Summer Reading: Recent Highlights from the Blog

Aerial photograph of a historic downtown during a festival event with people and vendor tents lining the main street — Crowds gather for the annual South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival. © True Light Photography

Summer is a busy time for Main Streets! Between downtown events, construction projects, seasonal markets, and more, you may have missed some of the amazing content that we have shared over the past few months. As we head into the fall season, we invite you to enjoy some end-of-summer reading with this collection of some of the best blogs from June, July, and August.

Main Spotlight: How Fredericksburg Main Street Uses Shop Crawls to Boost Downtown Businesses

Shop crawls are a great way to introduce people to your small businesses. Fredericksburg Main Street loves to host shop crawls, and this spring, they tried a new model: the flower crawl.

July 23, 2024

Two flower crawl participants hold their bouquets while they browse the merchandise in a participating retailer. — Flower crawl participants hold their bouquets while they browse the merchandise in a participating retailer. © Fredericksburg Main Street

Cómo

Main Spotlight: Exploring the Spring 2024 Small Business Survey Results

Our Research team shares the results of the Spring 2024 Small Business Survey, with insights related to small scale manufacturing in Main Street districts, opportunities to best support entrepreneurs, and more.

August 6, 2024

People walk along a sidewalk and a woman standing near a sign promoting a coffee business waves; bright red chairs offer seating along the exterior facade of the building. — The Dalles, Oregon © Alicia Gallo

Perspectivas

Main Spotlight: Building Community with Pikeville Pride

Learn how Pikeville Pride partners with Pikeville Main Street to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community in their rural Kentucky town.

June 18, 2024

A group of people watching a drag performance at a pride event — Attendees enjoy a drag performance at Pikeville Pride 2023. © Pikeville Pride

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Community Spotlight: How LaCrosse Community Pride Makes a Big Difference for Their Small Town

LaCrosse Community Pride shares how they use the Main Street Approach to make a significant impact in a town of less than 300 people.

August 15, 2024

People sit at a long table on the street in a historic downtown — The annual Harvest Dinner in LaCrosse, Washington, brings people together to celebrate their downtown and the organization working to preserve it. © LaCrosse Community Pride

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Staff Spotlight: Using the Arts to Foster Community Change

Art is a powerful tool for community change. Learn how the arts can improve community engagement, boost economic development, and connect with the Main Street Approach.

August 2, 2024

A downtown building with a curved facade featuring a mural with the words "historic arts" — In Vancouver, Washington, murals celebrate the community’s rich arts heritage and bring vibrancy to a previously neglected area. © Alicia Gallo

Perspectivas

Main Spotlight: How to Create a Strong Foundation for Powerful Communications

Heart of Biddeford in Biddeford, Maine, explains the process they used to create robust new communications procedures.

July 16, 2024

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Main Spotlight: Downtown Lansing Steps Into Tough Conversations About How to Make Public Spaces for Everyone

MSA President and CEO Erin Barnes explores how a holiday market in a public park brought a new focus on growing humanitarian needs in downtown city centers.

August 19, 2024

A large colorful mural featuring the faces of children and the words "you have a voice" — This mural in downtown Lansing was painted by local teenagers through an art program with muralmatics. © Downtown Lansing Inc

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