By Emily Burleigh

The recently instituted “grass roots” event 3rd on 3rd in Leesville is picking up speed.

This monthly event, which takes place on the third Thursday of every month, highlights the progressive development of Leesville’s Main Street District by featuring local businesses, food trucks, restaurants, musicians and art.

This effort aims to offset a national decline in main street development “due to suburbs and big box stores, chain stores and growth on a town’s perimeter,” said Tony McDonald.

“The Leesville Main Street District, over the years, has had its ebb and flow with businesses coming and going.”

The event was created by Leesville local Leila Pollard, who became aware of the need for a bustling main street district while seeking ways to kill time while her children attended Jujitsu classes. “Leila made it a point to visit restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses and got a commitment to stay open late on the Third Thursday of the month, and a plan was born.”

Gallery One Eleven, which McDonald is the director of, participates in this event by hosting an Artist Roundtable. This month, local artists and patrons will gather to discuss the art of the current abstract exhibition, “Three from Shreveport.”

Gallery One Eleven will also feature live music from the American Tune Factory, a three-piece acoustic band.

Kenny Pollard of the “Old Man Band” will be performing at  Joe Red’s Coffee Shop.