Main Street McKinney Program Earns State and National Recognition

Press Release
For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972.547.7525

Ty Lake
McKinney Main Street Director
972.547.2662

Main Street McKinney Program Earns State and National Recognition
Downtown-focused program earns title for third straight year

McKINNEY, Texas (Dec. 11, 2008) - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently recognized McKinney with the National Main Street Designation. McKinney has earned the distinction each year since 2005. A total of 52 Texas cities were named as National Main Street cities this year.

“Historic Downtown McKinney is the heart and soul of our city and what makes us unique,” said Ty Lake, Director of McKinney Main Street. “Our events, programs and businesses here work together to provide an experience for everyone who comes downtown. We have the total package, and we are proud to have earned national recognition for the hard work of so many people.”

The mission of Main Street McKinney is to ensure that downtown McKinney continues to be the vibrant, inviting, safe and growing area it is known for today. This year, Main Street led the city’s Independence Day celebration – the first annual Red, White and Boom event that attracted over 30,000 attendees. Another huge success was the first annual Oktoberfest, which brought more than 20,000 attendees to the newly renovated downtown area.

“A lot of hard work goes into achieving this recognition. Main Street communities exemplify the Texas mystique, and this recognition honors the many people, including Main Street directors and volunteers, who put in countless hours to make their Main Street programs work,” said Debra Farst, state coordinator of the Texas Main Street Program.

Cities chosen as National Main Street Cities must show above average performance in 10 categories. The selection criteria focus on planning, staff and volunteers, preservation ethic, training and program assessment. Out of a possible 105 points, McKinney Main Street earned an exemplary 96.

Evaluation from the award entry includes the comments that “it is a privilege to have McKinney as a Texas Main Street city. Thank you for the pride you take in your community as well as your passion for preserving the heart of your city.”

Fundraising efforts by the group exceeded the set goals, bringing in more than $400,000 to put on events in downtown like Krewe of Barkus, Art and Jazz Festival, Red, White and Boom, Oktoberfest, Scare on the Square and Dickens of a Christmas.

Visit www.downtownmckinney.com for more information, or contact McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660. For more information on the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street program visit www.thc.state.tx.us.

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