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GREENVILLE – No festivals or parade this July, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming to historic downtown Greenville for the annual Annie Oakley Sidewalk Sales. A tradition that began many decades ago continues this week with a lot of great deals at downtown boutiques, antique shops, home décor and specialty shops. This year’s Annie Oakley Sidewalk Sales begin Thursday, July 23 and continue through Saturday, July 25. Missing from this year’s sales will be KitchenAid Experience. Due to the pandemic, the store announced in May that they would not be participating due to social distancing requirements. However, the store will be open during the event. Here’s what you can expect from some of the participating businesses: The Downtown Greenville Farmers Market will extend its hours to 4 p.m. Also look for fun and special games with prizes. Sadie Grace Boutique – Markdowns on end of season items, as well as jewelry, accessories, denim and shoes. Happily Ever Co. – Bag Sale – They will provide a bag for you to fill to the top for a discount off of those items. Receive 35% off on Thursday, 30% on Friday, and 25% on Saturday. Readmore’s Hallmark will have several tables set up outside the store with plenty of great deals. Granny’s Corner Frame Shop – Clearance items outside on the sidewalk. Inside sales are 40% off all in-stock, ready-made frames and 25% off all cards and framed art work. Bread of Life Christian Bookstore – Biggest sale of the year with up to 75% off select merchandise; 30% off all summer merchandise and BOGO ½ off jewelry sale. Refined Purveyors of Fine Goods will be holding its annual Basement Finds Sale. Come in and discover all sorts of treasure. Merle Norman Cosmetics will be offering 15% off on everything. They will also be giving away three gift certificates. No purchase is necessary to sign up for the drawing. Moc Shoppe will be running 25% off all regular priced Moccasins (clearance excluded). Wieland Jewelers will offer 25% off all sterling silver jewelry in stock. Shelly’s Antiques & Décor will run a 10% off sale throughout the week. Cratiques Antiques & Collectibles will have 50% off their inventory. Youniques Boutique is offering 25-75% savings. The Cozy Nest will only be open on Thursday and with the store closing they will have 50-75 percent off store-wide. The Blue Bow Boutique will be offering 25% off store-wide all red lined clearance items will be 50% off final sale. Darke County Makers Co-op plans to have some fun during the sales. Rosy Toes Designs is offering 20% off dryer balls, wool purses, wallets, and accessories. They have fine art from various artists for 10% off. NUG Lyfe Healing Soap will be offering 15% off all soap. They will also have a tarot reader and energy healer offering their services for $1 a minute. The Bootery is planning to have a couple of tables in front of their business. They will be offering sales with 20-80% off. A&B Coffee Co. – Look for a new drink coming soon. When Downing’s Fruit Farm has fresh apple cider they will offer up the Frozen Annie. For more information on downtown Greenville, contact Ryan Berry, Main Street Greenville executive director, at 937-548-4998 or visit mainstreetgreenville.org. Also be sure to Like us on Facebook and Instagram to keep informed on upcoming events.

If you love arts and appreciate craftsmanship you won’t want to miss Main Street Greenville’s Jordan Agency Artisan Stroll on First Friday in August! The event will feature multiple different vendors, each offering art, crafts, or handmade items! The event will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 pm in downtown Greenville on Friday, August 7th. “It will be a jam packed night, with so much to see and do,” said Susan Fowble, Event Chair Volunteer. “We are excited to see everyone downtown!” Vendors will be set-up on the sidewalks in front of downtown businesses to showcase their items. The list of items offered include paintings, ceramics, jewelry, drawings, re-purposed home decor, photography, and much more. In addition to the art on display, many activities and demonstrations will take place throughout the evening, such as live music at multiple locations. ​ The committee, led by Susan Fowble, have volunteered their time to work with Main Street Greenville to create the event. ​ “The Artisan Stroll is one of our largest First Friday events of the year and it would not be possible without the hard work of the committee. They begin planning this event well in advance to make sure there will be a wide variety of vendors and activities for all to enjoy,” said Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville. ​ Flyers will be handed out the night of the event with the schedule and the locations of each vendor. Main Street Greenville will also post the information on their website and Facebook page for you to download or view before the event. We will continue to take vendors until July 17. Click here for an application. ​ Main Street Greenville is also pleased to announce the return of the art contest to the Artisan Stroll! This juried contest is open to all accepted participants of the Artisan Stroll, although participation in the contest is not required to display your work at the Artisan Stroll. ​ ​The theme of the contest is “Shades of Summer.” Artists are encouraged to submit pieces which celebrate the variety of hues, intense saturations, and unique light quality that the summer season brings. Pieces of all mediums will be accepted for participation in the contest and artists will have a chance to win cash prizes of up to $200! ​ The First Friday: Artisan Stroll is kindly sponsored by the Jordan Agency. Their team of insurance professionals has years of collective industry experience writing both personal and commercial insurance policies designed to fit your needs. Jordan Agency’s friendly staff will work with you on a one-on-one basis to develop not only the perfect policy, but a lasting relationship. You can reach them at www.jordanagencygreenville.com or 937-548-1606. ​ Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more about the organization, visit www.mainstreetgreenville.org or call 937-548-4998. You can also like the organization on Facebook to receive updates on a regular basis (www.facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville).

The KitchenAid Experience will permanently close late July 2020. KitchenAid is proud of the two decades that the retail store has been on Broadway Street in Greenville, embraced by the community, consumers, travelers, and chefs from across the country. Greenville remains the home of the iconic KitchenAid stand mixer and other products that are assembled in America. Operations at the KitchenAid manufacturing plant and distribution center will continue as normal. For any questions please contact media@whirlpool.com

Schools across the state are scrambling to find an alternative way to hold graduation and proms, spring sports, concerts and end-of-year banquets have been canceled. This year’s graduating class will have a story to tell like no other. Families and friends are trying to find ways to show the Class of 2020 they are special. As a community, we must find ways to lift up and honor this class of students. Main Street Greenville is working with Wintrow Signs & Designs, and the City of Greenville to install banners of Greenville High School graduating seniors downtown and around the city. There are a limited number of banners that can be hung on light poles downtown and will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but Main Street Greenville is working with Greenville City Schools and local businesses to hang all banners prominently around town. Once the banners are hung, a map of the students and their locations will be available through Main Street Greenville. Click here to submit your order. Orders are due by May 15 and payment all materials are due by May 20. The cost for each banner is $100. The list of required items will be available on the order form. Order forms are also available by emailing info@mainstreetgreenville.org or calling 937-548-4998. Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville, said, “I have a daughter that is a 2020 graduate and I understand what these students and families are going through. They are missing out on a lot of activities most of us take for granted. This is a small way we can honor these students and let them know we care.” Due to the pandemic, Main Street Greenville is seeking sponsorships to help defray the cost of banners for students and their families. The organization understands that many families are out of work and struggling to get by and doesn’t want to refuse a 2020 GHS graduate because of lack of funding. Sponsorships will ensure that all graduates and their families can participate in this recognition. To sponsor a GHS graduate or for more information, call 937-548-4998 or email info@mainstreetgreenville.org. Sponsorships can also be mailed to 421 S. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Please note GHS 2020 in the memo section of your check.

Calling all crafters, artisans, gardeners, farmers and bakers! Have you considered selling your items at the Downtown Greenville Farmers’ Market? The market is presented by Main Street Greenville and they are looking for vendors! The Downtown Greenville Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday morning, June 6 through Oct. 10, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in front of the Courthouse. The state has deemed Farmer’s Market across Ohio as essential businesses, but due to COVID-19 and the restriction on mass gatherings, there will not be a Vendor Open House for this year’s Farmers Market. However, information will be dispersed via email and assistance for signing up will also be available by phone. The market offers a variety of selling options, ranging from one Saturday to every Saturday of the season. “The Downtown Greenville Farmers’ Market provides a friendly and fun location for local individuals to sell their goods. If you’re looking for local produce in the summer months the Farmers’ Market is a great way to get the freshest goods and support local farmers,” said Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville. If you are interested in selling goods at the Farmers’ Market and would like an application and more information, contact Main Street Greenville for an application form at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org. Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more about the organization, visit www.MainStreetGreenville.org or call 937-548-4998. You can also like the organization on Facebook to receive updates on a regular basis (www.facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville).

In 2007, Main Street Greenville created the Adopt-A-Box Flower Program in downtown Greenville. Since then, more than 70 flower boxes and pots are funded and planted each spring by individuals and businesses located in the community. This year’s Downtown Planting Day will be held on Saturday, May 23, 8-11 a.m. During this time, a group of volunteers gather downtown to plant the flowers along South Broadway. Main Street Greenville invites you to get your family, business, church, or organization together and join us as we work to beautify our town! The Adopt-A-Box Flower Program was created to increase community pride and provide an active and colorful atmosphere. “Planting fresh flowers in the boxes along Broadway brings such a sense of life and vibrancy to the downtown district,” said Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville. “The volunteers who donate their time take pride in their hometown and they know that little touches can make all the difference.” The Adopt-A-Box Flower Program also receives sponsorship and assistance from BASF Corporation, Miller Flowers Greenhouse & Florist, and Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln. If you would like to volunteer for this event please report to the area in front of the courthouse at 8 a.m. and bring a hand trowel, gloves, and a broom if possible. All are welcome to help with this community activity. Please contact Main Street Greenville at info@mainstreetgreenville.org for additional information. If you are interested in adopting a flower box, please contact Main Street Greenville or fill out the adoption form on their website. Flower boxes can be sponsored for $35 and flower pots for $50. Plaques are placed on each box and pot to recognize the wonderful family of donors who contribute to making downtown a beautiful destination! Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visitwww.MainStreetGreenville.org, follow them on Facebook, or contact them at 937-548-4998.

With vacancies at both Main Street Greenville and Darke County Visitors Bureau at approximately the same time, the boards from each organization met to come up with a plan to fill the positions. The result was a partnership that included hiring one executive director and sharing resources that will make both organizations better and stronger. After an exhaustive search, representatives from both boards announced Ryan Berry, of Pitsburg, was chosen to lead the organizations as the new executive director. Berry and both boards will be responsible for establishing a strategy of enticing visitors and local residents to experience our wonderful restaurants, retailers, museums, attractions, wineries and breweries. In addition, Berry will also work with local governments, business owners and building owners in partnership with other community and business organizations to invest in and promote downtown Greenville as a place to work, shop and live. Berry comes to the Darke County Visitors Bureau and Main Street Greenville after more than a quarter century as editor of The Early Bird and Daily Advocate. He knows the Greenville and Darke County community well and has already developed relationships with community and business leaders, as well as elected officials. Berry, a self-proclaimed cheerleader of both of these organizations, understands their importance in the community. “I remember doing stories on both of these groups when they first formed. I saw the need then and I believe their importance in developing Darke County as a tourist destination and creating a vibrant community is even greater today.” Terri Flood, president of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, said, “On behalf of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, we are delighted to have Ryan lead the strategic partnership with Main Street Greenville as the new Executive Director. Ryan has creative ideas and his love for the county will shine through as he fulfills our mission and makes Darke County a memorable destination for people of all ages.” Phillip Pierri, president of the Main Street Greenville, added, “The board of Main Street Greenville would like to welcome Ryan to the team.  We’re excited about the partnership with the Darke County Visitors Bureau and look forward to working with Ryan to fulfill our mission ‘To preserve and revitalize downtown Greenville.’” The Main Street Greenville and Darke County Visitors Bureau boards stressed there will be no changes in the servings and offerings of the organizations – the full calendar of First Fridays will continue and they will still produce the Darke County Visitors Guide, and more. Berry said, “The improvements the city is doing now are really going to enhance the downtown area. Once the governor gives the all clear, I encourage everyone to come back downtown to shop and dine and enjoy what historic downtown Greenville has to offer.” He concluded, “We also have a lot of great tourist attractions and when the weather warms up and businesses and organizations start to reopen and festival season begins, it is going to be a great time to get out and visit Garst Museum, Eldora, Bears Mill, Darke County Parks, wineries and everything Darke County has to offer.”

The Main Street Greenville Board of Trustees announced today that current Executive Director Crysta Bloomingdale has submitted her resignation in order to accept a position at Financial Achievement Services Inc. “The board is very sad to see Crysta leave Main Street Greenville as the Executive Director,” said Phillip Pierri, Board President. “She has been a great asset to this organization from day one with her creativity and fresh ideas. We all wish her nothing but the best in her next challenges in life. With change comes opportunity. The board of trustees for Main Street Greenville will work hard to ensure a smooth and seamless transition as we look for the next Executive Director.” Bloomingdale has served as the Executive Director of Main Street Greenville since 2017 and will be transitioning out of this role in early March. In her letter to the Board of Trustees, Bloomingdale said she was “honored to have been chosen to lead this organization and it is my sincere hope that it continues to thrive and carry out the ongoing work of building a strong community.” “I am very grateful to the Board for their confidence in me and consistent support over the last three years,” said Bloomingdale. “It has been a privilege to work with and advocate for the small business owners who are so very passionate about our community. Creating a vibrant downtown would not be possible without our committed supporters and volunteers, and I look forward to being one of those as I transition into a new role.” The Main Street Greenville Board of Trustees remains committed to fostering a strong non-profit organization that serves to make downtown Greenville a desirable destination for entrepreneurs. The Board will be announcing their plans for the transition period and job posting for the new Executive Director shortly. Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization that supports downtown Greenville, Ohio, through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth. Learn more about the organization on their website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org, or follow them on social media at facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville. You can contact them at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 937-548-4998.

This holiday season, shoppers can earn chances to win hundreds of dollars in merchandise and gift certificates through “Win the Window,” a shop local campaign by Main Street Greenville and Second National Bank. "This promotion was created to encourage and remind people to shop local during the holiday season and to support our downtown businesses," said Crysta Hutchinson Bloomingdale, Executive Director for Main Street Greenville. Between November 23rd- December 8th, shoppers can enter to win by spending money at any of the participating downtown Greenville businesses. Find the list of participating businesses and prizes on the Main Street Greenville website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org/win-the-window. Participating businesses have provided merchandise and gift certificates to place under the Christmas tree in Main Street Greenville’s window, located in the Darke County Welcome Center at 421 S. Broadway. Shoppers will get a ticket entry for every $5 they spend at a participating downtown business, up to single purchases of $1,000. For example, if you spend $100 at a business, you will receive 20 tickets to enter into the contest to win the window of prizes. There is no limit to how many times you can shop to enter. The more you spend downtown at participating businesses, the more chances you have to win the window full of prizes! New to the contest this year, there will be multiple winners! The bounty of merchandise and gift certificates has been divided into categories such as home decor, hair care, apparel, and food & drink. Each category will have a winner for a grand total of 4 chances to win! Your chances are better than ever this year, so make sure you get your entries in! Participating businesses will have tickets available at the time of your purchases and a glass jar to collect all of the tickets for the drawing. The drawing for the winners will take place on Tuesday, December 12th at 3:30 pm at the Main Street Greenville office, located in the Darke County Welcome Center at 421 S. Broadway. You are not required to be present to win. In conjunction with the Win the Window contest, Main Street Greenville is once again serving as a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday on November 30th! Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after U.S. Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First observed in 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. To help celebrate the day downtown Greenville the following events are scheduled: · All Day: Shop and dine at participating businesses to be entered into our Win the Window Contest! · 10 am - 4 pm: Small Business Bingo! Use the image Main Street Greenville will provide on Facebook to play small business bingo. When you've completed a row, bring your receipts to the Darke County Welcome Center and be entered for a chance to win a $25 giftcard to your favorite downtown business! · 10 am - 4 pm: The first 175 shoppers who visit Main Street Greenville's office at the Darke County Welcome Center (located directly next to KitchenAid Experience) and show their receipts, will receive a FREE Shop Small Canvas Bag and goodies from our event sponsor, Second National Bank! · 10 am - 4 pm: Bring in your items purchased at downtown businesses for free gift wrapping! · 12 pm - 2 pm: FREE Horse Carriage rides throughout historic downtown Greenville. Rides begin in front of the Darke County Courthouse. Bring your holiday shopping downtown this year and enter to win big while supporting local businesses in the process! Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization that supports downtown Greenville, Ohio through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth. Learn more about the organization and the contest on their website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org, or follow them on Facebook. You can contact them at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 937-548-4998.

With much gratitude, Main Street Greenville recognizes the Platinum Sponsors of the 16th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade: Edison State Community College, Greenville Federal, Jordan Agency, Wayne HealthCare, and Wintrow Signs & Designs. The 2019 Horse Parade will be taking place on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 pm. “The Hometown Holiday Horse Parade would not be possible without the support of our Platinum Sponsors,” said Crysta Hutchinson Bloomingdale, Executive Director of Main Street Greenville. “Their participation in this small-town tradition demonstrates their commitment to the community and making Greenville a great place to live. We are very fortunate to have such generous businesses who not only provide excellent service, but invest in events and activities that unite us.” Now in its fifth decade of service, Edison State Community College is committed to providing higher education and advanced training opportunities for the people of the greater Miami Valley. Edison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is recognized with the highest order attainable by the Ohio Board of Regents. With campuses in Piqua, Greenville, Troy, and Eaton, Edison State provides a Personal Experience and Rewarding Education. Visit them online at www.edisonohio.edu. “Greenville Federal, the oldest bank headquartered in Darke County, is happy to partner with Main Street Greenville in its efforts to help our community thrive and create a quality of life important to all of us,” said Jeff Kniese, President and CEO of Greenville Federal. “Investing back in local communities has long been a trademark of Greenville Federal. Enjoy the parade and remember this holiday season to ‘Bank Local - Buy Local’.” Jordan Agency is the newest Platinum Sponsor of the Horse Parade, but their team of insurance professionals has years of collective industry experience writing both personal and commercial insurance policies designed to fit your needs. Jordan Agency’s friendly staff will work with you on a one-on-one basis to develop not only the perfect policy, but a lasting relationship. You can reach them at www.jordanagencygreenville.com or 937-548-1606. “Our commitment to provide quality care and promote wellness close to home is at the forefront of everything we do for the community,” said Terri Flood, Wayne HealthCare Director of Business Development & Marketing. “We are proud to continue our Platinum Sponsorship and support a great event for all to enjoy.” Wayne HealthCare provides inpatient, outpatient and emergency services to patients. Additional services include a nationally recognized cancer center, telemedicine, rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging, perioperative services and community wellness programs. Wintrow Signs & Designs has been providing advertising support to the community for over 20 years, offering services such as commercial signs, banners, logo design, decals & window lettering, vehicle wraps, and, new in 2018, screen printing services. They are able to take any vision and create high quality marketing materials, quite literally “Sticking it to Your Imagination!” Wintrow Signs & Designs is located at 4158 US 127, just south of the Greenville city limits. You can contact them at 937-548-0652 and follow them on Facebook. Main Street Greenville also thanks the many other local businesses who help to sponsor this annual event, a full list of sponsors can be found on their website, mainstreetgreenville.org/hometown-holiday-horse-parade. The 2019 Hometown Holiday Horse Parade will feature entertainment leading up to the grand parade, which will begin at 7 pm. This annual tradition includes 80+ entirely horse drawn entries, all of which are lit up and festively decorated for the arrival of the holiday season. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 5:00 and includes live music, shopping and dining opportunities, and free pony-drawn cart rides at Annie Oakley Park. Applications to participate in the parade are still being accepted, entries may be submitted up to the deadline on Friday, November 15th. Please visit www.MainStreetGreenville.org or follow them on social media for more information about the organization and the upcoming 16th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade. If you have any questions, you can contact them at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org.

Hometown Holiday Weekend Getaway Overnight Package for 2 - Only $150! It's the most wonderful time of the year! The 16th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade will take place on Saturday, November 23rd at 7 pm in historic downtown Greenville, Ohio. This annual tradition has kicked-off the holiday season in the downtown district for the past decade and a half. Over 90 lighted horse drawn carriages, hitches and riders illuminate downtown and the sound of jingle bells and horse hooves ushers in the holiday season. This grand event was voted "Best Community Parade" in the state by readers of Ohio Magazine for 2019! This getaway package includes a one-night stay from Friday, November 22nd to Saturday, November 23rd at the newly renovated Baymont Inn and Suites in Greenville, Ohio. Room type will be a single queen standard room, and includes free breakfast, parking, and wi-fi, as well as offering an on-site restaurant. ​ In addition to the overnight stay, the package includes 2 tickets to the Horse Parade Dinner Buffet at Romer's Catering in downtown Greenville. The buffet featured unlimited servings of your holiday favorites, hosted in a festive and romantic atmosphere. This is the 7th year for this very popular pre-parade event, and it regularly sells out! Ticket holders are also permitted access to the Romer's parking lot which is less than one block from the parade route. Parking is limited, however, so be sure to arrive early! Package purchasers also receive VIP seating to watch the parade on the traffic circle which serves as the crest of the parade route. From your seat you can observe the horses and carriages travel up S. Broadway, get an up-close view as they travel past you around the circle, and revel in the holiday magic as they jingle their way back down the street. Ordinary parade goers cart their own chairs back and forth and have to scope out an opening for seating, but for package holders seats will be provided, reserved, and in an ideal viewing location! Upon check-in at the hotel you will receive a welcome bag that includes special discount offers for Darke County restaurants, a coupon card for shopping at locally owned businesses in downtown Greenville, as well as a voucher for 2 hot chocolates and a bag of popcorn from one of our pre-parade vendors!​ ​ Arrive early on Friday to take advantage of dinner specials in your welcome bag and plan to spend your Saturday relaxing and holiday shopping at our 40+ one-of-a-kind downtown restaurants and shops. Enjoy your buffet dinner anytime from 4:00 - 6:30 pm on Saturday and then grab a hot chocolate and popcorn and settle in to watch the parade with over 90 lighted horse-drawn carriages, hitches, and riders! ​ Thanks to exclusive discounts, this entire package can be purchased for only $150.00! Click the PayPal link below to reserve your package now, limited numbers available. We're sorry, this package is sold out! Follow us on Facebook for information about other events in downtown Greenville and to find out about next year's package. "Best Community Parade" Winner- 2019 | Package Sponsored by Darke Co. Visitors Bureau

Main Street Greenville’s Board of Directors and the Horse Parade Committee have named Betty Birt, previous Main Street Greenville Board Secretary, as the Grand Marshal of the 2019 Hometown Holiday Horse Parade. Betty Birt graduated in 1967 from Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst, Illinois (a NW suburb of Chicago), before attending and graduating from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan in 1971. Betty married Rick Birt, who was born and raised in Greenville, in November of 1971. “I ended up in Greenville just like a lot of ‘transplants’ have,” said Betty. “My husband, Rick, told me that he would take me to ‘God's country’ and here I am! And very happy that I am!” Betty worked at Brethren Retirement Community and she and husband Rick have 3 children, Betsy, Sarah, and Rick. Betsy lives in London, Ohio with her partner, Dave, and works for Cardinal Health in Dublin. Sarah lives in Greenville with her partner, Jeff, and recently graduated cum laude from Kettering College of Medicine with a Bachelor of Science. Sarah and Jeff have 3 children, Kali, 15, Piper, 5, and Cai, 20 months. Rick lives in Wilmington, Ohio and was just recently promoted to Lieutenant at the Wilmington Fire Department. Rick and his wife Devin have 2 children, Foster who is 6 and Reece who is 5 years old. Betty first began volunteering for Main Street Greenville under the leadership of Amber Schmerge and worked closely with both Amber and Deanna York, the previous Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau. Betty collaborated with Deanna to bring GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) to Greenville, which saw over 2,000 cyclists from around the world descend on Greenville. Riders got the chance to experience hallmarks of Greenville such as The Maid-Rite, The Garst Museum, and downtown shopping. When the Main Street Greenville Executive Director role was filled by Amber Garrett, Betty’s involvement grew as the two had previously worked together for several years at BRC. Betty became a member of the board in 2013 and served as board secretary beginning in 2015. During her term on the board First Fridays were instituted and quickly grew to be an integral part of the services that Main Street Greenville offers. Betty’s involvement and consistent volunteerism helped to create a vibrancy in the district that attracted new businesses and spurred more interest in the downtown from the citizens of Greenville. “Betty Birt was an easy choice to serve as a Main Street Greenville Board Member,” said previous director Amber Garrett. “Her positive attitude, willingness to volunteer, and her continuous support of downtown Greenville were all beneficial to the organization over the years. Betty has been involved with numerous projects, programs, and events including the free pony rides during the Hometown Holiday Horse Parade.” When asked about her favorite part of downtown Greenville, Betty touched on may of the events that bring the community together throughout the year: “When I think about my favorite part of downtown, I think of the people! I like walking downtown and seeing folks I know and stopping and chatting along the way. I like walking into the shops and to be greeted by the owners. I love the Halloween Parade! I love hearing the GHS Band playing the same scary music that was played when our children were littles and marched down Broadway! I love the Horse Parade and all of the lights and the horses prancing down the street and all of the good smells from the street vendors! I love Christmastime and seeing the beautiful windows and the Circle and the street lights decorated and hearing the Christmas music. I love the car show and the nostalgic tunes and all of the memories that are brought to mind. I love seeing and participating in the fun stuff at the YOLO park. The Homecoming Parade and all of the spirit and enthusiasm wrapped around it is just so much fun! The Greenville Fire Department, when they bring out the aerial trucks and hang the flag....I could go on and on. Too hard to pick a favorite--there is just too much good stuff going on.” In addition to her ongoing support of downtown, Betty has coordinated the Last Chance Mercantile for the Gathering at Garst for the last 5 years. She also volunteers monthly with the Soup Kitchen at Grace through St. Mary’s Church. Betty and Rick are both involved with Citizens for Safer Streets, a grassroots group determined to create a clean and safe community, and Rick is a member of the “Friends of the Greenville City Parks” committee. When not volunteering, Betty and Rick enjoy travel, spending time at Indian Lake, and living within walking distance to all of the downtown activities, restaurants, and shopping! “And of course,” Betty says, “the best of any activity always involves family and friends.” The 16th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade is just such an activity, as all are invited to bring family and friends to enjoy the spectacle of 90+ lighted horse drawn carriages, buggies, and riders as they jingle through downtown and welcome in the holiday season. The 2019 event will take place on Saturday, November 23rd, with pre-parade entertainment beginning at 5:30 pm and the parade starting at 7:00 pm. You can find additional information on Main Street Greenville’s website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville. Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization that supports downtown Greenville, Ohio through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth. You can contact them at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org .