As we step into a new year, Main Street Delaware has already been hard at work building momentum, strengthening partnerships, and bringing our downtown community together. The first quarter of 2026 was filled with meaningful events, exciting initiatives, and a shared commitment to supporting the heart of Delaware, Ohio.
A Strong Start in January:
We kicked off the year with January’s First Friday, S’moresFest, partnered with Trader Joe’s to hand out more than 100 free s’mores kits while fire barrels throughout downtown gave families a cozy place to roast marshmallows and enjoy the winter evening together.
We then welcomed members and stakeholders to Opa Grill & Tavern for our annual public meeting. This gathering set the tone for the months ahead as we welcomed community members and officially voted in our 2026 executive officers:
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Nicole Fowles, President
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Mark Fowler, Vice President
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Stacy Webb, Treasurer
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Angie McWhinney, Secretary
During the meeting, we outlined key priorities for the year, including launching a post-event feedback initiative led by Program Director Caroline Pusateri. This effort will help us better understand the experiences of business owners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees so we can continue to improve our programming.
Our Marketing Committee also shared plans to expand campaign efforts like “Just Next Door,” while Executive Director Courtney Graf spoke about increasing organizational awareness and transparency, ensuring property owners, business owners, and the broader community understand what we do, why we do it, and how vital their support is to our success.
One of the biggest announcements of the night was our $20,000 fundraising goal to support our beloved Downtown Summer Concert Series. These free, family-friendly events invite the community to dance in the streets, enjoy a DORA beverage, and experience live local music, all while driving foot traffic to our downtown businesses.
Also in January, our Board of Directors launched the first Savor Downtown Delaware event at Bandit’s Bar. This initiative makes it easy for local restaurants, bars, and cafés to give back by hosting a designated fundraising day or night and donating a small percentage of sales to Main Street Delaware.
There are no complicated systems, just great food, great company, and community impact. We handle the promotion, co-brand each event, and reinvest funds directly into downtown programming, beautification, and economic vitality.
In Q1, we hosted three Savor events:
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Bandit’s Bar
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Opa Grill & Tavern
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COhatch Wine Gallery & Lounge
Each event brought new and returning customers through downtown doors, especially during the colder months when support is felt most.
February’s Sweet Successes:
In February, downtown transformed for Crafty Crawl, where local businesses hosted hands-on experiences, activities, and creative pop-ups throughout the district. Participating businesses included Groovy Sunshine Co., The Greater Gouda, MaD3d Designs, Bandit’s Bar, The Backstretch, Beanbag Books, Honey & Abernathy, Ross Art Museum, Gallery 22, and Goat Local — each adding their own unique twist to the evening with everything from photo booths and bookmark making to cocktails, crafts, jewelry, and more.
February also brought one of our most anticipated annual events – the Main Street Delaware Chocolate Walk. This year’s event sold out with 250 ticket holders who explored downtown while enjoying more than 30 chocolate-themed treats.
From handcrafted chocolate bark to espresso martinis and decadent cake, there was something for every sweet tooth. Despite chilly weather, the community showed up in full force, highlighting the resilience and enthusiasm that defines Delaware.
We are especially grateful to our partners, Modern Maid and Converse & Associates, for helping make this event a success.
Wrapping up February, Main Street Delaware was proud to host a Heritage Ohio Revitalization Workshop at Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus, bringing together nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and partners for a day of learning and connection.
The workshop featured two focused sessions: an introduction to using AI in nonprofit work led by Mark Cardwell (Cardwell Communications LLC, OANO). Mark highlighted how organizations can streamline operations, boost engagement, and expand impact. In the afternoon, Kelly Humrichouser of Main Street America led training on communicating with elected officials and equipped attendees with practical strategies to craft clear, effective messages at the local, county, and state levels.
This impactful workshop would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners, including:
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Ohio Wesleyan University
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JREP
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Nvironment
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Ohio Department of Development
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Ohio Arts Council
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City of Delaware Economic Development Department
We also extend our gratitude for the amazing in-kind donations from:
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Greater Gouda
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Bandit’s Bar
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Ciao Cafe
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The Strand Theatre
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Fresh Start Cafe & Bakery
March Momentum:
We kicked off March with First Friday: March for Art, where downtown businesses showcased artwork from Delaware City Schools students. It was a vibrant celebration of local creativity and a meaningful way to connect young artists with the community.
The week brought warmer weather and with it, a noticeable increase in foot traffic throughout downtown. The energy and turnout set the stage for the return of First Friday road closures, beginning in April, which will continue to transform our streets into lively, walkable gathering spaces.
Downtown Delaware also welcomed two new businesses, Open Bottle and PAUSE (Personal Attention & Ultimate Sensory Experience).
Open Bottle brings a relaxed, welcoming wine bar to a familiar downtown space, offering a curated selection in a casual setting for everything from easy nights out to low-key date nights.
On the other end of the spectrum, PAUSE introduces a sensory wellness experience focused on relaxation and mindfulness, incorporating ASMR-inspired elements to help guests slow down, decompress, and reset.
While very different in concept, both businesses reflect the same momentum downtown is seeing right now – more variety, more intentional experiences, and more reasons to spend time locally. Whether you’re looking to unwind quietly or connect over a glass of wine, downtown Delaware now offers both.
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From community meetings and fundraising efforts to signature events and educational opportunities, the first quarter of 2026 demonstrated the power of collaboration and community pride. And we’re just getting started.
Be sure to follow Main Street Delaware on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website to stay up to date on upcoming events, Savor Downtown locations, and new ways to get involved.
Together, we’re creating a vibrant downtown experience for all.
