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A number of projects relating to Thurmont’s Main Street Program are either nearing completion or in the planning stages.
According to Vickie Grinder, one of the original proponents who helped achieve Thurmont’s designation as a Main Street Maryland Community and recently renamed as the program manager, highlighted a number of projects to enhance the community’s business and tourist visibility.
First and foremost, she said a full-color, glossy Main Street brochure “is almost complete” and highlights “the natural resources of the area.” This brochure, “Gateway to Gettysburg,” is geared toward tourism, “and will be distributed to all nine Maryland welcome centers, and distributed to various venues in Gettysburg.
The brochure is being produced in conjunction with local businesses through the purchase of advertisement.
Three proposed tours are almost complete, Grinder said. “The tours are day tours with three different themes. They will be marketed through Star Spangled Tours for large groups and also marketed to assisted living communities, organizations, and tourism centers within a 60 mile range.”
“Each tour is designed to target specific socio-economic and generation based,” Grinder stated. The three tours are designed for a day trip and include points of interest in Emmitsburg and Gettysburg.
The program manager also said, “A gift certificate program will be implemented for all 21788 businesses to assist in localizing consumer spending.”
Visitors will be able to purchase the gift certificates at the town office, where they will also be given a pamphlet of participating businesses. This will be in effect by December 1, in time for Christmas shopping.”
Artists Elizabeth Prongas, Don Frame, and Annie Hess are working on arts-related projects to add to Main Street, Grinder said. “In addition, Rebecca Pearl will be involved as well. One event planned is a spring gallery showing of various artists and a gallery stroll on Main Street with local wineries participating as well.”
A bi-annual publication magazine will also be published in partnership with the Frederick-News Post. “The publication will feature stories of the history and natural resources of North County,” Grinder stated, and will provide businesses with another venue in which to advertise.
Lastly, Friday Night Lights, sponsored by Thurmont Eye Care, will elevate activities in conjunction with Main Street in 2014 for more entertainment, activities, art, and wineries.
“Friday Night Lights will end in October, and begin again in April 2014 when this event will expose something for everyone,” she stated.
