Laramie Brewfest Returns Saturday July 11 with 30 Brewers, Live Music, and Food Trucks!

LARAMIE, WY – Raise a glass for downtown! The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) invites the community to celebrate at Laramie Brewfest, its largest fundraiser of the year, taking place this Saturday, July 11, at Depot Park in Downtown Laramie.

Laramie Brewfest transforms Depot Park into one of Wyoming’s biggest summer celebrations, featuring craft beer & hard seltzers, live music, local food, and a lively atmosphere - all while supporting the future of Downtown Laramie.

Tickets are available now at laramiemainstreet.org/brewfest. General Admission tickets have been reduced to just $40 this year, making the festival more accessible than ever, while VIP tickets are $55 and are nearly sold out. General Admission tickets will be available for $45 at the gate while supplies last. We also have music only and designated driver tickets for just $5! 

VIP guests receive early access beginning at 11:30 a.m., with General Admission opening at 1:30 p.m.

This year’s event will showcase 30 breweries from across the country, giving attendees the opportunity to sample a wide variety of craft beers and malt seltzers while enjoying performances by House of Cards and Cavalry. Festival-goers can also grab a bite from local favorites including Turo Filipino LLC, Queso’s Kitchen Food Truck, Altitude Chophouse, and Salt & Spice & Everything Rice.

“Every ticket purchased helps us continue providing free resources and support to the businesses, building owners, and entrepreneurs that make downtown such a vibrant place.”
— Jennifer Power, LMSA Communications Director

“Laramie Brewfest is one of those special days when our community comes together to celebrate summer, enjoy great beer and seltzers, and make memories with friends,” said Jennifer Power, LMSA Communications Director. “Every ticket purchased helps us continue providing free resources and support to the businesses, building owners, and entrepreneurs that make downtown such a vibrant place.”

More than just a beer festival, Laramie Brewfest is the primary fundraiser for the Laramie Main Street Alliance, helping keep its programs and services free for every business, building owner, and entrepreneur in the downtown district.

For tickets, participating brewers, sponsors, and additional event information, visit laramiemainstreet.org/brewfest.

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 and guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org.

Laramie Main Street RECEIVES DESIGNATION AS A 2026 MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

This highest national designation recognizes downtown Laramie’s exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact


Laramie Main Street has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach™.

“We are proud to recognize Laramie Main Street as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Laramie Main Street demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

Laramie Main Street is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate. 

These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

Laramie Main Street’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Wyoming Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards. 

These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward. 

To qualify for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results. 

In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.

Return on Investment

In 2025, Laramie Main Street welcomed 16 net new businesses, creating 40 net new jobs. Downtown benefited from 24 private renovation projects worth $1.5 million and $6.7 million in public improvements, including upgrades to Third Street and City Hall. Events and strategic programs were supported by 1,451 volunteer hours worth $50,480. On average, for every one dollar Laramie Main Street spent on operations, another $36 was reinvested downtown - higher than the national average.  

For more information about our 2025 achievements, please access our annual report here:

https://laramiemainstreet.org/news/2026/2/11/laramie-main-street-celebrates-new-businesses-and-reinvestment-downtown-with-the-release-of-their-2025-annual-report 

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ABOUT:

Laramie Main Street strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality through the implementation of transformation strategies that preserve the district as a home for entrepreneurs, with a focus on authentic consumer experiences and creative third spaces. Laramie Main Street Alliance is a member of the Wyoming Main Street Program. For more information, visit laramiemainstreet.org. 

About

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, the Main Street movement has resulted in $124.67 billion reinvested locally, 188,583 net new businesses, 852,443 net gain in jobs, 356,424 buildings rehabbed, and 41 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of Laramie Main Street Alliance Honored with Mary Means Leadership Award

TREY SHERWOOD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE, HONORED WITH 2026 MARY MEANS LEADERSHIP AWARD

For Championing Preservation-Based Revitalization and Community Collaboration in Laramie, Wyoming

TULSA, OK, April 15, 2026 - Main Street America announced Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of the Laramie Main Street Alliance in Laramie, Wyoming, as the recipient of the 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award. This prestigious award is the organization’s top honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in comprehensive preservation-based economic development and commercial district revitalization. The award highlights the impact of exceptional leaders and amplifies the critical role they play in shaping the Main Street movement.

The 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award was presented at the closing plenary of the Main Street Now Conference.

Nominated by colleagues and selected by a national jury, Sherwood is being recognized for her visionary leadership and longstanding commitment to community-driven revitalization in downtown Laramie. Over the past 16 years, she has guided the Laramie Main Street Alliance in strengthening partnerships, fostering entrepreneurship, preserving historic buildings, and cultivating a vibrant downtown that reflects the creativity and character of the modern West.

“Trey Sherwood exemplifies the kind of leadership the Mary Means Award was created to celebrate,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Through collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of community, Trey has helped transform downtown Laramie into a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, artists, and residents while preserving the historic character that makes the district so special.”

Since becoming director, Sherwood has expanded the Laramie Main Street Alliance into a dynamic organization with seven professional staff members and a large network of engaged volunteers and community partners. Together, they support nearly 300 downtown businesses through façade grants, business support services, public art initiatives, and events that bring residents and visitors together.

Sherwood’s leadership has helped advance innovative partnerships with the City of Laramie, the Wyoming Business Council, the University of Wyoming, and numerous community organizations. These collaborations have supported projects ranging from downtown redevelopment efforts and public art planning to entrepreneurial programs that channel new investment into the historic district.

Her work has also strengthened Laramie’s creative economy. Through initiatives such as the award-winning Laramie Mural Project and the development of the city’s first Public Art Plan, Sherwood has helped elevate local artists and transform public spaces throughout downtown. At the same time, her commitment to historic preservation has supported hundreds of building rehabilitation projects that retain Laramie’s distinctive architectural character while creating new opportunities for housing, small businesses, and community gathering spaces.

Sherwood’s impact extends beyond downtown Laramie through her service as a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives, where she continues to advocate for economic development and community vitality across the state.

“Community building is a team sport, and I have the great pleasure of working with Wyoming’s most dedicated change makers,” said Sherwood. “I owe every success to the ‘can do’ attitude of my talented team, the generosity of my board mentors, the entrepreneurs who ask for help, and the collaborators who say ‘yes’ before hearing the pitch. I will be forever grateful to Main Street for giving me a platform to learn, grow, and serve my community.”
— Trey Sherwood, Executive Director Laramie Main Street

“Community building is a team sport, and I have the great pleasure of working with Wyoming's most dedicated change makers,” said Sherwood. “I owe every success to the ‘can do’ attitude of my talented team, the generosity of my board mentors, the entrepreneurs who ask for help, and the collaborators who say ‘yes’ before hearing the pitch. I will be forever grateful to Main Street for giving me a platform to learn, grow, and serve my community.”

ABOUT THE MARY MEANS LEADERSHIP AWARD Introduced in 2019 and named after Main Street America’s founder, the Mary Means Leadership Award celebrates outstanding preservation-based commercial district revitalization leaders and highlights the critical role their leadership plays in shaping the Main Street movement. Recipients are selected by a jury of peers, previous winners, state coordinators, Main Street America board members and staff, and Mary Means, and are recognized annually at the Main Street Now Conference.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development.

ABOUT LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE

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

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a Great American Main Street award winner, an accredited member of Main Street America, and Wyoming Main Street–a program of the Wyoming Business Council. For more information, visit laramiemainstreet.org. 

How Hiring: Social Media Intern – Downtown Laramie Farmers Market

Must be a University of Wyoming Honors Student

$15/hour | Summer Seasonal (June 26 – September 25)

Looking for a creative student who loves social media, content creation, and community engagement! This role is ideal for a student who is passionate about storytelling, community engagement, and highlighting everyone's favorite event of the summer. This internship is focused on capturing and managing social media content for the Farmers Market. This includes creating high-quality visuals, staying on top of current trends (especially Reels), and developing consistent, engaging content that showcases our vendors, projects, and community impact.

Responsibilities

  • Take clear, clean, and visually engaging photos and videos during market hours

  • Create and post content across social media platforms, with an emphasis on Reels and current trends

  • Interview vendors and create spotlight features

  • Share weekly highlights showcasing market experiences, programs, and community impact

  • Plan and execute a cohesive social media content strategy throughout the season

  • Assist with minor and miscellaneous tasks as needed by the Program Director and/or Market Manager


Qualifications

  • Must be a University of Wyoming Honors student

  • Experience with social media (must provide examples)

  • Ability to identify and adapt to social media trends

  • Creative eye for photography, video, and storytelling

  • Ability to create and follow a content plan

  • Strong communication and organization skills

  • Passion for community engagement and supporting local vendors


Schedule

  • Flexible–majority of work completed on your own time, as long as deadlines are met

  • Required in-person attendance each Friday to gather content

  • Fridays between 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (not required to stay the full duration)


To Apply:

Send your resume and social media examples By Friday, May 1st to:

coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org

farmersmarket@laramiemainstreet.org

Laramie Main Street Celebrates New Businesses and Reinvestment Downtown with the Release of their 2025 Annual Report

In 2025, Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) celebrated 20 years of downtown revitalization. The non-profit organization provides free services to property and business owners, while engaging the public through events and volunteer opportunities in support of the economic vitality and preservation of Laramie’s historic district. 

“The success of our work is reflected in the growth of local businesses, scale of physical improvements, vibrancy of community events, and the dedication of our board and volunteers,” shared LMSA Director , Trey Sherwood said.

In 2025, downtown saw significant growth and public investment. For every one-dollar spent by LMSA another $36 in private and public funds were invested downtown. Successes from the year include:

  • 24 private repair and renovation projects valued at $1.5 million

  • public improvements on Third Street and to City Hall, valued at $6.7 million

  • 16 net new businesses

  • 40 net new jobs

  • 1,451 hours donated by community volunteers valued at $50,480

  • 209 business coaching and assistance sessions provided by Main Street staff

“Being part of Laramie Main Street has shown me what real community spirit looks like. There is so much heart and commitment, from the members, volunteers and fundraising donors, to keep our history preserved, keep downtown thriving, organize markets and events to bring the community together”
— Trisha Gullekson, a Laramie entrepreneur and Main Street volunteer

“Being part of Laramie Main Street has shown me what real community spirit looks like,” Trisha Gullekson, a Laramie entrepreneur and Main Street volunteer, reflects. “There is so much heart and commitment, from the members, volunteers and fundraising donors, to keep our history preserved, keep downtown thriving, organize markets and events to bring the community together.”

Looking Ahead

In 2026, LMSA will solicit public feedback with the City of Laramie and Downtown Development Authority to update the long-range vision for downtown. The last plan, adopted in 2012,  resulted in:

  • The Laramie Mural Project

  • Downtown facade grant program

  • Property and business inventory

  • Shared branding with community partners

  • Infill and expansion of Big Hollow Food Co-Op

  • Fabrication and installation of wayfinding signage

  • Reconstruction and beautification of Third Street

  • Relocation and expansion of theDowntown Farmers Market

  • Addition of parking spots and improvements to pre-existing lots

Main Street’s 2025 annual report contains information on the organization’s mission, board members, strategic priorities, new businesses, events, marketing campaigns, financials, and physical improvement projects. It can be accessed at https://laramiemainstreet.org/mainstreet. 

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ABOUT LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE

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

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a Great American Main Street award winner, an accredited member of Main Street America, and Wyoming Main Street–a program of the Wyoming Business Council. For more information, visit laramiemainstreet.org. 

Beautification of Third Street continues with year-round lighting

Year round lighting will be installed downtown on Third Street in a continuation of beautification efforts to enhance the district. “Light Up Downtown” is a collaborative project between the Laramie Beautification Committee, Laramie Main Street, Tough Guys, the City of Laramie, Visit Laramie, the Laramie Board of Realtors to install programmable year round lighting downtown to create a sense of place and game day pride while providing evening ambience, enhanced visibility for local businesses, and safety for customers.

Phase I includes properties on Third Street between Ivinson and Garfield.

After a year of fundraising and investigation into various products, the Laramie Beautification Committee has hired Tough Guys to install Haven lights downtown. The Laramie night sky compliant lights can be programmed for home games, holiday events and seasonal themes. 

https://toughguyswyo.com/haven-lighting/

 

"In conjunction with WYDOT’s completion of road work on Third Street and the City’s new pedestrian lighting, we are starting this project on Third Street to further boost the beautification efforts in this entryway corridor. The new lighting will provide welcoming ambiance and increase foot traffic to downtown businesses" shared Laramie Main Street Director Trey Sherwood.  

 

In addition to the street, curb, sidewalk and lighting improvements the City of Laramie, Laramie Main Street and the Laramie Public Art Coalition are working with a team of artists to create gateway treatments on the north and south ends of Third Street that will serve as visual welcome markers to downtown. The public can provide feedback on what this artwork should invoke by taking this survey. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6DAVH7BEb3G5mC50wf4IeJfBmhzi5Pr_Eq1mge2DChEi1bA/viewform

 

Those interested in participating or financially supporting Phase II of the downtown lighting project can contact Project Coordinator, Trey Sherwood at downtownlaramie@gmail.com or Margaret Brown, Fundraising/Laramie Beautification Chair at margaretbrown232@outlook.com

 

A map of the project area can be found here: 

 https://laramiemainstreet.org/project-lighting

Main Street Releases its Annual Rep

2024 was another exciting year downtown. From installation of wayfinding and parking signage to investments in seasonal beautification, the team at Laramie Main Street is proud to report on the impact of our work. Inside this year’s annual report you’ll find information about our services, budget, facade grant program, physical improvements made, event evaluations and our ROI - return on investment.

Did you know? In 2024 there were 12 private renovation projects downtown valued at $567,078 and 7.5 new net jobs created. Community members contributed 2,130 volunteer hours valued at $71,250 to support our mission. Staff participated in over 260 collaborative partner meetings and conducted 95 unique business coaching sessions.

Learn more about how we are preserving historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality by accessing our 2024 Annual Report here:

Download the report

Laramie Main Street Celebrates 20 Years!

20 Years of Downtown Revitalization

This year, Laramie Main Street celebrates 20 years of downtown revitalization. In 2005, we were founded by business owners, concerned citizens, and members of city council as a non-profit to support the economic health and preservation of the historic district. The success of our work is reflected in the growth of local businesses, scale of physical improvements, vibrancy of community events, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers. 

While not everyone remembers the district pre Main Street, vintage photos from the 70s and 80s tell the story of a neglected downtown with boarded up storefronts, empty parking lots, and a few dive bars. 

Fast forward to today, Laramie Main Street is a Great American Main Street award winner and the district is home to 300+ locally owned businesses, 95 residential units, 30+ hand-painted murals, and countless seasonal events.

“Our staff, board and volunteers steadfast vision for preservation, business support and community building has set our downtown apart as an economic hub and cultural asset for the Gem City”
— Trey Sherwood, LMSA ED

Director Trey Sherwood shared, “our staff, board and volunteers steadfast vision for preservation, business support and community building has set our downtown apart as an economic hub and cultural asset for the Gem City”. 

Return on Investment

Between 2005 and June 2024, $30 million in public and private dollars have been invested in the revitalization of downtown. 

Property owners completed 458 renovation projects valued at $17.2 million. The City and non profit partners invested $7.5 million in 54 public improvement projects, from improvements to water infrastructure to public art. In addition, there were 10 new construction projects worth $3.7 million.

Photos of Downtown prior to Laramie Main Street’s formation in 2005:

179 net new businesses have opened downtown since 2005, creating 752 new jobs. 

None of this would be possible without community members who have volunteered their time, talents and energies, contributing 66,239 hours worth $1,478,717 to support the vibrancy of downtown.

Looking Ahead

Throughout 2025 we’ll be reflecting on the impact of our work, revisiting our 2012 downtown development plan, celebrating our collaborative partnerships, and highlighting Main Street change makers. 

Learn more at www.laramiemainstreet.org 

We are Hiring: Farmers Market Intern * Applications closed

The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is looking to bring on a Farmers Market Intern for the 2025 season. Someone in this role should be a strong communicator, team player, self motivated, adaptable, and organized. Experience in the areas of graphic design, marketing, content creation, customer service, or event organization is preferred. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA Program Coordinator Ana  Castro at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org with the subject line INTERN APPLICATION by March 9th, 2025. This is a part-time, seasonal position averaging 195 hours per season.

For more information about Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org  

The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons from the last week in June through the end of September. The market provides access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs (from market to storefront), support food based manufacturing, drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local businesses, and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community. 

Market Intern Position 

The Farmers Market Intern is a part-time summer position, with some preparation taking place in the spring. The primary responsibilities are assisting the Market Manager with the day-of operations of the Market, and creating Market promotional content. Please be aware this position requires a fair amount of manual labor, and you may be asked to lift up to 40 lbs. This position reports to the Market Manager. 

This position requires a weekly presence at the Friday Farmers Market between the hours of 1pm and 8pm from June 27th- September 26th (no market July 11th).

Spring: 

  • Training for the position, and getting familiar with the market money system 

  • Assisting with preparing materials for our SNAP food matching program

  • Help with goal setting and event pre-evaluation

Summer:

Weekly responsibilities include:

  • Work with Market staff to update and publish the weekly varying vendor map for both social media and google maps

  • Oversee the Farmers Market Facebook and Instagram pages and create content (2-3 posts plus day of stories) on a weekly basis 

  • Create impactful social campaigns to promote the farmers market 

  • Coordinate with LMSA Communications Coordinator about posts on main LMSA social feeds

  • Create content for specialized market events and music

  • Capture photo and video at the market to be used in future promotional material 

  • Oversee SNAP match program at the farmers market

    • tracking of grant and moneys used for SNAP matching

    • communicating program to community

    • evaluate program effectiveness and suggest and implement improvements

    • train volunteers and others on how to use SNAP EBT machine and exchange for market tokens

    • Outreach to partner organizations and community spaces to promote SNAP match program

    • Coordinate with SNAP EBT program as needed

  • Assist with Sustainability efforts

    • Assist Deb with PedalPalooza - a bike downtown event that encourages biking over driving to the market

    • Develop sustainability days for 3 of the summer markets - how can we incentivize vendors and communities to use sustainable practices?

  • Assist the Market Manager in Market set-up and tear down and day of operations including: 

    • Set out market fixtures like market tent, trash, toilets, signage, and street barricades

    • Help organize vendors into locations as they arrive 

    • Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

    • Assist the Manager in collecting vendor fees and token exchange 

    • Collect SNAP and other token transactions at the market table

    • Communicate with vendors about updates, issues, and questions

    • Close the market by breaking down market features

    • Walk the market location and collect trash

    • Assist in storing items neatly for next market use

Salary: $5,000 - which will be paid throughout the summer once per month.

Attend Events hosted by downtown businesses