Making Emporia the best bike friendly community in Kansas! Plus, more Main Street News!!!

This e-news is a two week edition because staff (and several volunteers) were in Des Moines for the National Main Street conference from Sunday through late Wednesday of last week. A lot happened over that short time span with destructive weather, businesses stepping up to help out in the aftermath, building bids for the Lowther's accepted and more upcoming event information. Plus, the Emporia Main Street group that attended nationals learned a lot about different ways to maximize our local assets, give our existing businesses the tools to grow, help our community develop for the future and fill market gaps. Not all of that will be in this e-news, but we are excited about the tools we have to share with you over the next few weeks.

The Dirty Kanza,

June 4- 2011

Dirty Kanza Logo

The Dirty Kanza is coming up QUICKLY! June 3rd and June 4th are fast approaching, and there are a few things you may need to know...

On June 4th, we encourage the community to come out and support riders of the Dirty Kanza and DK Lite by sending riders off at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Granada Theatre. Verizon Wireless is providing technology that will allow for race updates throughout the day underneath the Granada Theatre marquee.

Commercial Street on the 800-900 Blocks will be shut down at 2:00 p.m. on June 4th, with downtown events starting at 4:00 p.m. The weather forcast looks gorgeous, so come out and support the riders as they come in, listen to music, visit vendor booths and grab something to eat and drink. The Dirty Kanza group will have inflatables for the kids and the Granada Theatre will have a beer garden for the adults.

There is still time to sign up for the DK Lite fun ride of 20 or 50 miles, however, the time to order ride shirts has expired. So, simply enter with a $10 fee to get rolling with the Dirty Kanza group on Saturday, June 4th.

Click HERE for a full list of activities and an updated finish line map.

Click the poster for a larger view...

The 2011, 7th Annual Cruise Night in Emporia

Cruise Nights are held the 2nd Saturday of each month from May through October from 7-9 p.m. located at Bad Ol' Berns- 20 Commercial Street in Downtown Emporia.

Live Music will be Performed by Local Musicians.

June 11- CoDependents

July 9- The Skirts

August 13- Radio City

Bring your Car, truck, motorcycle or whatever and JOIN IN THE FUN!!!

A car cleaning kit will be given away by C & J Woodworks at each Cruise Night

No Fees, No Dues and no Judging. Just grab your wheels and enjoy the community!

For more information, contact Conrad Wempe at 620-343-6979 or visit his website on-line at http://candjwoodworks.com/

Bike Across Kansas

BAK is riding through Emporia!

On June 9th, over 900 riders will make their way from Cottonwood Falls to Burlington via Emporia. Riders won't come through all at once, but we are expecting the bulk of the riders from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. is several smaller groups.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF RIDERS ON THE ROAD. Also, please be aware that you might get extra waves of business (especially if you are a restaurant or covieniance/grocery store) on June 9th. You also might get some strange requests, like "can you fill my water bottle?".

Officer John Koelsh of the Emporia Police Department, Betty Senn of the CVB and Emporia Main Street Staff will stop over to Cottonwood Falls the night before travels through Emporia to entice people to stop in our community. We cannot guarantee how many people will stop in Emporia or your business, but we want you to be aware that you may have extra customers.

Celebrate the Flint Hills!

An Emporia Celebration in conjunction with Symphony in the Flint Hills

Celebrate the Flint Hills Schedule of Events

2011 Brown Bag Concert Series

June 1- Flying Debris- Richard Holmgren- This event is especially for families. For more information on this particular act, visit www.flyingdebrisshow.com/

June 8- Monty Harper- This event is especially for families. For more information on this particular act, visit www.montyharper.com

June 15- Mr. Stinky Feet- Jim Cosgrove- This event is especially for families. For more information on this particular act, visit www.jimcosgrove.com

June 22- The Basement Pickers- This fantastic local bluegrass band is appropriate for anyone that loves music! For more information on this musical group, visit them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Basement-Pickers/143025909082207

June 29- Chuck Cowan Trio- This group containing a former Emporian plays jazz, rockabilly and more for your listening pleasure. For more information on this group, visit www.rockabillyhall.com/ChuckCowan.html

July 6- Wild West Wrangler- Cynthia Ziesman- This event is especially for families. For more information on this particular act, visit http://systems.mykansaslibrary.org/statewide-perfomer-direcotry/musicians/#muscynthia

July 13- The Skirts- A local favorite all female band that has an updated take on traditional bluegrass music. A good time will be had by all at this concert. For more information on The Skirts, visit: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/THE-SKIRTS/130345696390

July 20- Funky Mama- Krista Eyler- This event is especially for families. For more information on this particular act, visit www.funkymamamusic.com

July 27- Kaypo- Check out local Rock and Roll Band Kaypo for the last Brown Bag of the year! For more information on Kaypo, visit www.kaypo.org

Brown Bag is brought to you by the Emporia Public Library, Lyon County Historical Museum, Emporia Arts Council and Emporia Main Street with generous support by the St. Patrick's Day Committee.

Wednesday's at Noon in the

Library Museum Courtyard in Downtown

Emporia!

Creating a Bike Friendly Community through DOING!

Bike Rack Installation

Marketing is an important community activity, but, even more important is giving the community something to market. We know that nationally, biking as a recreational activity and mode of transportation is on the rise. We know that biking as a form of community to community "tourism" is also on the rise. However, to capitalize on these trends, communities must invest in infrastructure related to biking, bike related events, encourage clubs that provide recreational biking, promote trails and bike outlets AND encourage private companies that facilitate the equipment and tourism aspects of a successful biking community. Understanding the biking community is a necessary step in understanding a demographic that we can take advantage of as a community.

At the National Main Street Conference, a new demographics and projections workshop was held to help Main Street members better understand new shopping habit trends, generational trends, buying trends and consumer expectations. Pedestrian/Bike friendliness, ecological/energy impact based decision making, social activities and health were a few of many important segments that spanned several demographics but resonated particularly strong with younger people. But again, we can only market what we actually have. It's a good thing that Emporia has a lot to offer the potential biking community.

Gravel Road Biking- The Flint Hills provide the Jeff ODell and Corey Godfrey ultimate Gravel Road biking experience. Elevation changes, rivers, high maintenance gravel roads, low maintenance gravel roads and some of the most breath taking scenery in the nation are yours from the seat of a bike. Non-bikers may not fully understand, but those that have ridden the local gravel roads quickly become addicted.

Road Biking- Beyond gravel, Emporia is in the center of a significant amount of paved roads that will take you as far as your legs will peddle. We have locals that will visit other large communities or simply get together as a group to ride our well maintained highway system.

Trail Riding- Camp Alexander, ESU Trails, Park Trails and other close trail rides offer a significant challenge (and a lot of fun) to technical riders. Tight corners, different surfaces and rapid elevation changes are difficult, but visitors find some of our trail networks exhilarating.

City Conduits- Thanks to Multi Use Path Planning (MUPP) and the Emporia Recreation Commission, we have some well identified bike routes in Emporia. These offer individuals that want to utilize bikes as transportation with a navigational tools and beginning riders with close ride options.

Several bike "routes" already exist, due mainly to the hard work of organizations like MUPP and the Emporia Recreation Commission.

Organizations- MUPP, The Emporia Recreation Commission and The Human Power Company all bring organizational support to the local biking scene. The Human Power Company organizes a Thursday Evening Bike Ride every Thursday for anyone in the community to join. Up to 40 local riders have participated on a 20 mile bike ride in a single night with several stops for beginners.

Businesses- High Gear and Adventure Monkey show High Gear Logo that there is a business model for the biking community. High Gear is the ultimate resource for biking equipment, accessories and information. Matt and Stephanie Brown have absolutely everything one would need to start biking or taking your cycling experience to the next level. Adventure Monkey writes about biking experiences and produces bike/photography tours that are fun, challenging and educational.

Bike Events- The Dirty Kanza, The DK Lite, Olpe Dirty Kanza Logo Downhome Days, Freedom Fest, The Death Ride, Bike Across Kansas and more provide people the opportunity to compete or simply participate in a fun ride with friends. Although the state has other bike related events, Emporia is quickly becoming the dominant cycling community of Kansas.

Bike Infrastructure- Bike Racks, trails, paths and future improvements are all needed to grow and take advantage of the biking trend. Emporia Main Street, with the help of donors and support of MUPP and Flint Hills Technical College have come together to install 13 bike racks in downtown. Local groups have worked hard to clean up trails and encourage biking. Bike paths, water refill systems and other amenities can continue to showcase our commitment to cycling and grow our local cycling community.

Kansas Main Street Logo

Smart communities play to their strengths. We have a strength that we can create community pride and economic growth with. HOWEVER, it will take constant investment and effort. To often, we simply join in with the latest fad through a "support through marketing only" mentality. To really take advantage of our position in the biking community we will have to support local bike related businesses, infrastructure improvements and event development. THEN Marketing those successes can lead to better business opportunities and a stronger Emporia.

Upcoming Business/Community Events

~ a place to restore your soul ~

809 Commercial Street � Emporia, KS 66801

June 4^th DK 200 Special

Start your day with us! 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. 50% off brewed coffee

Start your Finish Line Party with us! 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 50% off iced coffee

Be sure to read about our sponsored rider in the Emporia Gazette Dirty Kanza Special Edition and throughout the day: Tell us one thing about Stoney and receive 10% off any drink.

Must say, "Main Street" to receive above promotions.

Come see our Commercial & Residential Properties

Specializing in commercial rentals for entrepreneurs.

Prime residential locations near ESU campus.

7 E. 6th - $575/mo

7 E. 4th - $350/mo

1018 State - 3 bedroom house $660/mo

call amy @ 620-481-9252

ash llc

Property Investment & Management

Granada Theatre Events for MAY

For a complete calender of wonderful Granada Theatre Events, click HERE!

NOW PRE-LEASING FOR JUNE-JULY AND The Pools are OPEN!!

Four Seasons Apartments has openings for June and July....One, Two and Three Bedroom apartments available.

Three Pools, Covered Parking, 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance, Quiet Hours, Pet Friendly

Call 620-343-7172 to schedule a tour or visit our website at www.rentourspace.com

Four Seasons Apartments, Comfortable Living for All Seasons

Did you know? Answers to YOUR questions...

Do to the schedule of the National Conference, we took a week off of news letters last week. So, in the last two

Students at Lowther South wanted to let people know that their school matters...

weeks, we volunteered for the after-grad party at Emporia High, met with elected officials regarding some tax concerns expressed by membership, we met with some local organizations with some cool new events in the works, we sat on a panel discussing the economic ramifications of preservation activities in downtown areas, we hosted a Board of Directors Meeting, Jeanne Stinson (the Kansas Main Street Director) reviewed our organization, we presented Ed Rathke with the J. Warren Brinkman award for Historic Preservation of the Emporia Civic Auditorium and the William L. White Arena, we met with the City Commission concerning the beer garden requests for upcoming events, we discussed two expanded events with two separate community groups, met with a local media outlet on some upcoming super cool news (you'll see), placed our first of 13 bike racks downtown with the help of MUPP, FHTC, Fastenall and others, we held preservation presentations for Historic Preservation week with the 5th Graders of Lowther South, we answered legislative questions for next years post audit and educational sessions and we prepared for Nationals and several upcoming events. It was also a week for several businesses and organizations to reach out to local citizens affected by severe weather in the local area (good work in a horrible situation). We spoke to some community officials about local business concerns and met with ESU officials about a new and exciting marketing direction for the university. It has been a looooooooong couple of weeks... But, we got some great questions!

1. "Do you think a beer garden is family friendly?" From a few community members. I think the two can be compatible. I have a low tolerance for people that want to get sloppy drunk in any type of situation, but allowing for a responsible contained beer garden does potentially add a festive atmosphere to an event. Each family must make decisions that are best for them, but I don't see the two things as mutually exclusive. There are several events that occur without any alcohol present in public spaces, and a few that do. Last year's Live in the Lot and Dirty Kanza both had beer gardens, both had families present and both were sans problems. However, we do understand that the gardens can only continue if they are handled responsibly.

2. "How was preservation week?" From another Main Street Director. Rainy... But good. I think giving Ed Rathke a preservation award was long overdue... The Fifth Grade preservation tours turned into a Fifth Grade interactive Preservation Presentation with good information from a variety of sources, prizes and a lot of fun. We're sorry that the weather didn't allow for a tour of buildings, but the kids seemed to enjoy what we did! The release of information, including historic photos on Facebook was popular, and we look forward to a more developed Historic Preservation month next year...

3. "What happened to the original bike rack design?" From a volunteer. A local company had trouble fabricating the design, and we have several bike events coming up quickly, so we decided to move forward with a more homogenized design. Eventually, we would like to incorporate the winning bike rack design into downtown, but we will have to re-think the fabrication process.

4. "How do you decide which businesses to purchase from for events?" From a community business. We buy from members of Emporia Main Street. And, we attempt to rotate through members that carry similar items.

5. "What did you all learn at nationals?" From several people. Other attendees and I have received numerous "what did you learn" questions, and I can say "a lot". The great and unusual thing about Emporia is that we bring enough volunteers to cover every class offered, and our volunteers were buzzing with ideas that they could implement to improve our city. For me personally, I learned a lot from classes but I also got the opportunity to interact with several bright and hard working Main Street Directors from all across the nation. All of us have challenges that we are attacking in different ways, and it was great to gain different perspectives on some of our issues, and it was quickly evident that many communities have things MUCH worse than we do. My head is swimming with different ideas. Now it's time to turn the "dreams" into "dos".

The volunteers, members and staff of Emporia Main Street are working extremely hard to improve our business climate and build a successful community. In short, we are working hard FOR YOU! We appreciate your support, and we will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to benefit our membership in the future. Because, as we all know: small steps lead to BIG impacts!

Have a question? Submit it to the Emporia Main Street office and we'll do our best to help you!

Casey Woods
Emporia Main Street

12 E. 5th Avenue

Emporia, KS 66801

main.street@emporia-kansas.gov

www.emporiamainstreet.com

(P) 620-340-6430

(F) 620-340-6434

Many great ideas go unexecuted, and many great executioners are without ideas. One without the other is worthless.- Tim Blixseth