Three Wyoming communities were recognized recently for their dedication, leadership and excellence in revitalizing local downtowns.
Green River, Wyo., Mayor Hank Castillon received the 2012 Wyoming Main Street Leadership Award; and the Evanston and Buffalo, Wyo., Main Street programs received the Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award in the Certified and Affiliate community categories, respectively.
Castillon was selected due to his personal commitment to see success in the Green River Main Street Program. He has committed hours of his own time to attending Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) workshops, meetings and retreats to show his support. His true commitment to Main Street was shown this year when he provided resources to send as many board and committee members as possible to the 2012 Wyoming Main Street pre-trip and National Main Street Conference in Baltimore, Md. As a result, nine individuals representing Green River attended.
“Mayor Castillon sets the bar for other mayor’s across the state in supporting their Main Street programs,” said Mary Randolph, director of the Wyoming Main Street program. “We are pleased to give this award to such a deserving person this year.”
The Main Street Innovation Award is presented to local programs that demonstrate excellence, originality, and effectiveness.
Evanston received the 2012 Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award for a Certified Main Street community. The Evanston URA/Main Street was selected due to the vision and leadership shown in the infrastructure projects they have completed downtown, including the entire railroad complex with the Roundhouse, machine shop and visitor center; Depot Square; a flower lined downtown with a good mix of business; and a downtown that is bustling day or night. The Evanston URA is also to be commended for their innovation in the protection and economic development of historic buildings in their downtown. Evanston URA is also famous for their events – this year celebrating 30 years of the Renewal Ball, the idea of which many other Main Street communities have replicated. The Brew Fest, Hunters Wives night out, 4th of July, and Chinese New Year are other events celebrated downtown among many others.
The 2012 Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award for an Aspiring program was presented to the Buffalo Downtown Association. Buffalo was selected for their strong re-organizational efforts and for developing a program that allowed them to apply for Certified status. They have recently become the newest Wyoming Certified Main Street Community. The Buffalo Downtown Association has put forth strong efforts to revitalize their downtown with new banners and the Crazy Woman Square projects. They have created unique events such as the Sidewalk Art Festival which has become an annual event for Buffalo.
“Our Wyoming Main Street programs are successful because of the many dedicated volunteers that give their time, expertise and skills to make their downtowns once again the heart and soul of the community,” said Mary Randolph, director of the Wyoming Main Street program. “The efforts of these communities were recognized this year, but all our Main Street communities should be commended for the work they do as well.”