"We are starting to see the results from our efforts of promoting our Facade Grant Program," stated Cruz who informed The News Gram that four of these projects are already visible, "This year we plan to be in double digits of works in completion."

What he is referring to is the program from the Texas Historical Commission which is geared to preserve the classic look of traditional central business districts across the state where matching funds will allow businesses to renovate the facade of their business up to $10,000.00 to make our downtown more inviting to tourists and visitors.

"I know things can't happen over night and I don't expect them to," added Cruz who has spent the better part of last year trying to get all of our downtown businesses to buy into the multiple benefits of this program, "Things tha move too fast tend to break, so everything in good time is best as far as I'm concerned and stores like Hesles were the first to have their building restored."

Hesles' downtown is getting a major facelift indeed as Mina Cobo and the Hesles family are busy putting the final touches on what is going to be a breath of fresh air in the downtown area which has been missing for far too many years.  Plans are to open an old-time ice cream fountain just like yesteryear with ice cream sodas, milk shakes and even frozen yogurt  in a lively, colorful environment.

Ricky Hesles has also purchased what used to be Harry's Cafe and has kept the original neon sign which will now carry the name Mia's Cafe where they will be serving an interesting menu of traditional Mexican breakfast items, authentic burritos and tacos and will be opening next week.

This restaurant will be coming in as Casa del Sol Coffee Shop has already opened at the entrance of Luna's Friendly Pharmacy with all types of cappuccinos, double shot espressos of all flavors and even frozen coffees.

Both of these establishments sound like just the kind that could bring Eagle Passans back to main Street on a daily basis, and that 's not all.

Did you know that the old Aztec Theater will re-open its doors, unfortunately not as a theatre but as a new night spot which will be called The Moves and Villa del Paris has been purchased and will soon be a sporting goods store in downtown Eagle Pass and Victor's Men's Wear will be getting a fantastic 60's retro paint job on its three-story facade which will liven up the landscape on Main in a big way.

Mi Casa will also be taking advantage of the FGP and will be changing its product line to include all kinds of Zumba wear for all you men and women who are looking to get fit in the new year.

So as the CC Winn Jazz Band played on into the night at the Christmas on Main event back in December and as the 300+ people who attended the Art on Main event at Riskind's, there is a lot more that is going to be happening downtown in the very near future.

"The Riskind Family was very pleased to have had such a lively event within the walls of their old store and hope to see many more such events like this soon."