), was at the helm during those formative years, and the festivities he led remain etched in my memory. Back in those days, one of the highlights was an industrial-grade wooden water slide. Constructed of plywood and lined with black plastic, it offered thrilling rides supported by steel girder trusses and lifted into place with a front-end loader. It wouldn’t exactly pass OSHA standards today, but it sure made for some unforgettable summers. Although times have changed, the spirit of Independence Day in Huntsville lives on. My adult children often say they love the 4th of July even more than Christmas—it’s a rare day when old friends reunite, and generations share snow cones and laughter together. This year, we had the pleasure of honoring Gary and Julie Probasco as our Grand Marshals. Riding in a beautifully restored surrey pulled by an antique Power Horse tractor, they truly embodied the heart of our community. Though they have since moved away, their legacy and impact will not be forgotten.
Welcome to Our New Businesses
We’re thrilled to welcome some familiar faces back to downtown Huntsville!
- Mark Goodson Art has returned and is now located at 7381 E 200 N (across from Huntsville Mercantile), in the building formerly used as the Town office. Mark’s work has long been a treasure in our community, and we’re excited to have him back in the heart of town.
- The Greenhouse Gallery has also reopened, bringing with it a showcase of talented local artisans. We’re especially pleased to welcome the Emie James Gift Shop from Eden, now partnering with the Gallery to bring a fresh shopping experience to Huntsville.
Please take a moment to visit and support these local gems. They help make Huntsville unique and vibrant.
I hope your summer is going well. Thank you for everything you do to make Huntsville such a wonderful place to live.
Warm regards,
Richard Sorensen
Mayor of Huntsville