Where’s Waldo? During the whole month of July, we get to look for Waldo who is hiding in 25 participating local businesses in DeLand. Pick up your Passport at the Muse Book store or at www.MainStreetDeLand.org and begin your search. Enter your passport for prizes to be awarded on July 31st.

When it starts getting hot and the afternoon rains begin, you’ve got to know it’s time for our annual “Tropical Nights” celebration! Yep, you need to get started decorating those hats and the kids need to practice their hula hoop skills. Join us Downtown on W. Indiana Ave. of Friday, July 19th for a great night of fun and enjoy the hospitality of our Downtown Merchants and dining at our Downtown eateries.

The City of DeLand is once again honoring DeLand’s military veterans. You can see them online at: www.facebook.com/CityofDeLand. Better yet, come downtown and check the banners out in real life! Honoring our veterans and supporting your local independent businesses are two of the most patriotic things you can do.

When you spend money in our downtown businesses you not only provide jobs and the means to support local organizations and causes, you are helping our downtown to thrive. Unless you’re online purchases are from one of our local merchants, your money leaves the community, never to return. All our businesses are air conditioned. Stop in and be cool!

It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating my sixth year at MainStreet DeLand this month. Because so many volunteer to do their part, DeLand and your Nationally Accredited MainStreet DeLand program are a respected example for many other communities across the state and the nation. You can find out more about upcoming downtown events and other things we do at MainStreet DeLand by visiting our website. You can partner with us by becoming a member or volunteering. Find everything you need to know at www.MainStreetDeLand.org.

See you Downtown!

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association