Next Main Street RI Roundtable: | | |
Bringing Farmers Markets to Your Main Street
Thursday September 18, 2025, 12-1PM
Featuring: Thea Upham, Nutrition Incentive Projects Director for Farm Fresh RI
Online via Zoom (Free Registration here)
Have you ever wondered how farmers markets work or what would need to happen to set one up in your area? Or maybe you want to help make your existing market more successful or better integrate it into your community’s activities? Join us for a conversation about what it takes to start a farmers market or deepen partnerships with existing markets in commercial districts with RI’s farm to market expert Thea Upham from Farm Fresh RI!
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This program is made possible with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.) The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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SAVE THE DATE:
MAIN STREET TOGETHER
A Conference for Community Leaders Across RI Committed to Building Vibrant Main Streets
Saturday, Oct. 25, 8:30am to 3:30pm
Cranston High School East
899 Park Avenue, Cranston RI
Come prepared for keynotes from seasoned Main Street leaders, topical breakout sessions, tours of the nearby commercial corridor, and opportunities to meet colleagues working to build vibrant, successful Main Streets across RI.
Main Street RI is honored to co-host or First Annual Main Street Conference with the City of Cranston.
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PRESENTING THE LATEST FROM
MAIN STREET: A Power of Place Podcast
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Our latest Main Street: A Power of Place Podcast episode features Devon Mello, Artistic Director at the Firehouse Theater, who chats about growing up near Broadway in Newport, and how small changes can make big impacts on Main Streets!
Other recent episodes include Cindy Miranda from the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, and Charlie Wilson, owner of Chepachet’s Town Trader Antiques.
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New episodes drop every other Friday. Listen on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today!
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
We "got in the weeds" about community-based tree planting on Main Streets with Cassie Tharinger of the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program.
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We're Looking for Main Street Champions Across Rhode Island. Can You Help? | We'd like to get to know more of the Main Street practitioners in Rhode Island -- that's anyone who is invested in strengthening their walkable commercial district, whether as a seasoned professional, business owner, engaged community member, or new volunteer. Is that you or someone you know? | | |
Above: Providence Honk Fest (PRONK!), Providence, Oct 13, 11-5pm:
A favorite annual tradition in Providence featuring a street parade of brass bands, dance, and marching performances—great for music lovers looking for lively downtown action!
Other Events:
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FARMER'S MARKET FOCUS!
TOMORROW: Dexter Park Farmer's Market: Concert in the Park featuring music by Mister G, Providence, September 11: Farmers Market opens at 3pm, Music at 5:30pm
DesignWeekRI, Locations across RI, September 12-19: From lighting design to storytelling and social media workshops, this year's DesignWeek is packed with talks, tours and workshops with skills that can be applied to our Main Streets!
Wickford Harbor Fire, Wickford Village, Sept 12 and Oct 17 from 5:30-9 PM: The waters of Wickford Village are illuminated with live fire floats, shops are open late, stay for face painting, balloon art and more
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Downtown Providence Wayfinding Project: Kickoff Event, Providence, September 21: Join the celebration of the 200 newly installed banners that showcase downtown Providence’s rich cultural, historical, and civic identity. This kickoff event is packed with delicious food, engaging activities, and fun for the whole family.
Bowen's Warf Seafood Festival, Newport, October 18-19: A scenic seaside festival celebrating the “Harvest of the Sea” with fresh local seafood offerings
| | Upcoming Partner Webinars | | |
Placemaking: Essentials of Public Murals (Part 1: Purpose, Planning Process), Connecticut Main Street Center Free Webinar, September 23, 10am
From Vision to Reality: Guided Tour of Main Street America's Academy,
Main Street America Free Webinar, October 6, 2pm
This exciting new platform offers accessible, engaging, and strategically aligned learning experiences to support your work and your program's success. This webinar will guide you through the Academy's features and course offerings.
| | HAVE A MAIN STREET EVENT OR OPPORTUNITY YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE? Email Caroline Stevens to be included next time. | | Why the focus on Main Street? | | |
Main Street America
Main Street America leads a national movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Founded in 1980, they have helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back downtown, while celebrating their history and culture and bringing communities together.
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Dear Park Theater,
When I see your bold red letters arching over the Park Avenue, I know I have arrived at the heart of Rolfe Square. You were there when I came to City Hall as a planning student thirty years ago and now still as I come to work each day. This LEGO model was a built as a tribute to your quiet historic presence and makes me smile.
With love,
Beth
Name: Beth Ashman
Place: The Park Theater
Location: 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI
| | LOVE THIS? Share Your Love with Main Street RI by Making a Donation Today. | | | Thank You to our Main Street RI Founding Sponsor: | | Additional Main Street RI Program Support Provided By: | | Grow Smart RI | www.GrowSmartRI.org | |
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