A Word From The Director, Leigh Ann Matthews

With the help and dedication of Pekin business, city, organization and individual partners, great things have happened Downtown since Pekin Main Street was established in April of 1999: yearly events attract an average of 11,300 people Downtown; ten new businesses have opened their doors; The City's streetscape project completed with new ornamental lighting and sidewalks down Court Street; sixteen businesses have received design assistance from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; and thirteen facade grants were approved, reinvesting TIF funds back into locally owned buildings.

Plans for this year include a Marketing and Inventory Survey of Downtown businesses to be completed, which will determine our strengths and weaknesses and how we can better serve the downtown businesses. Advertising will be built around unique aspects of the Downtown area, focusing on Pekin Main Street members. A quarterly newsletter will be distributed to inform and communicate among members about current events. Pekin Main Street's foundation was built on solid leadership and dedication which continues into 2008. The next phase of this organization will focus on building relationships with Downtown merchants, adding new events to the downtown area, as well as promoting the unique products and services offered in our Downtown community. Watch for an exciting future with Pekin Main Street.

Eagle Census Day
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Farmers' Market & Artists
Thursday June 19 - September 25 from 4:30-6:30p.m.
Saturday June 21 - August 30 from 8:00a.m. - Noon
Couthouse Square - Capitol Street

Christmas in July at Farmers' Market on Thursday July 17th
"Visit with Santa"

Summer Concert on Court
Featuring the "Bonzi" band
Friday June 20th
6:00 - 10:00p.m.

Main Street Super Cruise
Saturday July 26
4:00 - 9:00p.m.
"Cars, Trucks, Bikes & more"

Summer Concert on Court
Featuring the "Gypsy Road" band
Friday August 15th
6:00 - 10:00p.m.

Friday Night Family Fest
Friday September 5
5:00 - 10:00p.m.
Lip Sync Contest
"Jamm Sammich" Band
Food Vendors

Halloween Parade & Downtown Trick or Treat
Saturday October 25
3:00 - 5:00p.m.
Costume Contest

Halloween Pub Tour
Saturday October 25
7:00 - 10:00p.m.
T-Shirt & Drink Specials

Christmas on Court
Friday December 5
5:00 - 8:00p.m.

Santa House
Weekends in December on the
Courthouse lawn

E-mail questions
or comments to:
Executive Director