The Word on the Street

There’s something about the first few weeks of spring that makes the downtown district feel brand new. In this edition of The Word on the Street, we’re looking at all the ways we’re growing together—from the 'Hometown Hero' banners to the upcoming Farmers Market book giveaways. Between the 'Main Street Madness' and the launch of our Small Business Survey, your voice and your support are what keep our local economy thriving. Whether you’re bidding in our Spring into Giving Silent Auction tomorrow or grabbing your gloves for the Team Up to Klean Up events, thanks for being the heart of our community. Here’s the latest scoop on what’s coming up!

Let’s dive in.

Upcoming Events
Opening Tomorrow: Spring Into Giving Silent Auction

Get your bids ready! Our Spring into Giving Silent Auction officially goes live tomorrow morning. This is a fantastic way to support downtown initiatives while scoring unique items and experiences from our local partners.

Bidding starts at 8a, Friday, March 20th & closes at 8p on Sunday! Thank you to all of the businesses & volunteers who donated to make this possible!

Farm to Film Fest is One Month Away!

Don’t miss this FREE weekend packed full of entertainment! Start it on Friday night at JP’s with a free film & concert and keep going through the whole weekend. Explore downtown while you’re here, shop, eat & fall in love with our history!

Team Up to Klean Up!

SHOP DOWNTOWN & WIN
Main Street Madness

ALL-MONTH EVENT: Main Street Madness!

Want to turn your shopping trips into a winning bracket? Starting tomorrow, pick up a Main Street Madness 'Bracket' at any participating downtown location.

How to Play:

• Shop, Eat, or Drink: Visit the businesses listed on the bracket.

• Have the business mark off their spot on your bracket when you make a purchase.

• Turn in your bracket at any participating location by March 31st to be entered to win one of two massive downtown gift baskets full of local goodies and gift cards!

• You don't have to visit every stop to enter, but the more stops you get marked off, the more entries you get in the drawing!

Finished a bracket? Grab a new one and start again to increase your chances!

UPCOMING GRANTS
DIG, Micro DIG & Open 4 Business

DIG & Micro DIG applications will come out early April so start getting your quotes, inspiration pics & contractors lined up if you plan to apply! This year, our Micro DIG cycle is open to facade updates & art additions with a preference for blade/hanging signage! We want to see those store names & logos while we’re on the sidewalk, not just when we’re driving on the street.

Coming out in May is the Open 4 Business application from Main Street Iowa. This is the video/pitch contest. Eligible expenses are: inventory, equipment, marketing, software updates, and computers. Let us know if you’re interested and we’ll send you more info as we get it from the state!

MUNICIPAL UPDATES
Surveys & Smoke Testing

The City of Washington will be conducting sanitary sewer smoke testing March 19th - 20th. See their press release for more info.

Main Street needs your help to keep a good pulse on the state of downtown. If you are a business or building owner, please take a few minutes to complete our Small Business Survey here!