Carol Forsloff He manages to keep the economy going with good relationships with town merchants and everyone

The people of Natchitoches know what it takes to keep going in hard times and what they need to do to stay ahead of the crumbling economy. Indeed it has built a Field of Dreams for everyone and that has helped people fulfill their wishes at Christmas. The town has built it, and they have come. That Field of Dreams is where the Steel Magnolias live and prosper. It’s where people know each other and want to. It is also one of the friendliest towns in America, according to the thousands of visitors who come to Natchitoches at the time of the Christmas Festival. They find it truly a Field of Dreams. That dream field is all about business and how to do it, something that small towns who are united and that have been around a long time know how to do. On Front Street in Natchitoches businesses are doing well, according to reports. At a kitchen specialty store in Natchitoches I interviewed Caraloana Holden, who has worked for Cane River Kitchen the past two years, and who hasn't seen any downturn in business. That signals the fact that Natchitoches is doing fine this Christmas and so are its businesses. That “build it and they will come” enterprise is part of the business acumen held by Johnny Cox, owner of Johnny’s Coffee Shop on Front Street in the center of Natchitoches’ downtown area. He recognizes that good

Carol Forsloff This wonderful program celebrates the good business and the approach to making dreams come true, as people find their "Field of Dreams" in Natchitoches.

business means a variety of goodies, a great location, a friendly staff, and a town that supports business by its accent on visitor attractions that bring crowds. So while Starbucks downsizes, closes shops, or eliminates the high-priced offerings that people say they can’t afford anymore, Johnny’s is prospering because of the plan. That plan is to make good coffee, form good relationships and use a sound and solid foundation to make it all happen. As realtors grapple with the downturn of business throughout the country and banks struggle to remain open, neither type of business shows any strain in Natchitoches. Tyler Murchison at the Bank of Montgomery and Janice Bolten, who owns her own up-and-coming real estate firm agree that the “we will survive” refrain made so popular once in song, is part of the Natchitoches way. The Field of Dreams includes historical homes to visit, friendly people who welcome folks, a Creole people whose good looks and great talent make people want to come, and a Mayor who personifies a great captain at the helm to make it happen. So across the country and across the world, while Natchitoches and its Steel Magnolias tell me that they wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays for the remainder of 2008, they also welcome all to the Field of Dreams that appears so vibrant now in this town in the season of joy.