2015 Florence Christmas Parade Winners Announced

 Florence Main Street was responsible for the coordination of this year’s parade.  “There’s not much more fun than a parade and the Christmas parade really gets everyone into the holiday spirit!” said Teryl Shields, Executive Director of Florence Main Street.  “There’s no better way to get excited about Christmas than seeing all the cute kids and great costumes, hearing the wonderful bands from our community play holiday music and watching the floats go by.” Winners of the parade prizes were Best Band – Rogers High School; Best Performance Group – Forest Hills 4th Grade Show Choir;  Best Business Float – Express Oil Change and Best Non-Profit/Community Organization—Faith Church. 2nd Place winners were Best Band – Brooks High School; Best Performance Group – Santa’s Elves/CHHS Winter Guard;  Best Business Float – (Tie for 2nd) Singin’ River Brewing Company/Champion Community Credit Union and Best Non-Profit/Community Organization—Alabama Our Little Miss. “Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2015 Christmas parade.  This parade gets such great interest and support from the community and this year’s bands, floats and dancers were fantastic” said Shields. First Southern Bank was the parade sponsor again this year and Florence Main Street thanks them for their continued support which makes possible the prizes to the Best Band, Business, Non-Profit and Performance groups.  The parade couldn’t happen without the fantastic support of the University of North Alabama ROTC who handles logistics on the night of the parade along with the UNA University Police and the Florence Police Department providing assistance and coordinating a safe and secure environment for the parade.   Anyone with questions about the parade can contact Florence Main Street at 256.760.9648.Florence Main Street is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to working with business owners, community leaders, and residents toward the common goal of revitalizing Downtown Florence, culturally and economically. For more information about us or any of these efforts, please contact Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648 or info@florencemainstreet.org.   

Best Band – Rogers High School

Best Performance Group – Forest Hills 4th Grade Show Choir

Best Business Float – Express Oil Change

Best Non-Profit/Community Organization—Faith Church

2nd Place Best Band – Brooks High School

2nd Place Best Performance Group – Santa’s Elves/CHHS Winter Guard

2nd Place Best Business Float – (Tie for 2nd) Singin’ River Brewing Company

2nd Place Best Business Float - (Tie for 2nd) Champion Community Credit Union

2nd Place Best Non-Profit/Community Organization—Alabama Our Little Miss

A Walk Down Walnut

 The book, A Walk Down Walnut, by local authors, Billy Warren and Dr. Tom Ott, and photographer, Jimmy Hill, has recently been reprinted.As the book’s title suggests, it takes the reader up and down Walnut Street Historic District in Florence, with “before” and “after” photographs – along with a brief history – of each of the 29 houses. Dr. Ott’s well-written introduction places the history of the street in the larger context of the region and nation during the 50 years in which the 29 houses were constructed.There is a very limited quantity of the book available at $20.00 each. To secure your copy, call the Florence Main Street office at 256-760-9648, or email the Executive Director of Florence Main Street, Teryl Shields, at this address: tshields@florencemainstreet.orgCost for pick up at the Florence Main Street office is $20.00. Mailing in a check so that the book may then be shipped to you is $23.00 for the book and shipping. Cost for purchasing with a credit card so that the book may then be shipped to you is $25.00 for the book, card processing fee, and shipping. 

Southern Foodways Alliance and Made in the Shoals present A Gravy Road Trip

Click the link to watch the Ice Cream, Coffee, and Community in Alabama: A Gravy Road Trip 

Fall Fun Fest Letter to Local Charities

Dear Non-Profit Representative,Florence Main Street is coordinating our 2^nd Fall Fun Fest, a Halloween inspired event to bring people to downtown Florence on Saturday, October 24^th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Similar to Florence Restaurant Week, we LOVE to spotlight as many local charities as possible exposing each one of you to large crowds of people.Our goal is to feature local charities as vendors providing fun activities for all ages on the 300 North block of Court Street and the 100 West block of Tombigbee streets. Each charity will have a large space to set up on the street. The sidewalks will be clear for visitors to walk comfortably during the event and the streets will be closed to all automobile traffic. To participate with us in this event, it is 100% FREE. If you are interested in being a vendor, we ask you to provide a free Halloween inspired children’s activity while promoting your organization to the public. As a reminder, no two organizations may host the same game. Main Street will reserve children’s activities on a first come first serve basis. While the focus will be on the activities you provide, we are also organizing other Halloween activities such as trick or treating with downtown businesses, a haunted trolley ride, and a costume contest for different age groups,. These activities will hopefully bring droves of people to downtown Florence for all kinds of different reasons and we want them to find out about you!The event will start at 4:00pm to give families and individuals time during the day to stop at every business for trick or treating before it gets dark. Businesses will stay open until 8:00pm to allow shoppers additional time. To conclude the event, Main Street’s judges will award the finalists of the adult costume contest to officially end the event at 8pm.The deadline to commit as a vendor is Thursday, September 25^th. We will assign your booth space closer to the event. This deadline also gives us enough time to list your organization on all promotional materials when we market the event. If the organization misses the deadline, the charities name will not be included on marketing material. We hope you consider joining us for the 2^nd Fall Fun Fest in downtown Florence.Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Please RSVP to Event Coordinator, Christina Hernandez, at christinad@florencemainstreet.org indicating what type of activity your organization will provide.Examples:Spooky Photo boothFortune TellingPumpkin Carving/ PaintingColoringCupcakes

We have a WINNER!

We are pleased to announce that the winner of our Downtown Bacon Crawl T-Shirt contest is Mr. David Sims.Congratulations, David!T-shirts will be available for purchase through our website by clicking on the Downtown Bacon Crawl button to the right at a discounted price beginning August 1st until August 14th.

T-Shirt Design Contest

Florence Main Street is looking for ‘creatives’…designers, artists, or even doodlers… to submit original artwork, designs, or drawings for our official 2015 Bacon Crawl t-shirt.  There’s even a $500 cash award for the selected design.  As this is a new event Main Street is hoping for an image that illustrates how much fun and how tasty the Bacon Crawl will be this September in downtown Florence.  Below are the details and requirements which must be followed.Design Requirements: The following information must be included within the design1.   Event details –a) Title: Downtown Bacon Crawl presented by Florence Main Streetb) Date: September 12, 2015c) Location: Downtown Florenced) Website: florencemainstreet.org2.  Size cannot exceed 10.5 inches in width and 15 inches in length (best size to fit on back of t-shirt).3.Up to 2 colors may be used in the design.4. Select the color of the t-shirt that best fits your design. Colors available from which to choose from are pictured below. 5. OPTIONAL Referenced Themes: Bacon, Pork, Pigs, Downtown Florence, Shopping and/or dining6. Additional information – shirts will be screen printed locally, therefore please submit designs that, in your opinion will screen print well.Eligibility & Age RequirementsThis contest is open to all artists, professional, amateur, and student alike. If you are under the age of 18, you must ask your parent or guardian permission before entering this contest. The contest is open to any student (K-12).Terms & QualificationsA limit of two submissions per person ONLY.Submit only original work. All designs must not contain copyrighted material and they cannot have previously won any awards.The winning design will become property of Florence Main Street and may be used for other marketing purposes.By participating, you agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Florence Main Street from any and all liability, loss, damage or injury resulting from participation in this contest.How to Enter:ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE 2 ATTACHMENTS*All emails should have the subject line “Bacon Crawl T-shirt Contest – First and Last Name.”a. T-shirt designb. Registration Form (Contact Florence Main Street, we will be happy to email or mail you the form.)Click here for an online versionEmail design submission in JPEG, PDF, or GIF format in high resolution (300dpi) not to exceed 8MB in size.  Be prepared to submit the original drawing, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop (vector art) files if your design is chosen.Christina Hernandez, Event Coordinatorchristinad@florencemainstreet.orgDeadline for submissions: Monday, July 27^th Winner will be notified by Wednesday, July 29^th Evaluation of Design Submissions:A panel of judges will make the final determination of the winning entry based on originality and creativity. The winner will be announced on our website and social media outlets on Friday, July 31^st. A prize of $500 cash prize will be paid to the winner on the receipt of print-ready artwork.

Florence Restaurant Week Charity Nomination Phase

FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK 2015 NOMINATION PHASEFlorence Main StreetFlorence, AL – March 25 – Between April 1 and April 24, Florence Main Street wants you to nominate your favorite charity for the opportunity to win a $5,000 check. Last year during Florence Restaurant Week, Presenting Sponsor McDaniel Window & Door owner Mike McDaniel presented the $5000 winning charity check to SafePlace, Inc and he’s looking forward to making another charity very happy this year.“Presenting the $5000 check to SafePlace was not only an honor, but a privilege for myself and staff. It was exciting to see our local businesses thriving, while our community came together to raise awareness for so many wonderful charities. McDaniel Window & Door is excited to be the Presenting Sponsor again for 2015 Florence Restaurant Week, and I personally challenge all our local businesses to get involved and support this great event,” said owner, Mike McDaniel.Selected from the community’s nominations, five charities will be placed on a ballot for guests dining at participating restaurants during Florence Restaurant Week in May. Tuesday, April 1 through Friday, April 24th, nominate your favorite charity and tell us why they deserve this prize.  (To be considered, a charity must be a designated 501c(3) organization with the state of Alabama and have an office in the Shoals.) The three most nominated charities will automatically be included on the ballot, and Florence Main Street will choose two wild-card charities based on input from our Presenting Sponsor, number of nominations, impact on our community, and other factors. SafePlace of the Shoals will be excluded from this years’ nomination phase because they were the winners of Florence Restaurant Week 2014.You can nominate your favorite charity four ways. Florence Main Street will have a poll on our Facebook page, on McDaniel Window & Door’s Facebook page, and on our website (www.dineoutflorence.com) or you can mail in your nomination. If you choose to mail in a nomination please include these items:Your First and Last NameYour Email addressName of CharityWhy you are nominating the charity?Name of Executive Director at the charity.Contact info for the charity. (Address & Phone Number)Then, from May 8-16, Florence Main Street will host Florence Restaurant Week 2015. Ballots will be available at participating restaurants.  Every time you eat at a participating restaurant during Florence Restaurant Week, you will have the opportunity to vote for one of our five local charities. Every time you eat, you get to vote! Florence Restaurant Week is not only a showcase of our best local eateries, but it will also help to shine the light on some of our best local charities. The charity with the most votes at the end of the week will walk away with a check for $5,000 that will be used to do good work right here in the Shoals.Mark your calendars now for FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK–May 8-16, 2015! And please, help us do good where it counts by nominating YOUR favorite charity today!Participating Restaurants: Bookmarks Coffee Shop (inside the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library), Sperry’s, Wildwood Tavern, The Pie Factory, Singin’ River Brewery, Rivertown Coffee Company, Flobama Music Hall, Odette, Imagine That Bakery & Café, Legends Steakhouse, On the Rocks, Trowbridges, City Hardware, Ricatoni’s Italian Grill and more.Make sure to join the Facebook event and invite your friends to follow along with all things about Restaurant Week. Click here!Florence Main Street, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated of working with business owners, community leaders, and residents toward the common goal of revitalizing Downtown Florence culturally and economically. For more information about us or any of these efforts, please contact Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648 or info@florencemainstreet.org ### 

Shoals Yoga in Downtown Series

SHOALS YOGA IN DOWNTOWNPresented by Florence Main Street 

Florence Main Street is thrilled to announce our partnership with Shoals Yoga to bring the downtown community a 5 week yoga series in Wilson Park that is donation based. The goal of the Shoals Yoga in Downtown series is to incorporate elements of a healthy, happy, and peaceful life in downtown Florence.“Whether you have never taken a yoga class or you practice yoga on a daily basis, Main Street wants you to come to downtown to learn more about how yoga can benefit your lifestyle. After the classes, we invite everyone to visit boutiques, salons, restaurants, and other stores in downtown to see just how active and alive our community is,” said Christina Dorough Event Coordinator of Florence Main Street.The 5 week yoga series will be every Saturday morning at 10am beginning May 30^th until June 27th.  We invite all ages, genders, and employees of downtown businesses to participate. This series will flow from a basic beginners style class and progress into various poses and breathing techniques throughout the five weeks leading into the art of calming the mind as the final class on June 27th. We hope you'll bring a mat and an open mind and heart and join us for a fun, community building event that will leave you feeling calm and energized. While the series is free to attend please donate any amount you can as a way of thanking the yoga teachers for their time and efforts."We are excited to be offering this yoga series in downtown Florence to promote a stronger community and to give people the opportunity to experience a practice that facilitates physical and mental healing and peace of mind. Yoga is a five thousand year old science that has brought many positive changes into our lives and naturally, we want to share that with our family, friends, and community." -Danielle Snoddy, owner of Shoals Yoga and yoga teacher.May 30 taught by Danielle Snoddy, owner of Shoals Yoga.June 6 taught by Ashley Baker, yoga teacher at Shoals Yoga.June 13 taught by Connie Daniels, Shoals Yoga teacher trainee.June 20 taught by Sarah Prejeant, Shoals Yoga teacher trainee.June 27 taught by Danielle Snoddy.To learn more about Shoals Yoga and the services they provide please visit their website http://shoalsyoga.com/ or like their Facebook page Shoals Yoga.Florence Main Street, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to working with downtown business owners, community leaders, and residents toward the common goal of revitalizing Downtown Florence culturally and economically. For more information about us or any of these efforts, please contact Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648 or info@florencemainstreet.org ###

Florence Main Street Launches Downtown Dollar Gift Certificates

Downtown Dollars Keep it LOCAL 

Can't make a decision on what to get a friend or family member for  their birthday, a holiday, anniversary, or just as a happy? Downtown Dollars are the perfect gift for all ages.  These gift certificates can be redeemed at many of our merchants throughout Downtown Florence.

Below we have provide a list of merchants who currently accept Downtown Dollars. However, please inquire at other locations. Even if they are not on list we will be happy to explain the program to new merchants and quickly add them.

Merchants interested in participating in the program should contact Florence Main Street atinfo@florencemainstreet.orgSubject Line: Downtown Dollars

It is truly the gift for everyone and every occasion! 

Alabama Outdoors / 119 North Court Street / 256-764-1809Art & More / 124 East Tennessee StreetCherry Tree Lane / 305 North Court Street / 256-767-4262Coats Clothing Company / 122 North Court Street / 256-760-0033CoCo’s Boutique / 106 West Tennessee Street / 256-349-2133Creative Jewelers / 216 North Court Street / 256-766-7650Dixie Garage / 110 East Mobile Street / 256-627-6545Edison Workshops / 110 East Mobile St / 256-299-9745FloBama Music Hall / 311 North Court Street / 256-764-2225Hidden Treasures / 417 East Tennessee Street / 256-366-4985Inga's Lashes & More / 413 East Tennessee Street / 256-765-7001Jimmy John’s / 101 North Court Street / 256-768-9994Legends Steakhouse / 201 North Seminary Street / 256-766-5072Lyon's Coffee Roasters / 218 North Court Street / 256-669-0266Mefford's Jewelers / 102 North Court Street / 256-275-7030On the Rocks / 110 North Court Street / 256-760-2212Printers & Stationers, Inc. / 113 North Court Street / 256-764-8061Reclaimed Spirit / 416 North Court St / 256-792-5816Rosie’s Mexican Cantina / 302 North Court Street / 256-767-5599River Bottom Grille / 1050 Clayborn Liles Drive / 256-768-1721Rivertown Coffee Co. / 117 North Seminary Street / 256-765-7128Shoals Takeout / 110 East Mobile St / 256-415-8472Stained Glass Artistry / 116 West Mobile Street / 256-765-2100Singin' River Brewery / 526 East College Street / 256-349-2294Tennessee Street Billiards /118 East Tennessee Street / 256-760-5300The Basement Gym / 115 North Court Street / 256-444-5492The Chicago Cafe / 106 East Mobile Street / 256-710-3607The Coiffure at 108 /108 East Tuscaloosa Street / 256-577-8391The Eclectic  / 411 East Tennessee Street / 256-718-7999The Pie Factory / 106 North Court Street / 256-275-3248The Spinning Spoke Hub Club / 221 North Seminary Street / 256-349-5302Wildwood Tavern / 108 East Mobile Street / 256-349-1239Wilk's Tire & Battery / 619 East Tennessee Street / 256-764-8551Ye Ole General Store  / 219 North Seminary Street / 256-764-0601Yumm Thai Sushi & Beyond / 117 North Court Street / 256-349-2074

Downtown Florence ROARS a Welcome to UNA

6:00-8:00 p.m. Visit with participating downtown businesses and enter to win Downtown Dollars & $1,000 UNA Scholarship

**Every time you enter your name the more chances you will have to WIN money!6:30-8:30 p.m.  Music on Mobile Street(Rain location 116 E Mobile)Rachel WammackFollow ApolloThe Bear & The Bride

   8:30 p.m.   WINNERS ANNOUNCED!Lion Night Stage on Mobile Street

9:00 p.m. Muscle Shoals Documentary, Shoals Theatre – Free to UNA students,  $5 for the public

Sponsors:Downtown Florence Unlimited – UNA Department of Student Affairs – UNA Office of Student Engagement –   Student Government Association – Shoals Community Theatre

SGA and Main Street invites all UNA students to Downtown Florence

Dirt Plate joins Florence Foodies at City Hardware

Dirt Plate compliments Jeff Eubanks, chef at City Hardware, and Steve Carpenter, farmer of Jack O' Lantern Farm on a fantastic Florence Foodies night dining in Downtown Florence.Read here about her experience with Florence Foodies.