The summer season in Tennessee is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to take in the sights and sounds of our beautiful Main Street Communities. Tennessee Main Street Programs are once again hosting multiple events and farmers’ markets over the next several months that will highlight the unique offerings of each community across the state while supporting historic downtown business districts.
“Our Main Streets and historic downtowns are such an important part of our state’s identity and sense of community,” Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said.
“I encourage everyone to spend a little time on our Main Streets this summer and take advantage of all of the incredible events offered across the state.”
“Tennessee’s 28 Main Street communities offer a variety of great events during the summer months. From concert series to art walks and lots of farmers’ markets, summer is a great time to enjoy Tennessee’s historic downtowns,” Tennessee Main Street Director, Nancy Williams said.”
A complete listing of Main Street summer events can be found at:
Tennessee Main Street is a coordinating partner with the National Main Street Center. Designated communities are required to meet national accreditation standards annually, which include illustrating broad-based community support for the program, development of a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and professional staff with volunteer support.
In 2014, certified Main Street communities generated more than $95 million of public/private investment and created more than 1,500 new jobs.
There are currently 28 designated Main Street program communities across Tennessee. Bristol, Brownsville, Cleveland, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dandridge, Dayton, Dyersburg, Fayetteville, Franklin, Gallatin, Greeneville, Jackson, Jonesborough, Kingsport, Lawrenceburg, Lebanon, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Morristown, Rogersville, Tiptonville, Savannah, Sweetwater, Union City, Ripley and Winchester.
Tennessee Main Street is currently working with six communities through the affiliated Tennessee Downtowns program: Arlington, Carthage, Ducktown, Etowah, Jamestown and Shelbyville. An additional 28 communities have participated in the Tennessee Downtowns program.