The Silver City MainStreet Project is collaborating with the Silco Theater to initiate a new volunteer program with rewards. For three hours of volunteer service, volunteers will receive a Silco Theater Gift Card good for one movie ticket. The program was initiated to attract more people to become involved with downtown revitalization.

Silver City MainStreet was one of the first MainStreet Programs in the state. The purpose of all MainStreet programs is economic development in downtown areas. Making downtown more attractive so businesses will want to occupy the area is one of the approaches. The Silver City MainStreet program has done many beautification projects over the years including putting up the streetlights downtown, the downtown archway and improvements to the Big Ditch Park. Currently, MainStreet is working on a planter program and replanting some medians and side street areas. A historic walking tour is planned.

Bringing more people to downtown is another approach that MainStreet uses. The Taste of Downtown brings people in from the entire area to try new eateries. The Lighted Christmas Parade is an annual event everyone enjoys and now Small Business Saturday is included. To be able to promote more area events, MainStreet is working hard on securing funding for the MainStreet Plaza between 7th and 8th Street adjacent to the Big Ditch Park. This would be a multi-functional area for parking during the week, and an event area on the weekends.

There are volunteer opportunities with events, programs and grant-funded projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the Silver City MainStreet office located in the Visitor Center building at 201 N. Hudson St. and pick up a volunteer application. We are looking for volunteers aged 18 and above. Contact Charmeine@silvercitymainstreet.com or call 534-1700.

The mission of Silver City MainStreet is "To encourage a vibrant, historic downtown Silver City which is recognized as the heart of our diverse community." Please visit our website, www.silvercitymainstreet.com  to learn more.