Do you need ideas for Valentine's Day this year? Downtown Laramie is the perfect place to find extra special gifts and spend time with your loved ones. See our Valentine's Day guide below created to help you plan the perfect day with your Valentine (or Galentines)!
To celebrate historic preservation month (May 2023) LMSA relaunched their facade grant program. This program provides funding to help business and building owners make improvements to their exteriors. Levels include sign grants, maintenance grants, and renovation grants. So far $38,500 has been awarded to13 businesses for their facade improvements. Learn more about the Facade Grant and how to apply at https://laramiemainstreet.org/facade-grants
After YEARS of hard work by the City of Laramie, Laramie Main Street, and Visit Laramie 5 wayfinding signs have been installed in key locations around Laramie. These signs are part of a larger plan to help residents and visitors find important areas of Laramie! Stay tuned for more signs in the future.
To bring awareness to the all day parking Downtown Laramie Main Street recruited the community’s help to pick animal names for the parking lots. These five distinct parking lots, the Moose lot on 4th and University, the Bison lot on 1st and University, the Trout lot on 1st and Garfield, the Sage-Grouse lot on 2nd and Custer, and the Jackalope Lot at offer a combined total of 256 parking spots to serve the community's needs. So come by and try parking in one of the animal lots! Learn more about the Parking Lots and incentives at https://laramiemainstreet.org/news/2023/10/27/laramie-main-street-alliance-encourages-downtown-parking-offering-surprising-rewards
This year Laramie Main Street welcomed two new staff members to the team - Ana Castro, LMSA program coordinator, and Kim Jessen, LMSA Volunteer Coordinator. Thanks to their contributions, LMSA is able to better engage with the community and volunteers, host events to benefit downtown, and provide more support to our downtown neighborhood.
Have you noticed all the lights downtown this holiday season? See the Snowflakes on the light poles along with additional string lights, the lights adorning the walking bridge and the bright trees by the Bison and Jakalope lots, and even more lights on the train in depot park. Thank you Laramie Board of Realtors, Wyo Light Co. , City of Laramie, and Tough Guys Landscaping & Lighting for your contributions to our bright and festive downtown!
Laramie Main Street is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Chipotle for its first local fundraising event since the restaurant's grand opening on November 10th. On December 9th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Chipotle will generously donate 33% of all supporters' sales to Laramie Main Street, helping to further the organization's mission in supporting the vibrant downtown community.
Trey Sherwood, spokesperson for Laramie Main Street, emphasizes the significance of fundraising for the organization's essential expenses, stating, "As a non-profit, we rely on public donations and sponsorships to meet our mission-critical expenses. Funds raised allow us to keep our services free to every business and property owner in the district. A donation is an investment in a vibrant downtown."
This event is a unique opportunity for community members to contribute to the continued growth and success of downtown Laramie. Sherwood adds, "Downtown is the one place, community- wide, that everyone owns. Investing in the place you call home supports the creation of new jobs and adds diversity to our business mix."
To ensure that your purchases contribute to this fundraising initiative, there are four convenient ways to participate:
Show the cashier a digital flyer prior to paying.
Show the cashier a paper flyer prior to paying.
Order online and pick up Chipotle for your fundraiser by using Promo Code MW6TFLY on the
Chipotle app or website. (*Pick-up only*)
Laramie Main Street encourages everyone to mark their calendars for December 9th, gather friends and family, and head to Chipotle at 2615 Grand Ave. between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to support this important cause.
For more information about Laramie Main Street and its initiatives, please visit
laramiemainstreet.org
Contact:
Ana Castro
Program Coordinator
Laramie Main Street Alliance
307-223-1795 a
coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org
This holiday season, give the gift of a vibrant downtown by purchasing and naming a snowflake that will be displayed in the First Street Plaza kiosk from December 4th through the end of January 2024. Every donation will go toward Laramie Main Street’s projects and events that support the locally owned businesses that call the district home.
The public is invited to purchase a snowflake on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 starting at 10 am. Hot chocolate and shopping bags will be available at 115 E. Ivinson Avenue. In addition, on Dec. 8, Main Street will unveil our flurry of support at the Train Depot during the Train Lighting and Holiday Parade.
5:30 - 7:00 pm: Refreshments at the Train Depot
6:00 - 6:30 pm: Train lighting and holiday music at Depot Park
6:30 pm: Downtown Holiday Parade “Santa’s Toy Shop” along First Street and Second Streets from Sheridan to University Ave.
Now through the end of January 2024, every dollar you contribute to Main Street’s Cause a Flurry campaign will be matched, up to $2,000! That’s right, your donation this holiday season will magically double, thanks to Laramie Main Street’s board members.
You give $10, they give $10. You donate $50, they throw in $50 more! You’re feeling super generous and give $100? You just made it $200!
Don’t wait. Matching funds won’t last long. Seize the moment and watch your gift do twice the good for our downtown events, businesses and district improvements. Donate $10, $25 or $50 or sign up to become a monthly donor by visiting laramiemainstreet.org/donate
Let’s cause a flurry in Downtown Laramie!
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!
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.
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 enjoy visiting new business! It's not only enjoyable, but it might also mark the beginning of a new shopping tradition for you!
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!
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!
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
Downtown Laramie has recently unveiled a series of newly named parking lots as part of an initiative to enhance parking options for residents and visitors alike. These four distinct parking lots, the Moose lot on 4th and University, the Bison lot on 1st and University, the Trout lot on 1st and Garfield, and the Sage Grouse lot on 2nd and Custer, offer a combined total of 175 parking spots to serve the community's needs.
The newly named Moose lot on 4th and University boasts an impressive capacity of 50 parking spots, providing easy access to surrounding businesses and services. With its convenient proximity to the heart of downtown Laramie, this lot ensures greater accessibility for both locals and tourists.
To celebrate the introduction of these parking lots and to promote their usage, Laramie Main Street Alliance is proud to announce an exciting reward program for individuals who choose to utilize these new downtown parking lots instead of street parking. On October 25, Laramie Main Street Alliance staff and dedicated volunteers began randomly awarding the public with downtown gift certificates as a token of appreciation for their support.
Located on 1st and University, the Bison lot offers an additional 20 parking spots. Its strategic location caters to individuals seeking a hassle-free parking experience while exploring the vibrant downtown area.
For those looking for even more parking options, the Trout lot on 1st and Garfield provides an expansive parking area accommodating up to 80 vehicles. Its optimal location near prominent establishments guarantees a seamless downtown experience.
Lastly, the Sage Grouse lot situated on 2nd and Custer offers 25 parking spots to further enhance downtown accessibility. This lot is an excellent choice for visitors wishing to enjoy Laramie's unique businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Laramie Main Street Alliance's parking initiative aims to alleviate the challenges associated with street parking by encouraging individuals to utilize these newly named parking lots. By doing so, the community benefits from increased convenience and efficiency within the downtown area.
"Laramie Main Street has an exciting plan to reinforce good parking behavior. They will randomly select people parking in All Day lots to receive a Downtown Gift Certificate. How fun! Fun and important to provide short term parking for downtown customers.” said Karen Voigt, business owner of Second Story Books. "“You have a great downtown.” I hear that a lot from visitors. We do have a great downtown! People love walking around, exploring the shops, we know where we can get this or that and we all have our favorites for a coffee, lunch or dinner. “It was really hard to find a parking spot.” I hear that too. Laramie Main Street is encouraging business owners and employees to take advantage of all day parking in one of the 5 lots around downtown by randomly handing out downtown gift certificates. By parking in one of the lots, you might soon enjoy that coffee, lunch, new…free, plus as you come and go from the parking lot you can check out the windows being transformed for the HOLIDAYS! Thank you for saving the spaces on the street for customers, especially our older ones, they really appreciate a short walk.” Said Carrie Hansen, business owner of The Chocolate Cellar.
Laramie Main Street Alliance encourages all residents and visitors to take advantage of these newly named parking lots in their commitment to the growth and prosperity of downtown Laramie. Together, we can create a vibrant community that thrives on pedestrian-friendly, accessible spaces.
For more details and updates on Laramie Main Street Alliance's reward program, please visit
Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is celebrating its 18th anniversary as an accredited Main Street program. Since 2005, LMSA has fostered significant revitalization in Laramie’s downtown, creating partnerships and offering popular events, including Brewfest, the Farmers Market, Small Business Saturday, the Holiday Parade, along with many new events like the Pop Up Art Walk, Train Lighting and the International Flavor Festival.
Today's vendor highlight is brought to you by your award winning Main Street.
Curry Time started as a booth vendor at the market and slowly gained the love and support of the community to open their food truck in 2020. This week's special is Chicken Biryani which is a layered chicken and rice dish that is slow cooked and served with yogurt and cucumber Raita.
Their goal is to not only bring popular Indian dishes to our community, but also to share the wide variety of Indian street foods and regional homestyle cooking. Vegetarian thalis is a platter meal that is a great way to taste regional dishes that change weekly.
Stop by at today's market and give Curry Time's flavors a try!
J & J Second Chance Small Holdings is a Wyoming non-profit goat sanctuary run by Army veteran Jennifer and her daughter Janna. Together they rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome goats and other animals.
Have you visited their booth at the Farmers Market? If not, be sure to stop by soon; the Laramie market runs through September 29th. Don’t hesitate to step into the enclosed area where Second Chance’s specially trained goats welcome young and old alike. You will see goats dressed in fairy wings and some without. And don’t be dismayed if you see them display their habit of plopping on the ground…don’t worry they are just fine. They get right back up! Some of Second Chance’s goats are the famous fainting goats.
The goats are so tame and well trained. They will sit in your lap and are very gentle. Within just a few minutes you will be amazed at how relaxed you can feel just hanging out with them; it’s like free therapy.
In fact Second Chance does provide goat therapy in group sessions and one-on-one too. They travel throughout Wyoming for events, community services, and advocacy/education. Check out their website www.jjsecondchancesmallholdings.com where you can learn about all they do in our community, see their events calendar, sign up to volunteer and more.
Today’s vendor highlight is brought to you by your award winning Main Street.
It's last call for Gem City Nights! Don't miss out...Friday, September 1, 2023.
Tonight's performance features De Grigons Y Gremmies and Banshee Tree from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - at the North side of Depot Park.
This FREE concert is presented by the Laramie Plains Civic Center's Gryphon Theatre!
Stop by the drop-in art workshop too at the Laramie Plains Civic Center tent from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
This week's vendor highlight is brought to you by your award winning Main Street.
