Our fabulous shops and businesses have created a Shelbyville Chocolate Walk which will take place on Saturday, February 3, from 11am to 4pm.
Participating shops will have special deals and treats! So far the following businesses will be taking part: Polkadotted Pineapple Boutique, Pineapple Paisley Boutique, Impress Boutique & Printing, Shelby County Historical Society, The Green Bird, Give a Chance Boutique, Pathelen Flower & Gift Shop, Dogwood Art Gallery & Studio, Patchwork Soapery & Dairy Goat, The Keepsake Shop, Serendipity Kandy Kitchen, The Paddock Coffee, Eats & Gatherings, McKinley’s Café, the Shelby
County Public Library, Sixth and Main Coffeehouse. More main join, so make sure you check out our Facebook page for the full listing.
Next up is our Wild about Shelbyville Arts & Music Festival. This fun event is happening on Saturday, May 11, and the focus is on highlighting our local artists…including painters, authors, musicians, crafters, photographers, bakers, cooks, and more! We will even offer a kids area where we’ll have local authors of children’s books reading, several games, DJ playing music for dancing, a magician, face painting, and more. This is a free, family friendly event that will take you around downtown with different vendors and activities at various locations. Registration, for vendors, is now open online at www.ShelbyMainStreet.com.
February is here and that means it’s time to Love Our Downtown! We love local all year round, but this time of the year is a great excuse to love our local businesses. You’ll see hearts around town during the month and that’s just a reminder to love local. We encourage you to send us a love letter (or love letters!) about your favorite business or businesses. Those love letters will get shared on our social media and they also will get you entered into drawings for Main Street Bucks all month long! Main Street Bucks can be used in to participating businesses and you spend them like cash.
February, let’s see what else is happening? Of course, Valentine’s Day! Downtown has several flower and gift shops, we also have a candy shop with many delicioius sweet treats. Make sure to place your orders early as waiting until the last minute may mean you won’t get what you’d really like to get for your sweetie.
As you know, Shelby Main Street is getting ready to celebrate our 40th Anniversay! We are so excited to share where it all started, where we are, and where we are going with you. We are still collecting photos, stories, and history of our fabulous Main Street. Please keep sending them to us!
A quick note is that we will have our 40th Anniversary Reception on Friday, March 1, 2024. This is a change in date. Please make sure to update your calendar. We are looking forward to celebrating with you!
The weather is still a bit chilly but warmer days aren’t too far away. Do you have an event planned and need an outdoor space? Have you thought about using our fabulous Stargazer Plaza? This space can be rented out and there are tables, chairs, restrooms, and plenty of electricity available. Just reach out to me to get your date saved! Also, Sixth Street is available to use as well. You just need to coordinate with our office to make sure there isn’t anything else going on.
Since it’s still a bit cold out, it’s a great time to find things to do indoors. Many of our businesses have a variety of classes being offered…such as painting parties, music lessons, theatre auditions and classes, health and wellness classes, yoga, fun at the library, and art focused classes.
Although it’s cold and gloomy out, it creates a great opportunity to bundle up and head downtown for some shopping! Did you know that our shops are preparing for spring already? Those cute, warm weather fashions are going to start popping up! That should get you in a sunny mood! Many shops have incredible deals too as they get ready to shift to the new season.
For those who don’t mind getting out and walking around in the brisk weather, it’s a great way to take in our Downtown Sculpture Walk! Sculptures are all over downtown and you can walk in a loop to see them and read a little about who made them…and see their names!
Walking and shopping can definitely create an appetite. Make sure to check out our coffee shops, restaurants, candy shops, and ice cream and gelato! Do you enjoy adult beverages? Well we have options for that as well.
I haven’t mentioned this stop for a little while, but have you checked out our Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of Fifth and Main? It’s an incredible moving corner, honoring those who have served. In addition, we have a beautiful Gold Star Memorial. Although there are monuments in all 50 states, we are one of only 132 monuments installed. If you haven’t stopped by Veterans Memorial Park, I encourage you to do so. It’s quite moving and creates a calm space to reflect.
So, I’ve mentioned that it’s chilly out too many times to count today…but I really wanted to share with you on how you can get creative on staying warm and still support our local businesses! Plus, the winter weather will soon make way for our beautiful spring and summer weather and our fun events and outdoor activities.
Maybe on your way home this week, take a few extra minutes to walk around our beautiful downtown. Free parking is at the corner of Sixth and Henry Clay as well as behind Stargazer Plaza, next to the VFW, and at 2nd and Main. That’s only if you don’t grab a spot right on Main or Washington!
Thank you all for your support of our local businesses! Thank you for coming out to our events, sharing our information, and being involved! It’s takes a village and our village is absolutely fabulous!
Make sure to check out our website (www.ShelbyMainStreet.com) and Facebook for the latest happenings!
Remember… Shop Local — Eat Local — Enjoy Local — Love Local!
So much to see and do downtown! I look forward to seeing you on Main Street!
Do you have any questions about upcoming events or ways to be involved? Please feel free to reach out to me personally at Darlene@ShelbyMainStreet.com.