Test Drive 2014 Welcome Home Magazine | Page 85

Come on Downtown Forsyth Main Street The Summer on the Square concert series draw thousands downtown each year. W elcome to historic Forsyth and Monroe County, located in the heart of Middle Georgia! We are so glad you have chosen to locate in our community, whether you are a newcomer or long time resident. Forsyth Main Street and the Downtown Development Authorityof Forsyth (DDA) are here to provide you with information and resources related to downtown Forsyth. Designated a Main Street community in 2000, Forsyth’s Main Street Program is a selfhelp community development program that utilizes the Main Street Four Point Approach— Promotion, Design, Economic Restructuring and Organization—to promote downtown revitalization, heritage preservation, and reclaiming the community’s sense of place. Short and long-term planning and implementation by community stakeholders are key to the program’s success. • Promotion is a combination of downtown events and retail programs to encourage people to come downtown to shop, dine, be entertained, and do business. The Summer on the Square Downtown Event Series is a mix of concerts and seasonal events held in downtown Forsyth. The event series provides free familyfriendly entertainment throughout the year for locals and visitors. The Forsyth Farmers’ Market provides an “open air market experience” for those who like natural and fresh grown products. The market is open every Friday from May through October behind The Farmers Bank. Located at the corner of North Jackson Street and West Morse Street, hours are 12 noon–6 p.m. Enjoy a wide variety of vendors selling produce, plants, baked goods and agriculture by-products such as honey and goats milk soap. • Design focuses on the physical appearance of downtown. The heart of a community is the downtown district. Forsyth recently completed its Phase 1 & 2 Streetscape Project, making downtown a pedestrian friendly destination. New sidewalks, landscaping, benches, bike racks and lighting are in place and ready for use. Complimenting the Streetscape Project, is the Facade Grant Program. This incentive grant is available to all property owners located within the Main Street District to help offset the cost of improving the exterior of their buildings. Types of projects include building rehabilit F