Main Street Greenwood presented its 2018 ideas and plan to activate and revitalize downtown Greenwood at its annual meeting Tuesday.
Brantley Snipes, executive director of Main Street Greenwood, said most of the ideas originated from the summer session “How Downtown?”, where Greenwood residents voiced their wants and needs for the downtown area.
One of the ideas presented was Luncheon with the Locals. Beginning next year on Mondays, food trucks from Greenwood and other regional areas would set up at Rail Spike Park. Snipes said she expects a consistent group of trucks but hopes new ones would also join.
Mondays are a slow day for Greenwood, and food trucks would be part of the initiative to activate downtown, she said. Also, it could be an opportunity for those interested in starting a restaurant to test out the market.
Another idea presented was Trade Days, in which artists, craftsmen or antique dealers would set up one Saturday a month at the Rail Spike Park Pavilion. Snipes said this would be a great way to encourage small business and local entrepreneurship.
Part of Main Street Greenwood’s plan was also to spotlight downtown properties as well as community efforts.
Adopt a Window is intended to highlight different community organizations.
“We wanted to have some of our active community groups ... adopt a spot in an empty storefront or window and showcase their work in the community,” Snipes said.
Open houses once a quarter at downtown properties were also discussed. Snipes said Main Street Greenwood would partner with a Realtor or property owner to showcase a building for sale with live music and cocktails.
“It is bringing an entertainment value that we don’t have downtown,” Snipes said.
All ideas are still a work in progress and would most likely begin in 2018, Snipes said.
In preparation for next year’s events, the ’Que on the Yazoo has already doubled its grant money for next year.
Snipes said Main Street Greenwood has already been awarded two grants — a Mississippi Arts Commission grant and Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau grant — totaling $6,000. The organization also has applied for another one.
Main Street’s budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 is about $58,000.
The new slate of Main Street Greenwood officers include President Debra Hibbler, Vice President Steven Cookston, Treasurer Timothy Stanciel and Secretary Beth Kittle. Main Street also has two new board members: Steve Iwanski and Timothy Stanciel.
•Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
