ALTON – Now that the pandemic has subsided, Alton Main Street is bringing back a pair of events that the organization is once again able to host.
Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange and its Pop-Up Clothes Swap are back.
The quarterly information exchange, “What’s Up Downtown,” is from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, in Alton. Get the scoop about what’s going on around town straight from the movers and shakers.
The public is invited to learn the latest news about developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including business updates, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events.
The “What’s Up Downtown” event is a casual open forum where the community will be brought up to date by Alton Main Street, business and property owners, city officials, the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, AltonWorks and other stakeholders. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary refreshments, and the opportunity to network with other downtown enthusiasts.
“Alton Main Street’s goal is to continue to be a nexus of community-led development, partnering with every resident, organization and business possible,” said Alton Main Street’s Sara McGibany, executive director, who recently celebrated 15 years with the organization.
“I still look forward to coming in to work every day,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to get to work with such hard-working, creative and inspiring people. Our projects provide a platform where everyone is welcome to get involved, and it’s incredible to see so many ideas that were once small continue to blossom.”
The Pop-Up Clothes Swap is from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the ballroom at Mineral Springs Mall, 301 E. Broadway, in Alton. Spend the month cleaning out closets and join in by bringing gently used clothing and accessories that you no longer want to trade for new-to-you items. There is a $5 entry fee if you bring items to swap, or $10 to attend empty handed.
Leftover clothing will be donated to local charities. Also, bring your worn-out clothing, blankets, fabric, towels, etc. in any condition, which will be recycled with Remains Inc. and keeps those textiles out of landfills. The drop off for items is from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Mineral Springs for the following day’s swap.
Not only is Alton Main Street concerned with environmentally friendly ways to reuse and recycle but also on elevating the outdoor experience in Downtown Alton.
“Our volunteers are highly focused on elevating this outdoor experience by beautifying and activating public spaces, and we are very happy that the district is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which offers property-owners tax incentives to renovate our historic architecture,” McGibany explained.
To that end, Spring Cleaning and Planting is set from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 23, with registration at the corner of 3rd and Belle streets for the Spring City-Wide Litter Clean-Up. Pick up a donut, bags and gloves, as well as directions to areas in need of some love.
Pride Inc. will have a second registration station from 9 a.m.-noon at 7th and Central streets.
At 9 a.m. the North Alton Godfrey Business Council leads a group from Joe K’s, 2530 State St., in Alton, and the Upper Alton Association will be departing from Taqueria Maya, 2621 College Ave. Taqueria Maya has generously offered 10% off to volunteers after finishing the clean-up.
That day there will also be flower planting in the garden beds on 3rd Street.
Alton Main Street is looking for recruits to join its team of gardeners which meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Request to join the “Alton Main Street – Gardening Group” on Facebook for updates on what the team is working on.
“We have a few projects on the horizon that we are particularly excited about,” McGibany said. A new video storytelling project is in the works that will make everyone proud who calls Alton home; we are also hopeful that these stories will encourage anyone who is planning a relocation to give our city a close look.
“Our summer concert series called Night Market on Broadway will neighbor the new Flock food truck park, and we are thrilled to see so much development happening on the east side of the district,” she said.
Alton Main Street also will continue to highlight all of the city’s pet-friendly establishments through special events, as well as visually through canine statuary and permanent water bowls at the doorstep of establishments where furry friends are welcome.
Alton Main Street also will be adding two “Brews and Brunch” events adjacent to the Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market where attendees can grab a hot breakfast and cold beverage while they shop.
“Downtown events are popular with locals and tourists alike, and our efforts to make cash registers ring at locally owned businesses are becoming more evident and impactful, particularly as everyone rebounds from the impacts of recent years,” McGibany said.
“We are proud to have been selected by the state of Illinois as an organization that has built the necessary relationships with small business owners to assist with the state’s pandemic relief programs.”
Also vendor registration is now open for the 2022 season of the Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market May 7—Oct 15. Any products that are handmade or homegrown are welcome. Register at www.DowntownAlton.com/Events.
For more information about events or volunteering call 618-463-1016, visit www.DowntownAlton.com or follow at www.facebook.com/AltonMainStreet.
