June 18, 2020 | COVID-19 Community Response Roundup: Tote Bags for Relief Funds & Curbside Concessions | By: Abby Armato, Communications Coordinator, NMSC |
Photo credit: Rhode Island Avenue Main Street

The COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery blog series features ideas and approaches that local Main Street America programs are taking in response to the pandemic and during the recovery process. To view the full collection of roundups as well as access our robust collection of related resources, please visit our COVID-19 resource center.

Taste of Ellsworth Goes Virtual. When Downtown Ellsworth’s annual Taste of Ellsworth event had to be canceled due to COVID-19, their Main Street program was quick to pivot the in-person event to an online adventure. Since the beginning of June, the Heart of Ellsworth in Maine has used their social media platforms to highlight their downtown eateries. Encouraging the community to support local safely, the Heart of Ellsworth is helping residents create their own “dining adventure.” Learn more.

Tote Bags for Relief Funds. Rhode Island Avenue Main Street in Washington, DC, created canvas totes that feature some of their community’s favorite business storefronts. During the month of June, anyone who donates $100 or more to their Small Business Relief Fund receives a thank you tote bag. Learn more.

Music in the Streets. In collaboration with their local arts foundation, Downtown Jonesboro Alliance in Arkansas is hosting a Music in the Streets event. With ten bands in their lineup, this Main Street program is placing the musicians all along their two main streets. Encouraging locals to visit downtown, Downtown Jonesboro Alliance suggests that residents make a reservation at their favorite restaurant or park their car downtown near the musicians. Learn more.

“Pop Up Patio.” A new pilot program from the City of Fremont in California will allow businesses to reimagine outdoor spaces. Called “Pop Up Patio,” the City calls this initiative, “a proactive way to support the safe re-opening of our restaurants and retail businesses and assist with economic recovery.” Alameda County, in which Fremont is located, is permitting socially distanced dining and other such operations as of this Friday. Learn more.

Curbside Concessions. A new partnership is popping in downtown Springhill, Louisiana. The downtown’s movie theater and local ice cream parlor teamed up to offer Curbside Concessions: selling fresh-dipped ice cream, popcorn, and other refreshments. Blocking off several parking spaces in front of the theater for this event, concessions are sold drive-through style. Springhill Main Street reports that this partnership, “has been a major hit for evening traffic downtown.” Learn more.
Photo credit: Springhill Main Street

We look forward to sharing more Main Street community response and recovery efforts. Please fill out this form if your community has implemented an idea or approach you'd like to contribute.

Response and Recovery Efforts Across the Map

View ideas and approaches that local Main Street America programs are taking in response to the pandemic and during the recovery process.




(Orange pins indicate responses during the crisis and blue pins indicate recovery efforts. However, many ideas are interchangeable and applicable regardless of your state and community's reopening status.)


Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for legal, insurance, liability, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your own legal, insurance, tax, and accounting advisors for guidance on these matters.