|
A Look Forward
You might want to start getting some of these things on your calendar...
Opportunity. That's a word you will hear a lot in 2012. We have opportunities to bring new people into Emporia, to start new businesses, to expand existing businesses, to improve our pull and push this community in the right direction. But, here's the thing about opportunities: you can miss them if you aren't careful... Let's take a look ahead at some of the opportunities for you this year.
January:
The Sunflower Gymnastics Winter Invitational- January 12 For more information on this Saturday's Tournament, click HERE.
Dirty Kanza Registration- January 12 To view the Dirty Kanza Registration, Click HERE.
Glass Blown Open Disc Golf Tournament Registration- NOW To view the Glass Blown Open Registration, CLICK HERE.
Business Grand Openings- Furniture Loft and MR Sister Sweets
 | |
Furniture Loft at 709 Commercial Street carries brand name furniture, electronics and appliances at very reasonable prices. During their Grand Opening month in January they will have additional discounts and drawings available. Now's the time to check out a big screen TV, new recliner or a replacement for that beat up washer and dryer at home! |
 | |
Check out Emporia's newest stop for cakes and confections, MR Sister's Sweets! |
Quarterly Training- January 10-11 in El Dorado
February:
Valentines Day Guide- February 7th- Last year, Emporia Main Street collected YOUR specials for Valentines Day, and we compiled them in an on-line guide that we sent out via e-mail and social media. This is a great FREE way to let people know what you are doing for Valentine's Day. To participate, all you need to do is send us your images and/or text that you would like to use by Friday, February 3rd. You can see some of last year's "ads" by clicking HERE.
Start Your Own Business Class- February 14th- Whether you are looking to start a business, expand your business, brush up on your business skill set or you have an employee that could become a valuable asset with a little more training, you should check out this year's Start Your Own Business Class. Click HERE for more information.
Historic District- If we pass the negative ballot procedure, the State Historic Society could vote to establish a historic district in downtown Emporia during February. For those looking for a Historic District refresher course, please Click HERE.
Sacred Heart Auction
March:
The Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo- March 2nd & 3rd This Flint Hills Mall Event brings thousands to town in one of the largest outdoor expo of its type. For additional information on the Expo, contact the Flint Hills Mall, or you can Click HERE.
St. Patrick's Festivities- March 17th- The parade will take place at 1:00 p.m. starting at 4th and Commercial. There may be additional festivities associated with this Saturday event, coordinated by the Emporia St. Patrick's Day Committee. For additional information, contact the Emporia Main Street office and we will do our best to connect you with the appropriate individual.
Quarter Mania- March 29th- This Emporia Main Street Event is a great way to connect to customers in a fun atmosphere. Think of it as a combination of bingo and an auction with a lot more cheering... Interested? Contact Emporia Main Street to get involved in the next Quarter Mania!!!
April:
National Main Street Conference- April 1-4 in Baltimore, MD
The Glass Blown Open/Moonlight Madness- April 13-15- The Glass Blown Open will bring several hundred disc golf enthusiasts to town, and we may qualify to bring the world championship to Emporia if we can help Dynamic Discs grow this great event. For more information on the Glass Blown Open, Click HERE. Contact Emporia Main Street if you would like to participate in the Moonlight Madness late night event associated with the Glass Blown Open to introduce new customers to your business from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th.
The Taste- April 21- One of our favorite events, The Taste brings Kansas wineries, breweries, distilleries and local food vendors together in a wonderful atmosphere with music and other fun surprises! Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through the Emporia Main Street office. Ticket quantities ARE LIMITED! If you are a food vendor or restaurant and would like to participate, we want to talk to YOU!!!
Quarterly Training- April 19-20 in Dodge City
May:
The Flatland Cruisers Car Show- May 19- Classic cars on three blocks of Commercial Street and a classic car movie at the Granada Theatre... Yes please!
Graduations
Mother's Day
Outdoor Farmer's Markets begin
June:
The Dirty Kanza- June 2- Several hundred individuals from 25 states and a few foreign nations will bring their families to Emporia, Kansas for the 200 mile gravel road race. On the evening of June 2nd, Emporia Main Street will sponsor the Finish Line Party, complete with vendor booths, food options, kids activities, music, a beer garden and more. Would you like to participate? Contact Emporia Main Street! For more information on the Dirty Kanza, click HERE!
The Symphony in the Flint Hills- June 9- The Symphony will be held in Lyon County this year for the first time in several years. Over 7,000 people will descend on Lyon County, and we are working with several other individuals and agencies to draw participants into Emporia before and after the event. Do you want to get involved? Contact Emporia Main Street! For more information on the Symphony, Click HERE!
Live in the Lot- Wednesday's at 7:00 p.m. in June in the 700 Block of Merchant St.
Brown Bag- Wednesdays at noon at the Emporia Public Library
Jazz Week- June 4- 8- A week long jazz camp for kids during the day and a week of different genres of jazz performed at night for the people of Emporia! This Flint Hills Music Activity will bring up to 40 students ages 12-18 to Emporia for a week long of instruction from jazz experts. Businesses can help by providing a sponsorship ($100) that covers the education of 5 students, offering lunch deals for kids, or sponsoring a faculty member ($500 sponsorship). Individuals are also encouraged to sponsor a students jazz education for just $20. Contact Flint Hills Music or Emporia Main Street for more information.
Mother's Day
Farmer's Market Open Wednesday's
July:
Midnight Madness- This replacement for the sidewalk sale went over better than we could have hoped last year! This second version should be even better!
The Shrine Bowl- July 28th- Thousands of people coming into town watching Kansas All Star Football Players... That could be good for the local economy, right?
Live in the Lot- Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the 700 Block of Merchant Street
Brown Bag- Wednesdays at noon at the Emporia Public Library
August:
Welcome Back Block Party- We had close to 2,000 participants at last year's block party... Can we make it bigger and better? OF COURSE!
School is back in session!
Quarter Mania
September:
The Great American Market- Saturday, September 8th- This multi-block street festival downtown includes hundreds of booths and other activities. The Great American Market always takes place the second Saturday in September, so set your calendars NOW!
October:
Kansas Main Street State Conference (IN EMPORIA)- October 16-19- We have the opportunity to showcase our community to the entire state as the host of the Kansas Main Street Conference. By working with other agencies, we are working to make the conference bigger and better than ever, but we will need volunteer, sponsor and business support to make the conference a success.
Halloween Events- The downtown trick or treat, haunted tours and more were a success last year, and we look forward to keeping up the tradition this year!
Public Improvement Auction
Oktoberfest- This event will take place immediately preceding Emporia State University Homecoming, and the fun should entice even more alumni to visit this year!
November:
Freedom Fest
Veteran's Day Activities
Shop Local/Small Business Saturday
December:
Midnight Madness
Red Ribbon Merchants
Carriage Rides
Breakfast with Santa
Kris Kringle's Kids Shoppe
Quarter Mania
Through all of you, Emporia Main Street receives clear guidance to achieve our vision and mission objectives. Through the Main Street Four Point Approach, we have a successful economic development program to help our local businesses and community achieve sustainable success. We record data to ensure that our activities have a positive impact on the local community and to generate data tied to new work programs. When we ask ourselves what is working and what isn't, we need real numbers to back up our assertions! What once was considered "fluff" by some (like a little bike race, or a late night shopping event) can become a critical economic driver for our community.
Thank you for all of your hard work in 2011, and we hope to produce even more for our community in 2012! | 
Emporia Arts Council, we held a board meeting, participated in some press activities, worked on some legislative awareness, hosted a board meeting, met with the new President of Emporia State University (Dr. Shonrock was wonderful to talk too), and we helped with a little thing called the Granada Bridal and Prom Expo that was sponsored by KVOE, Mix 104.9, and Country 101.7 with formal wear from Kari's Bridal, tuxes from Designs by Sharon, a grand prize from Water's True Value Hardware and support from the Granada Theatre and Emporia Main Street! Haven't quite caught up on sleep yet, but it was an eventful week full of good questions!