By Becky Holland
Sometimes the brightest ideas begin with something simple — wanting to make people smile.
That was the inspiration behind the colorful new umbrella display now hanging over State Bank Lane in downtown Cochran, according to Laura Bergeaux with the City of Cochran’s Downtown Development Authority.
“I just wanted to create a fun place where people could come and enjoy themselves,” Bergeaux said. “I love seeing people excited and happy about something. It’s really what inspired it — just a little happy place for everyone.”
Bergeaux said she had seen similar displays in photos from other places and thought it would be something easy and fun to bring to Cochran.
The umbrellas were first installed last Saturday, but her husband, Brian, later reworked the display and finished the project Tuesday afternoon.
The effort quickly became a community project.
Bergeaux said she shared the idea with Melissa Barker of the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce, who helped secure the umbrellas. Together, they agreed purple, gold and white would be the perfect colors.
Robert Fordham of The Mule Barn also helped gather needed supplies, while an unexpected passerby even stopped to lend a hand as Brian worked Tuesday.
Additional hometown touches were added with a Bleckley County High School Royals flag donated by Rob Dykes of Dykes Pharmacy and a Middle Georgia State University Knights flag provided by Randy Thompson.
Already, the display is serving its intended purpose.
Bergeaux said several graduating seniors have already used the umbrellas as a backdrop for photos.
“That’s what it is all about,” she said.
The cheerful installation adds another pop of personality to downtown Cochran — and perhaps a reminder that sometimes the smallest ideas can brighten an entire community.
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