Sweet Start to Summer: Ice Cream to Cruising
June is a time to celebrate the people, partnerships, and investments that make Downtown DeLand stronger.
One of the greatest joys in our work at MainStreet is witnessing the passion and determination and successes of the individuals who choose to invest in our community. Every successful downtown is built by people who see possibility where others see obstacles, who take risks, and who dedicate themselves to creating something meaningful for future generations.
This month, I’m especially excited to celebrate downtown business, Kinks Coils & Waves Natural Hair & Products, and owner, Kimeka Caine, who has been awarded one of 500 American Express Shop Small Grants this year! This grant is awarded in recognition of Kimeka’s dedication, vision, and community impact and will help further her work and investment in our community through three amazing programs. Kimeka’s success is a reminder that when we support our local businesses and entrepreneurs, we strengthen our entire community. Congratulations, Kimeka, on this well-deserved achievement.
I also want to thank everyone who participated in and supported the DeLand Ice Cream Walk. This is more than just a fun Friday night in Downtown DeLand. It’s our community’s way to say “so long” to the school year and kick off summer! From the businesses which enthusiastically served sweet treats to the volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who made the event possible, your involvement helped create another memorable experience in Downtown DeLand. If you missed this one, we’ll be hosting another Walk on August 7th. Look out for our announcement and remember … these tickets sell out every time, so get yours early. Special thanks to The Create Space for the adorable photo opp and to WUCF, DeLand Pilates, and Wire3 for their sponsorship of this event. All of you are what makes this community so vibrant.
And speaking of excitement, we are officially giving away a CRUISE for two!!! Starting June 1st, you can donate to MainStreet DeLand Association for your chance to win on our website or in our office. The lucky winner of this Margaritaville Cruise will be drawn live and announced during Tropical Nights in Downtown DeLand on Friday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m. We’re especially grateful to Joe Hearn Events for making this fundraising campaign possible!
These moments remind us that MainStreet is more than events, promotions, beautification projects, or business support programs. MainStreet is infrastructure. We are the connective tissue that brings together businesses, property owners, volunteers, community leaders, residents, and visitors around a shared vision for Downtown DeLand.
Strong downtowns don't happen by accident. They are cultivated through collaboration, strategic investment, and a commitment to preserving what makes a place unique while creating opportunities for growth. This is how we ensure the long-term health of our community.
As we move into summer, I invite you to continue investing in Downtown DeLand. Visit a local shop. Enjoy a meal at a downtown restaurant. Attend an event. Volunteer your time. Become a MainStreet member. Encourage a friend to explore downtown. Every action, large or small, helps strengthen the heart of our community.
Every dollar spent locally, every hour volunteered, and every partnership formed contributes to the long-term success of our downtown.
If you believe in the future of Downtown DeLand, I invite you to invest in that future through a MainStreet membership, sponsorship, volunteer service, or contribution … WIN A CRUISE! Together, we are building the conditions for businesses to succeed, for entrepreneurs to grow, and for future generations to live, work, and thrive in the heart of our community.
Thank you for believing in Downtown DeLand and for helping us build a stronger, more vibrant future.
See you downtown.
Stephanie Garcia Mullins
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association