Vicksburg Honored at Mississippi Main Street Awards

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)— The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) honored outstanding downtown revitalization efforts at its 2025 Annual Awards Luncheon, held at The South in downtown Jackson. The event celebrated Main Street directors, board members, volunteers, and exceptional projects from designated Main Street communities across the state.

“Main Street programs are an essential economic driver in our state, and we honor and celebrate the local and state champions at our Annual Awards,” said Kelle Barfield, MMSA’s 2025–2026 Board President.

The Vicksburg Main Street Program was recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award, one of the highest honors given by the National Main Street Center. The award highlights Vicksburg’s continued efforts in revitalizing and promoting its historic downtown district.

In addition, Kim Hopkins, Director of the Vicksburg Main Street Program, was recognized for her 17 years of service leading downtown development and community programming.

The City of Vicksburg was also featured as one of the individual award sponsors for the event, reinforcing its commitment to downtown growth and statewide Main Street efforts.

Vicksburg is also among the 2025 Nationally Accredited Main Street communities, a designation given to programs that meet rigorous performance standards and exemplify excellence in preservation-based economic development.

In 2024 alone, Mississippi’s Main Street communities reported the creation of 365 new businesses, 878 new jobs, and the rehabilitation of 130 buildings. Public and private investment totaled more than $656 million, and over 53,000 volunteer hours were contributed to community efforts.

Sponsors of the 2025 Annual Awards included Hancock Whitney, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Regions, and a range of local and state organizations.

Since 1993, MMSA has helped generate more than $7.2 billion in public and private investment across Mississippi. The organization currently supports 48 Designated Main Street communities, five Network communities, and 34 Associate members.