What’s it going to take to revitalize downtowns in rural South Alabama?

That’s the question the Brundidge Business Association is hoping to answer, and soon.

The BBA met Tuesday afternoon and tossed around ideas for “rebranding” the city.

For nearly two decades, Brundidge has billed itself as “Alabama’s Own Antique City.”

The closing of several of the city’s antique stores is reason to reconsider that “brand” and look for another that will entice motorists off busy U.S. Highway 231 and into town and also act as a catalyst for new businesses.

BBA President Chuck Caraway said the rebranding committee had met with committee head Chris Rich, who owns and operates studio 116 with his wife, Sara Dismukes. Caraway highlighted several of the ideas and possibilities the committee had discussed for the branding process.

However, the membership did not agree upon one “brand” that they felt was “the” new brand for the city.

It was suggested that ideas could be invited from community residents and possibly from students at the local schools.

King Isaac asked for the BBA’s support of and involvement in the annual March for Jesus scheduled for Oct. 20.

“The march begins at Galloway Park and goes through town and back to the park,” he said.

“There’s preaching and singing and things for the children to do. It’s a good thing for Brundidge and needs our support.”

The BBA members discussed plans for the city’s Christmas Parade, which will be on Dec. 4.

They discussed purchasing banners for the city’s street lamps that would add a festive flair to the downtown area.

Lamar Steed suggested that the BBA provide funding for high school marching bands that participate in the parade.

“Sometimes schools don’t have the money to transport their bands to participate in parades,” he said.

“It would be good if we could give them enough money for the bus. We appreciate them coming and that would be something we could do to help them out a little.”

Upcoming events in Brundidge include, the Brush Arbor Singing on Oct. 24 at the Knox Ryals Pavilion, the Peanut Butter Festival on Oct. 27 and Trick-or-Treating at the Bass House on Oct. 30.