By Ken Jackson
Staff Writer

Kissimmee Main Street was recently announced as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month for November 2012.

Secretary of State Ken Detzner noted the selection for this award is based on the Kissimmee program’s involvement and active participation in the Florida Main Street Program.

November was an active month for Kissimmee Main Street, as noted by Executive Director Kelly Trace. She highlighted the Trick or Treat on Broadway Halloween event that drew a record attendance of 1,400 candy-seeking children; a partnership with the Center for the Arts that brought the Kissimmee Art Festival back to downtown; the re-launch of the “Fresh from Florida” Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market; and the November edition of the popular Food Truck Bazaar.

Detzner said in a press release that Kissimmee Main Street does “an outstanding job to make sure its historic downtown remains a great place to live and visit.”

“Kissimmee is a valued asset to the Florida Main Street Program because the city understands the importance of preserving Florida’s cultural and historical heritage,” he said.

Kissimmee Main Street President Jeff Wolff expressed gratitude that the local chapter is receiving accolades for its revitalization efforts in the downtown corridor that also maintain a link to its rich cultural past, with its pedestrian shopping areas, rehabilitated historic buildings, and year-round community events and celebrations.

“It’s great that our Main Street Program is recognized by the state for all we’re trying to achieve in downtown Kissimmee,” he said. “We hope to continue these efforts for years to come and are grateful for all the community support we have received to earn this award.”

The Florida Main Street Program designated Kissimmee as a Main Street Community in 1997. In its 15-year partnership with Main Street, an arm of the state’s Division of Historical Resources, Kissimmee has attracted a net gain of 268 new businesses and $31 million in investments in 412 public and private construction projects.