Chelsea Schneider, Innovations Content Manager, Aim
A scavenger hunt adventure. A celebration for the local harvest season. And a local rock band – Dr. Rock and the Rollers.
These events and more will take place in five communities across the state as part of this year’s Downtown Development Week. Bedford, Edinburgh, Jeffersonville, Knightstown and Monticello are the newest recipients of a state grant to celebrate the urban centers of communities across the state.
“Last year’s inaugural Downtown Development Week was warmly welcomed with more than 30 communities across the state hosting events,” said Jodi Golden, executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. “We are excited that these five awarded communities are working to make their downtowns a major stimulator for economic growth and talent retention.”
Projects will include:
- City of Bedford, $1,000
Bedford Revitalization, Inc. has planned a week-long celebration on the Downtown Square to celebrate the heart of Bedford and highlight the completion of the Stellar Communities projects, which began in 2014. The events feature city and county government, local merchants and the County Museum.
- Town of Edinburgh, $1,000
The Town of Edinburgh will celebrate the week with six days of specials and events that provide a positive impact to the downtown business district. The events also will celebrate the local harvest season and bring families together downtown for fun activities unique to Edinburgh.
- City of Jeffersonville, $1,000
The Great Downtown Jeffersonville Scavenger Hunt Adventure is a one-day event during Downtown Development Week that Jeffersonville Main Street is organizing to celebrate the ongoing downtown revitalization. During the event, visitors will explore downtown Jeffersonville and learn about the businesses, history and sense of place found in the heart of downtown.
- Town of Knightstown, $1,000
Knightstown Main Street will hold an all-day event to celebrate the new businesses on the town square. The event will include a children pumpkin carving contest and a local favorite rock band, Dr. Rock and the Rollers, will entertain attendees.
- City of Monticello, $550
The Streets of Monticello Association will celebrate the “We Love Our Downtown” event on October 8, 2019, to recognize and celebrate downtown businesses and gathering spaces.
This year’s week will take place Oct. 7-12. For more information, visit www.in.gov/ocra/2896.htm.