By KINSLEY COOK
“Boots Around Town” began in 2023 around the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo weekend. Currently, the city of Bonifay is home to eleven painted cowboy boots, with plans to add even more in the future.
“Each boot is a labor of love and work of art that reflects corresponding local business or organization,” said Kate Steele. Steele and Brandi D. Jordan share their artistic abilities with Bonifay through each boot and downtown murals. Additionally, the two artists design each boot based on the desire of the business owner or organization leader.
The Bonifay boots are molded from the same company as the customized peanuts in Dothan, Alabama. After Jordan or Steele finishes the final touches of paint on the boot, an automotive clear clout is applied locally by Holmes Tool. “It is truly a group effort that involves our community working together. I am humbled and honored to play a very small part through painting for the place I will always call home, ” added Steele.
The Holmes Tool, Panhandle Lumber, Community South, Bonifay Fire- Rescue, Bonifay Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hansen Engineering boots were painted by Jordan. The First Federal Bank, Son’s Tire, Holmes District School Board, Hawkins Family Medicine, and Doctor’s Memorial Hospital boots were painted by Steele.
Steele said, “It is a blessing to see the Kiwanis Club, along with our local government, and other organizations fulfill the need to breathe fresh life into this city through art.”
NATALIE HOLTON 