Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Governor Gordon and a group of Wyoming Business Council staff, Wyoming Main Street advisory board members, and local Main Street staff and volunteers at the proclamation signing on November 14, 2024.

In anticipation of the holiday season and to support local businesses across Wyoming, Governor Gordon has officially proclaimed November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday, launched in 2010 by American Express, encourages consumers to shop at locally-owned businesses. For many small businesses, the holiday season represents one of the busiest and most critical times of the year. To support this initiative, American Express offers the Neighborhood Champion program, providing materials and listing organizations that advocate for small businesses. More information about Wyoming’s Neighborhood Champions can be found here.

Wyoming boasts over 73,000 small businesses, accounting for 98.9% of all businesses in the state and employing more than 64% of its workforce. In recognition of their vital role, Wyoming Main Street is partnering with local downtown organizations to promote small businesses and provide Support Local materials. Wyoming Main Street strengthens community capacity and fosters economic resilience by collaborating with grassroots organizations to revitalize downtown areas and create authentic, place-based experiences.

To explore Wyoming Main Street communities, visit wyomingmainstreet.org. Businesses and community organizations are encouraged to connect with their local Main Street program for information on local initiatives and available resources. For Support Local window clings and stickers, please contact Kayla Kler, Main Street Program Manager, at kayla.kler@wyo.gov.

5 Reasons you should shop small this holiday season

It's that special time of the year when our community comes together to show our support for local businesses. As the holiday season gets into full swing, you may often come across the phrase "shop small." But what does it truly entail? Shopping small means choosing to buy from local, smaller businesses, either in-store or online, rather than opting for large retailers. In a broader context, it signifies the act of nurturing our community by keeping our spending within it. This not only has a positive impact but also adds a delightful element of enjoyment to the shopping experience!

Here are 5 Reasons you should shop small this holiday season! 

  1. You get unique shopping experiences - need help finding the perfect gift? Want to create something special? Need help wrapping? Small businesses offer these unique and helpful shopping experiences! You will not find these services in large retail stores.

  2. You create memories and traditions with your family and friends - Special memories aren’t created just anywhere - choose to shop in our historic downtown where brick buildings line the streets and house so many of our friendly local businesses. Take pictures with the trains downtown, grab lunch while you shop, and visit a new business! It's not only enjoyable, but it might also mark the beginning of a new shopping tradition for you! 

  3. You find hand-crafted and unique products - Numerous local businesses are either founded by or lend their support to local artists, craftsmen, and creators. This means you can discover one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, or locally-sourced products and services that are simply unavailable elsewhere!

  4. You encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of our community - Supporting small businesses means supporting the dreams of our local entrepreneurs. These businesses are started by your friends, family, or neighbors who have a passion for their work and contribute to a vibrant business ecosystem. Let’s make sure our community is the best place to follow your dream! 

  5. You make an impact on the community - Supporting small businesses in person or online means you keep your dollars circulating within our local economy.  Buying local keeps sales-tax dollars within our county, supporting the wellness of our Laramie community. Revenue captured locally supports city services such as parks, road and water infrastructure, as well as our local fire and police departments - your dollars go further when you keep them local!

This holiday season, we extend a warm invitation to embrace the happiness, influence, and enthusiasm that comes with shopping locally during Small Business Weekend and beyond.

~ Your Small Business Champions: Laramie Main Street, Laramie Plains Civic Center, and Visit Laramie

Laramie Main Street Brings Dia de Los Muertos to Life For the First Time in Downtown Laramie 

Laramie, WY – October 14, 2024 – Laramie Main Street is delighted to announce their inaugural Dia de Los Muertos event. Dia de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that dates back 3,000 years and honors the souls of deceased loved ones with food, drink, and celebration.

“The idea for this new event came from Main Street’s goal to bring more culturally relevant programming to the community. We wanted to find ways to connect Downtown with the people who live here but aren’t always visible—Laramie’s Downtown belongs to everyone!”
— Ana Castro - LMSA Program Coordinator

Ana Castro, the Program Coordinator for Laramie Main Street Alliance, emphasizes the importance of this event for Downtown Laramie, stating, "The idea for this new event came from Main Street's goal to bring more culturally relevant programming to the community. We wanted to find ways to connect Downtown with the people who live here but aren't always visible--Laramie's Downtown belongs to everyone!"

On November 2nd, from 12-4pm, Laramie Main Street welcomes families and anyone who wants to celebrate or learn more about Dia de Los Muertos to Downtown Laramie. The downtown area between 1st and 2nd Street on Grand Ave. will be filled with festivities for all to enjoy and appreciate the holiday.

Dia de Los Muertos Laramie will feature meaningful ofrendas (beautifully crafted altars in remembrance of our dead), a vibrant mariachi band, fun arts and crafts, street vendors, and more. The movie Coco will also be shown the following day, November 3rd, at the Gryphon Theater. Doors will open at 2:30 pm with the movie starting at 3:00 pm.

Laramie Main Street is extremely grateful to hold this event and appreciates everyone who has lended a helping hand of support. Ana Castro highlights her gratitude, saying, “The overwhelming support from our community for this event has been truly heartwarming! With so many moving parts, none of this would be possible without the contributions of our sponsors, partners, and dedicated volunteers. We are in awe of our community and cannot wait for everyone to experience this event!”

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as part of the State of Wyoming’s “Wyoming Main Street” program under the Wyoming Business Council, guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org

Experience Downtown: Featuring 4th Street Studios

Wondering how you can enjoy unique experiences downtown? We are here to show you some of the experience based businesses located in our award winning downtown. 

Our second stop is 4th Street Studios - an art cafe and Victorian greenhouse.In 2017, René and her husband bought the property on 4th street - transforming it from abandoned property on its last legs to an artist gallery and event space. Originally built in 1926, the Victorian Greenhouse and the original Laramie Flowers is a place René and David would like to share with the community.  See before and after photos on the website.

We stopped on a rainy evening to experience all that 4th Street Studios has to offer. René was our gracious host and made us peach lavender spritzers, appetizers of fresh hummus with vegetables and charcuterie. We were able to pick our own craft which was Suminagashi paper marbling but she has many art projects to  choose from and will help customize the perfect project for your group or just drop in with friends during open studio hours, grab an art kit and enjoy the greenhouse.  See the online calendar for events and open studio dates.

René is an expert teacher and demonstrated how we can achieve paper marbling with ink and water. From there she let us loose and we created tons of pieces to take home with us. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening spending time together, being creative and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere in the greenhouse. 

Don’t forget that you can purchase finished artwork, gifts and handmade items created in the studio, or grab an art kit designed and assembled at the studio by René and Science Loves Art, a nonprofit that René founded to bring art and science together through events, exhibits and community collaborations.  Art kits and gifts are available on 4th Street Studios online shop with free shipping, wrapping and handmade cards available so share the love of Laramie with friends and family near and far.  

Learn more about 4th Street Studios

315 S 4th St, Laramie, Wyoming 82070

Website: https://4thstreetstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thstreetstudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4thStreetStudios

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If you are an experience based downtown business interested in being featured please contact Jennifer at marketing@laramiemainstreet.org

Downtown Summer Bucket List

  1. Enjoy the sunset at 1st Street Plaza

  2. Shop local with 5 downtown businesses

  3. Eat dinner at a downtown restaurant

  4. Find 5 different murals downtown

  5. Get a to-go meal to eat at Laradise Lane

  6. Hug 3 different types of trees downtown

  7. Meet all five animal characters at the all day parking lots

  8. Visit one (new to you) businesses

  9. Attend a downtown event with friends

  10. Watch a train from the historic pedestrian bridge

Gem City Nights is coming back to the Farmers Market

CIVIC CENTER’S FREE MUSIC & ARTS SERIES COMES DOWNTOWN FOR FARMERS MARKET FRIDAYS

Starting August 23, Gem City Nights returns to Downtown Laramie to bring the free music and arts series to Friday evenings with Laramie Main Street’s Farmer’s Market. This summer’s series, hosted by the Laramie Plains Civic Center's visual and performing arts facilities, will feature nine regional musicians, four pop-up art-making experiences for all ages, and sales and demos from local ceramicists. 

“ A summer night at the Laramie Farmers Market is the perfect place to gather and connect around music, creativity, and celebration of the wide array of talent we have in our town.”
— Jessica Brauer, Laramie Plains Civic Center Executive Director

“The Civic Center community is rich with artists of all mediums, and Gem City Nights is our way of showcasing the importance of their work for the community at no cost,” Laramie Plains Civic Center Executive Director Jessica Brauer said. “A summer night at the Laramie Farmers Market is the perfect place to gather and connect around music, creativity, and celebration of the wide array of talent we have in our town.”

Each Gem City Night, hosted Fridays from August 23 to September 13, will feature an all-ages drop-in workshop from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and two musical acts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North side of the Laramie Train Depot. 

“We’re excited to be able to host live music at the markets through this collaboration,” Laramie Main Street’s Farmers Market Coordinator Angela Peterson said. “It's a fantastic way to showcase the region's musical talent, farmers, and makers.”

This year’s event lineup includes:

AUGUST 23: 

Music from Pleasure People with Matthew Wilburn Skinner

Letterpress Workshop hosted by LPCC tenant Jim Jereb

AUGUST 30: 

Music from Rumours with Carriages

Costume Play Workshop hosted by LPCC tenant Wyoming Children’s Musical Theatre

SEPTEMBER 6: 

Music from Megan Burtt with Kira Dawn

Community Artmaking hosted by visiting Gorgon Gallery artist Kelwin Coleman

SEPTEMBER13: 

Music from House of Cards with Prairie Smoke

Workshop TBA

Gem City Nights is free and open to the public thanks to support from the Wyoming Arts Council and local sponsors. Learn more at lpccwy.org/gemcitynights.

The Laramie Plains Civic Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as a community fostering connections, nurturing creativity, and ensuring an enriched future. Learn more about the facilities and programs of the historic building at lpccwy.org.

Laramie Main Streets Invites Community to Parking Lot Reveal Party

Downtown Laramie is buzzing with excitement as Laramie Main Street completes its newly named and artistically reimagined parking lot signage. The community is invited to join in the excitement at the Parking Lot Reveal Party on Saturday, July 27th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The event will commence with complimentary coffee and donuts at the Moose Lot located on 4th and University. Special edition swag will be available at each lot — you won’t want to miss it!

In the fall of 2023, Main Street engaged the community to rename each of the all day free parking lots throughout our vibrant downtown, aiming to rejuvenate these spaces and encourage more people to park and walk to their destinations. After a spirited community vote, the Wyoming wildlife inspired finalists emerged: Bison Lot (1st and University), Moose Lot (4th and University), Trout Lot (1st and Grand), Jackalope Lot (1st and Garfield), and Sage Grouse Lot (1st and Custer).

Partnering with the Laramie Public Art Coalition, Main Street commissioned Laramie artist Favian Hernandez to bring these names to life through captivating artwork. Each parking lot sign now features a unique character designed to reflect the essence of its namesake animal.

We are thrilled to announce the completion of this project, and we hope our community treasures it as much as we do! Working on this project has been a delightful experience, made possible with the support of our partners: the Laramie Beautification Committee, Stanrod Welding & Plasma, 307 Powder Coating, Digital Blues Print Shop, Laramie Public Art Coalition, our Paul Etchepare Endowment and, of course, Favian Hernandez.

Summer Flowers Arrive Downtown

A series of colorful summer flower pots have made their way to downtown Laramie again with the support of Laramie Main Street, the Laramie Garden Club and downtown businesses.  Flowers of many varieties brighten up the storefronts of businesses downtown thanks to the Adopt-a-Pot program. 

The Adopt-a-Pot program has been a long running favorite for downtown businesses and their patrons. It is a collaborative effort to keep downtown inviting, friendly and beautiful for residents and summer visitors. Laramie Main Street’s Design Team volunteers coordinated the ordering and payments for the flower pots, Windmill Hill Greenhouse plants and delivered them, and the Laramie Garden Club paid 60% of costs for businesses who wanted to participate.  

As you visit the historic district this summer, be sure to stop and smell the new and colorful flowers dotting the streets. 


For more information about Laramie Main Street, and volunteering with our Design Team, visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/volunteer

Laramie Main Street Unveils Vibrant Rebranding of Downtown Laramie Farmers Market

Laramie Main Street Unveils Vibrant Rebranding of Downtown Laramie Farmers Market in Collaboration with Laramie Public Art Coalition

Laramie, WY – June 26, 2024 – Laramie Main Street proudly announces the rebranding of one of Laramie’s beloved community programs, the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market, in collaboration with the Laramie Public Art Coalition.

In a creative partnership with local artist Rocio Gomez Sandoval, the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market now shines brighter than ever. Rocio painstakingly hand-stitched every detail of the new design, presenting a logo that will undoubtedly stand out as one of the region's most vibrant market symbols. The use of embroidery as a medium for creating the market logo is distinctive and adds a unique touch.

“Rocio, being an artist and a downtown business, was a perfect fit for capturing the energy of the Farmers Market through her hand-stitched embroidery.”
— Laura McDermit, Executive Director of Laramie Public Art

Laura McDermit, Executive Director of the Laramie Public Art Coalition, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "It is so important to infuse our work in the community with the incredible talent of our artist community. Rocio, being an artist and a downtown business, was a perfect fit for capturing the energy of the Farmers Market through her hand-stitched embroidery."

The newly rebranded Farmers Market logo will make its debut this summer, adorning streetlight banners, promotional materials, and signage throughout Downtown Laramie. Additionally, market goers will have the opportunity to experience more of Rocio's work firsthand, as she pioneers her vendor presence at the market.

This revitalized branding initiative emphasizes Main Street's commitment to fostering local talent, promoting community engagement, and celebrating the unique charm of Downtown Laramie. Rebranding was made possible by funding in memory of Paul Etchepare.

The Farmers Market continues to be a cornerstone of our community, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and a vibrant social atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The Downtown Farmers market starts June 28th and continues on Fridays (except July 12) from 3-7 pm in the Jackalope parking lot until September 27th.  Learn more about the market at laramiemainstreet.org/farmersmarket

Laramie Main Streets Supports Housing & Parking

The Laramie Main Street board has provided the following letter of support for the Stencil Group’s project on the Bolton lot in downtown Laramie:

The Benefits of Multi Family Housing in Downtown Laramie

Downtown residents support homegrown economic development and a robust economy by spending their income in locally owned businesses that are walkable from their living unit. In addition, residents are the first to know and spread the word about new and expanding businesses. They are vested in the success of the district, either as workers or consumers, reinvesting in the place they call home.

Need for Housing Downtown

Laramie’s Housing Study 2030 calls out the need, and market demand, for additional housing units downtown, stating, “A total of 92 units, consisting of 18 owner and 74 rental housing units, should be created in Downtown Laramie, by 2020. By 2030, a total of 210 units, consisting of 38 owner and 172 rental housing units, should be created in Downtown Laramie”.

In addition, the study suggests, we “combine the efforts and funding resources of the Downtown Development Authority Board and the Laramie Main Street Alliance to expand residential development in the Downtown. The potential of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Historical Preservation Tax Credits, in combination with the resources of property owners should be marketed to area developers to expand housing efforts throughout the Downtown”.

There are currently 95 housing units downtown, ranging from studio, 1 - 2 bedroom with a few upper floor lofts. The Bolton project proposes to add another 88 units downtown, bringing the total to 183, still below the suggested 210 units called out in the housing plan.

A Strategic Priority

Laramie Main Street embraces the need for additional housing downtown; a priority that appears in the Downtown Development Plan and in our annual work plans.

Section 5.2.8 of the 2012 Downtown Development Plan calls for “support for development that increases walkability, offering a variety of housing types, promoting infill options and increasing population and employment in the downtown area”. In addition, the plan calls for, “Adjust Parking Standards. Investigate and where necessary adjust parking standards that will encourage downtown residential uses, particularly housing that is incorporated into mixed use developments”.

Our 2024 Strategic Priorities call out “Housing and Adaptive Reuse” and our dedication to “support public-private partnerships to develop vacant lots, adapt buildings for new uses and add residential units to the district. By understanding the market and consumer demand, we will breathe new life into underutilized spaces which will in turn, bring more people and income into existing businesses”.

The economic impact of each new housing unit, using $750 a month, $9,000 a year, as a placeholder for rent, translates into an additional $8,161* spent downtown. With an additional 88 units downtown, this means local businesses will benefit from an additional $718,168 spent annually in their storefronts.

*Calculated using Food at Home (groceries from Big Hollow) Food Away from Home & Alcohol (downtown restaurants), Household Supplies, Apparel and Footwear, Auto Related, Entertainment, Personal Care Products and Services, Reading and Education = $8,161 a month.

On the higher end, a monthly rent of $1,000 is projected to have a $2,421 monthly or $29,052 annual impact to downtown businesses. With an additional 88 units, this means an additional $2,556,576 spent within the district each year.

Impact on Parking

There are currently 284 off-street, 24 hour parking spots located in six lots downtown. In addition, in 2023, the City of Laramie added an additional 22 diagonal on street parking spots on North 2nd Street between University Avenue and Clark Street, bringing the total of on street parking spots in the district to 865.

78 of those parking spots are located in the Bolton lot (57 are signed public, 4 are ADA and 6 are privately leased). The proposed development will provide tenants with 60 dedicated spaces. We are committed to working with the City of Laramie, and the developer, to add additional spots to ensure a net gain of parking downtown.

In addition, downtown has a Walk Score of 88 out of 100 and a Bike Score of 100. As a dense, walkable district, most errands downtown can be accomplished on foot.

While we recognize the availability of public parking is an important aspect of doing business downtown, we believe the benefits of this development outweigh the concerns.

We understand the Bolton lot is privately owned and, by the City removing itself from the parking lot lease, this removes a barrier for a private business to address the market need for housing downtown.