I had the privilege of addressing the MainStreet Cleveland membership recently during their January meeting. Reports from merchants are always exciting and news of the success of new businesses continues to encourage the revitalization efforts.
Even though we don’t feel we have really experienced “winter” yet, it is apparent that spring and summer are gearing up to be a terrific MainStreet Cleveland season.
MainStreet Cleveland was recently awarded a grant from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program which will allow it to promote this year’s Five Points Farmers Market opening in June.
The Cleveland Apple Festival recently donated $1,000 to MainStreet as a donation from proceeds of its successful October festival. The festival, which was mentioned in an issue of “Southern Living” last year, continues to gain state and national attention, and more and more visitors make their plans to come to Cleveland for this event each fall.
Soon, the spring street banners will go up that proclaim “Think Downtown First.” Sponsorship of the banner offers attention for its buyers from March through September. Information is available from Sharon Marr, executive director of MainStreet Cleveland, regarding purchase of these advertising opportunities.
With spring around the corner, it marks the beginning of the ever-popular MainStreet Cruise-Ins. The first one is April 28, and then they continue through September.
Downtown is filled each time the show opens as exhibitors and spectators enjoy the array of cars on display. Thanks to a lot of hard workers, this event is growing with each Cruise-In.
Evening Shade Concerts held each Friday in May draw downtown visitors who enjoy the varied selection of music during this series. This has become a great time for people to spend time in the park enjoying fellowship and great music.
Then in June, the Five Points Farmers Market begins with local produce plentiful. As my garden grows smaller each year at home, I look more and more to the plentiful supply of fruits and vegetables I find at the market. Fresh flowers and plants can also be discovered. This too is a MainStreet event that continues to grow.
“Think Downtown First” is certainly a great campaign for MainStreet’s spring and summer, thanks to the hard work of this community-first organization, in partnership with its members, downtown businesses and supporters.
The heart of any city is its downtown area and there’s no doubt the “heart” of many is involved in our MainStreet efforts. Mark your calendars now for the MainStreet events.
The fall and winter seasons are another story with the Halloween Block Party, Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade events. They get bigger and better each year.
