DAPHNE, Ala.—The Daphne Downtown Redevelopment Authority listened to a presentation from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce on Monday and discussed part as the 2011 Jubilee Festival draws closer.

Darrelyn Bender, president of the chamber, said she hopes to begin a partnership with the authority because both groups have the same hope of spotlighting downtown Daphne.

“We do work with the community and do promote it,” she said.

Bender said the festival took a hit in the number of artists and residents who came out after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, but the festival has increased the number of artists and attendees since and hopes to continue. The 25th annual Jubilee Festival is scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25.

Casey Zito, president of the authority, said she’s heard that local merchants and restaurants in downtown Daphne close during the festival, which is an annual two-day arts and crafts event that usually happens on Main Street in September.

“We plan to have a merchants meeting in the next 60 days,” Zito said.