MIDDLEPORT — The Middleport Community Association has concluded a successful holiday season, and plans for the first event of 2010 are underway.

At the first meeting of the year Tuesday 2009 officers were elected to continue their duties into this year: President Debbie Gerlach, Vice President Pooch Brewer, Treasurer Kathy Mullins and Secretary Sue Stone.

Gerlach reported on the success of holiday promotions, particularly the Christmas parade and other events in early December. Scheduling changes were made for the parade, Christmas tree lighting and carriage rides, and those changes resulted in better attendance, she said, and a more successful day.

Heather Smith was the winner of the large-screen television given away as a door prize for the Christmas season. The association purchased many smaller prizes from local merchants to giveaway in member names this year.

The association’s next event is the semi-annual Bear Basket Games, to be held March 31. The fundraiser is one of the association’s most important. It provides revenue necessary for July 4 festivities and other association events.

A home and garden tour is set for June 20.

Gerlach said there are still a few of the Cat’s Meow replicas of Middleport High School available for purchase.

The association enters a new year with a strong cash balance, Gerlach said, but dues are important to continuing programs for the year. Dues statements will be mailed soon.

Brenda Davis of The Daily Sentinel discussed the upcoming 2010 Meigs County Visitors Guide, which the newspaper produces under contract with Meigs County Economic Development.