On this Valentine’s Day, I just wanted to let everyone know how much I love HGTV. And according to the network, I am not alone in my affection.

Viewers in their target demographic watch the network for an average of two hours and 14 minutes per sitting.

That sounds about right to me, and to squeeze in as many episodes as I can in that time frame, I will record the television show so I can fast forward through the commercials.

I am not terribly selective in which shows I watch since I find them all entertaining and educational.

Everyone can benefit from a few decorating tips.

However, some of my favorite shows to watch include “Fixer Upper” with Chip and Joanna Gaines, “Good Bones ” with Mina Starsiak and her mother, Karen Laine, “Windy City Rehab” with Alison Victoria and the plethora of shows that feature Jonathan and Drew Scott of the “Property Brothers.”

Another home and gardening television show I have grown to enjoy is “Home Town” with Ben and Erin Napier.

The show premiered in 2017, and the husband and wife team are revitalizing homes in their hometown of Laurel. And if you didn’t know, that’s in Mississippi.

That’s right. Good ole “m-I crooked letter, crooked letter I, crooked letter, crooked letter I, humpback, humpback I.”

The couple both attended Ole Miss, which I don’t hold against them, and one of their goals is to keep the character of the properties they restore.

Erin has a background in graphic design, and Ben is a talented builder, who oftentimes repurposes old wood from the homes to add architectural detail or make furniture pieces with his woodworking skills.    

“Home Town” is in its fourth season, and in addition to continuing the revitalization of their hometown, they are launching a new series called “Home Town Takeover.”

The show will be a six-episode event that will air in 2021, and the cool thing about “Home Town Takeover” is they are seeking small towns with a population of 40,000 or less, which means Vicksburg qualifies.

And thanks to some folks here in town, Vicksburg may get a chance to shine.

About three weeks ago, a group of community leaders and residents got together to create and submit a video application for “Home Town Takeover.”

Launo Moore and Elizabeth Nelson got the ball rolling by reaching out to volunteers, who could help create the video and fill out the application.

It didn’t take long for the pair to find support, and those on the creative side began putting together a video showcasing Vicksburg’s unique features and destinations, while others in the community worked on filling out the paperwork for the application.  

The end product is amazing, and if you haven’t seen the video be sure and check it out on our website at www.vicksburgpost.com/2020/02/08/video-vicksburg-enters-hgtvs-hometown-takeover-contest.

It has not yet been released as to when the winners will be announced, but since life is like a box of chocolates, perhaps Vicksburg will get picked; you just never know.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.