For Athens Main Street, 2023 was a banner year and earned the organization the 2023 Limestone County Non-Profit of the Year. With the popularity of the many events organized by Athens Main Street and the addition of many new businesses and eateries, the nonprofit is laser focused on its mission to “enhance downtown vibrancy, preserve its historic charm, empower its community of business owners, and a foster a center of activity for the community.”

In 2024, Athens Main Street plans to build on last year’s success by bringing back all the popular downtown events and move forward with a major revitalization at the Athens Farmers market at Doug Gates Park. The project will not only increase increase the market’s capacity, but will transform the site into an attractive multi-use site.

“Beginning in March, the old asphalt will be removed from the site and new pervious asphalt will be installed to help in drainage and protect the water table,” Athens Main Street executive director Tere Richardson said. “The Entry Plaza will be created next with pervious pavers and donor wall. The Entertainment Pavilion construction will begin mid-spring. We will also begin the murals during this time.”

Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2023 with the refurbishing of the market pavilion, new roof, festive lighting, new bathrooms and more.

The Athens Farmers market will be open each Tuesday and Saturday from May through July and September through November.

Athens Main Street kicked-off 2024 in early February with the sold-out Chocolate Walk. March will see the return of the Boutique Crawl. The event was new in 2023, and the 20 participating merchants reported over $38,000 in sales.

Beginning in April, Athens Main Street’s Fridays After Five and Merchants Alley Happy Hour Music Series will fill the downtown with a variety of local music talents. These events are free to the public and draw large crowds to the downtown. Other events returning in 2024 are Sippin’ Cider in December and Restaurant Week in August.

Athens Main Street will partner with the Chamber of Commerce and LCEDA to host Christmas Open House the weekend before Thanksgiving as well as the Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade, which is traditionally held on the first Thursday in December.