Lots to do this Spring

Spring may be my favorite time in DeLand. Our Florida Wildflower and Garden Festival started the season. Quality vendors and speakers, beautiful weather, and outstanding community support made this year’s Festival one of the best.

April events in Downtown DeLand include the Fireman’s Pub Crawl, DeLandapalooza, Eat on the Street, The Water Festival, The DeLand Classic Car Cruise-In, and The Farmers and Makers Market in Artisan Alley remind us that there is always something happening in DeLand. You can find out all about these events and the folks that make them happen at www.MainStreetDeLand.org.

Another great thing about this time of year is the Main Street National Conference. Last week I spent 3 days with over 1800 Main Street professionals and volunteers. The curriculum and networking opportunities at these conferences allow me to have access to some of the best Main Street information available. Continuing education and knowledge of trends affecting towns and small businesses helps us to remain among the best Main Streets in the state and nation.

Main Street has a lot of moving parts. All of them work together to help us achieve our mission of supporting and enhancing the continued economic revitalization of Downtown DeLand while promoting and preserving its historic heritage. Partnerships, good design elements, and promotions are all needed in the revitalization process.

Also, our Downtown property owners and small businesses need the skills and knowledge to be successful in today’s market place. We have resources on our website, Build Your Business Group meetings, and special workshops like the Google workshop we are offering on May 16th. Tickets are free but limited. Go to www.MainStreetDeLand.org to register. Downtown property owners will want to attend a special property owner meeting on June 20th.

Want to locate your business in Downtown DeLand? How about film a movie or commercial? Let us help. Go to the “Business” section at MainStreetDeLand.org.

Thanks for doing your part to support our downtown and merchants!

See you Downtown.

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association