MainStreet Minute: September 2025

A crowd listens and dances to popular local band The Consequences during the Dancing in the Streetlight concert series on September 27.

by Becca Eza, MainStreet Executive Director

MainStreet Minute: September 2025

MainStreet T or C sends a huge THANK YOU to everyone who voted for our grant proposal to bring three years of free concerts to Ralph Edwards Park. Because of your incredible support, we placed in the top 50 cities nationwide and advanced to the final round! The foundation is now reviewing all finalists, and in November we’ll learn which communities will be awarded the grant. Until then - fingers crossed.

But we wanted to get a jump start on the free live music, so we've been partnering with the City of T or C to put on Dancing in the Streetlight, a short concert series at Healing Waters Plaza. Our last show of the season took place on September 27. Tequila Nights Band from Las Cruces/Arrey kicked things off, followed by local favorites The Consequences. Rusty Roots BBQ food truck served up delicious dinner. People brought lawn chairs, danced in the street, and younger members of the crowd had some lively games of tag in the middle of it all. We hope to continue this series in 2026 with more dates and bands!

Our T or C Curb Appeal microgrant program has awarded grants to nine downtown businesses for projects that improve their “curb appeal” - painting, lighting, landscaping, and other improvements designed to make our historic district even more inviting. Projects will be taking place over the next two months.  Keep an eye out for eye-catching changes coming soon!

And of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without our favorite spooky celebration: Trick-or-Treat Downtown. On Friday, October 31, from 6 - 7 p.m., Broadway and central Downtown will be closed to traffic so families can safely trick-or-treat.  Visit businesses along Broadway, Main, and throughout downtown, and don’t miss the costume contest at the Plaza! Community members and businesses who would like to participate but don’t have a downtown space are welcome to sign up for a spot at the Plaza - the sign-up link is available at https://tinyurl.com/TrickorTreatDowntown2025

If you’d like to learn more about MainStreet T or C or get involved as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Stop by our office at 308 S. Pershing, visit our website at www.torcmainstreet.org, email us at director@torcmainstreet.org, or follow us on Facebook.