Destination Downtown brings delta main streets together

VICKSBURG, MS. – Just over 200 members of local Main street programs throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas have made their way to Vicksburg for Destination Downtown at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Destination Downtown is a partnership among Mississippi Main Street Association, Main Street Arkansas, and Louisiana Main Street, with a primary focus on downtown revitalization. 

“We are thrilled that everyone can celebrate here in Vicksburg with us,” said Kim Hopkins, Director of the Vicksburg Main Street Program, “We have enjoyed seeing everybody here.”

Yesterday, members toured redeveloped brownfield sites—abandoned, idled, or underused properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination—and enjoyed a tasting at Key City Brewery. They also visited the Vicksburg National Military Park, then stopped by Holy Trinity Church to view the Tiffany stained glass. The day concluded with a favorite local attraction: the Old Mississippi River Bridge.

For the next two days of the Destination Downtown conference, attendees will participate in workshops which will focus on topics such as design, organization, and economic vitality.

In conjunction with the conference, a 40th Anniversary celebration of the three state Main Street programs and Vicksburg Main Street will take place this evening at the Watermark Vicksburg. The event will have an 80’s theme, complete with a costume contest.

Although attendance was around 200, roughly 320 had signed up for the convention; due to last nights storm, many from Louisiana and Coastal Mississippi Main Street programs were unable to attend.

“We’ve been praying for everybody in Louisiana and [Mississippi] coastal areas that weren’t able to come. We hope all of them are okay,” said Hopkins.