Board Spotlight: Local Stories from the Board of Directors
John Mitterholzer, Deshea Agee, Michael Wagler, Chris Wilson, and Mary Helmer Worth share stories from their time at the local level and how those experiences shape their perspectives today.
The Downtown Farmers Market supports entrepreneurs and helps encourage healthy choices in the community. Photo courtesy of Main Street Hartsville.
As Hartsville prepares to welcome Main Street America’s Community Transformation Workshop this October, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the initiatives that have shaped our downtown into a vibrant, connected, and thriving place. From our Town & Gown strategy to the blossoming Cultural District and our lively Farmers Market, Hartsville’s story is one of collaboration, creativity, and community pride.
Town & Gown: Building Bridges Between Campus and Community
One of Hartsville’s most impactful transformation strategies is the Town & Gown partnership with Coker University. By intentionally connecting students, faculty, and university resources with local businesses and cultural assets, Hartsville has created a downtown that welcomes both lifelong residents and new student populations.
This partnership has brought new energy to Main Street: students explore shops and restaurants, attend downtown events, and contribute fresh ideas. In turn, Hartsville provides spaces and opportunities for students to grow roots, making it more likely they’ll remain part of our community after graduation. The Town & Gown strategy is key in building a downtown area that is both youthful and deeply rooted in tradition.
Coker University students attending a Halloween event in Hartsville. Photo courtesy of Main Street Hartsville.
The Cultural District: A Hub of Arts, History, and Creativity
Hartsville is proud to be home to one of South Carolina’s 12 designated Cultural Districts. This distinction highlights the city’s dedication to celebrating the arts, historic preservation, and cultural heritage. Anchored by the Center Theater, Hartsville Museum, and numerous galleries and performance spaces, the district is a hub for creativity and storytelling.
Events like art strolls, live concerts, and historical exhibits bring people together while boosting business for local merchants and restaurants. The Cultural District also reinforces Hartsville’s identity as a small town with big-city life. In Hartsville, you can shop, dine, and enjoy the arts, all within a walkable downtown.
The arts play a crucial role in Hartsville’s downtown. Photo courtesy of Main Street Hartsville.
Farmers Market: Fresh Food, Fresh Connections
Every 2nd Saturday morning of the month from April through October, downtown Hartsville comes alive with the Downtown Farmers Market. Local growers, artisans, and food makers set up along Cargill Way, turning it into a bustling hub of commerce and connection.
The Farmers Market isn’t just about buying produce; it’s about supporting small businesses, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and building relationships. Families shop together, neighbors catch up, and entrepreneurs find new customers. We even have walked with businesses who began as tables at the Farmers Market and now Main Street Brick and Mortar Businesses. The ripple effect of this market extends far beyond monthly gatherings; it strengthens Hartsville’s economy and sense of place.
As We Look Ahead
The upcoming Community Transformation Workshop will bring new insights, tools, and inspiration for Hartsville’s future. But as we look forward, it’s clear that the groundwork is already strong. Our Main Street is alive with students, residents, and visitors enjoying the rich culture and history, and energized by the heartbeat of our community: its people.
In Hartsville, transformation isn’t a distant goal, it’s happening right now, and the best is yet to come.
Related News and Stories
Save the Date and Five Other Ways to Get a Head Start on the 2026 Main Street Now Conference
It's never too early to start making plans to join your peers and place management experts from across the Main Street network for three days of insightful education sessions, network-building opportunities, and immersive mobile workshops at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference.
Good Things Come in Threes: More Free Academy Courses Await
We've just debuted three new free courses in the Main Street America Academy—Foundations: The Main Street Approach, Introduction to Conflict Resolution, and Managing Professional Relationships. Take your leadership skills to the next level with these invaluable building blocks.
