The Downtown Development Authority met Thursday morning to discuss what has been going on for the downtown businesses.

There was a lot of excitement over the reopening of Polka Dots, Bean Around the World and South Georgia Sports—all under new management.

In addition to the reopened businesses, there are several new businesses added to the downtown area.

Port City Electric is a new electrical and air-conditioning business located on Broughton Street. On Broad Street is Omnishop, and on West Street is Gear It Up. Finally, Coot’s Barbecue is now open on Water Street.

The DDA also voted upon this year’s Christmas ornament.

Each year since 1991, the Authority has selected a historic site from the drawings of Mary Barber Cox to be featured on the annual ornament. This year, the site is Oak City Cemetery.

Oak City is one of Bainbridge’s largest cemeteries, interring more than 1,000, including famous 1930s actress Miriam Hopkins. It is located on Cemetery Street and is most recognized by its arched metal gate and moss covered oak trees—as pictured by Cox in her ink drawing.

The ornament will be released for sale late this fall and will be signed by Mary Barber Cox as they are every year.

The ornaments have become quite the collector’s item and many eagerly await their arrival each year.