POPLARVILLE — Pearl River County’s Drug and Soda Fountain completed exterior renovations through a $5,000 facade grant program aimed at attracting more residents and visitors to the “hidden gem” business. 

Pearl River Drug and Soda Fountain, the only connected pharmacy and soda fountain in the county, became a facade grant recipient Feb. 24 by a vote from board officials, receiving an email 10 days after submitting the application. 

The business was given a 60-day deadline to complete upgrades, but because of inclement weather, a 30-day extension was given. The remodeling was finished June 1. 

Laci Holifield, longtime Pearl River Drug manager and technician, said the current owner, Lawrence Holden, had already finished interior remodeling and had every intention to revamp the outside. 

“Hopefully, we are going to be able to get a little more advertisement out about our soda fountain because not everybody knows that it’s even here,” Holifield said. “It is a very well-kept secret of Pearl River County that people who have lived here for short times … didn’t even know this was here.” 

Holifield said they are expecting a bigger sign by the end of this week that will help attract more customers who travel through the area.