Each December, LMSA reflects on the year’s most notable accomplishments. In the midst of our fast-paced lives, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, celebrate, and appreciate the positive milestones we achieved together in 2024.
Facade grant program - In 2024, 9 businesses applied for and received funding for their facade improvements, maintenance or signs. Since the program started in 2023, Laramie Main Street has awarded $50,500 in grant funding to businesses with a total of $250,912 invested in preservation projects. Funding is in thanks to interest earned from our Paul Etchepare Endowment. If you would like to learn more or apply visit https://laramiemainstreet.org/facade-grants
Parking improvements - Based on feedback from businesses and consumers, we’ve made it easier to park in the all day lots downtown. Thanks to local artist, Favian Hernandez, we’ve got the cutest new characters adorning our parking lot signs. Laramie Main Street hired Favian to bring the parking lot animals to life with bright and colorful illustrations. We also hired WyoLights to add some holiday sparkle to the parking lot trees. And perhaps you have encountered the parking fairy when you park in the all day lots - she’s been out all year gifting $10 downtown gift certificates to drivers who leave the on street spots for customers. Learn more about parking downtown at https://laramiemainstreet.org/parking
Dia De Los Muertos was a new exciting cultural event hosted by Main Street’s Program Coordinator on November 2nd. The community enjoyed music from a mariachi band, experienced a traditional ofrenda, decorated sugar skulls, broke a pinata with candy and supported Latin X vendors right in the heart of downtown! Read more about this year’s event at https://laramiemainstreet.org/day-of-the-dead
Presentation at Main Street Now 2024 - The Laramie International Flavor festival coordinators were invited to shared the event with downtowns from around the country at the Main Street Now 2024 conference in Birmingham, Alabama. Ali Grossman and Deb Ross presented the festival structure - showcasing how the event partners with UW, brings the international students and community together, and supports local restaurants too! Save the date for the next International Flavor Festival on April 8-12, 2025 - find more information at https://laramiemainstreet.org/international-flavor-festival
Farmers Market Season - The Laramie Farmers Market was the biggest and best yet! The market got a rebrand with playful lettering and fruit designed by Rocio Gomez-Scandoval. We had more vendors than ever with a total of 174 attending the market throughout the summer and fall. The Farmers market matched $1,459 worth of SNAP tokens thanks to our generous sponsors! This event continues to be a cornerstone of summer and fall fun downtown. Learn more about the event at https://laramiemainstreet.org/farmersmarket