2025 in Review with Madison Main Street Program

About Madison Main Street

Madison Main Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization designated by Indiana Main Street and accredited by the National Main Street Center. Madison is one of more than 1,200 Main Street communities across the country with the common goal of preserving America’s historic downtown as economically vital centers of the community.​

Looking forward to the fun and possibilities of 2026 is top of mind, but let's look back on just a few of the spectacular things that happened in 2025 for the Madison Main Street Program (MMSP). From signature events like Music in the Park and Holiday Open House, to the new workshop series launched for small businesses and a brand refresh for our Farmers Market, we’re proud to share a look back at what made this year so impactful.

Annual Events

The Madison Main Street Program hosts a number of events each year. Our summer concert series, Music in the Park, brings the community together for evenings of free live music, while our Holiday Open House event helps get businesses and shoppers ready for the Holiday season! Let's dig a little deeper into a few of our highlighted events:

Girls Weekend celebrated its 7th year in 2025! With Mardi Gras theme, the ladies went all out! The fashion show hosted at Hen & Ben highlighted several downtown businesses that showed off how to create the perfect fit. As always, the dance party was a blast and trivia at brunch was both entertaining and competitive! Most of all, Madison’s downtown businesses - with over 60 participating - were right on theme! 2026 is going to look a little different, so make sure to check out the plan here: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/girlsweekendinmadison

Brooke Taylor Photography

MMSP’s Annual Gala and Dessert Auction once again brought the community together to celebrate the businesses, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners that make our work possible, while also serving as our largest fundraiser of the year.

In 2025, we proudly honored four outstanding recipients:

• Innovation Award: Acree Alley Carts

• Business Excellence Award: Binzer’s Custom Framing

• Judy George Tribute Award: Julie Truax

• Legacy Award: Horst’s Donuts

More than 20 beautifully crafted desserts were donated by volunteers and auctioned off, with Jim Pruett leading an always-entertaining auction.

Stay tuned for information on the 2026 Annual Gala and Dessert Auction: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/annualgalaanddessertauction

Freewheel Studios

The Biennial Loft Tour returned in 2025, offering a rare glimpse into Downtown Madison’s upper-story spaces - from fully renovated lofts to raw, untouched floors ready for new ideas.

We are incredibly thankful to the 10 participating sites and our 2025 sponsors: J.R. Harrell, Coldwell Banker; Jenner, Pattison & Sharpe; Brenda Eversole, Century 21; Jessica Butler, Legacy Land Use; Ruoff Mortgage; and River West Antique Mall.

We are so grateful for all the participating businesses, sponsors and volunteers that help with our events!

Driving Small Business Revenue Program

In January 2025, MMSP partnered with German American Bank to launch the Driving Small Business Revenue Program - a new workshop series led by industry experts. This program provided in-depth education and networking opportunities to more than 50 businesses, offering practical strategies for growth and connections with local peers.

Participants also learned from Molly Alexander, a nationally recognized downtown revitalization specialist. A huge thank-you to German American Bank, Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Attic/Coffee Mill Café, The Chandler Hotel, Ivy Tech Madison, and Mane Attractions Salon & Spa for making the 2025 program possible!

We’re already excited for the 2026 Driving Small Business Revenue Series. Learn more and register here: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/drivingsmallbusinessrevenue

Madison Farmers Market

Did you know the Madison Farmers Market dates back to 1809, making it the oldest farmers market in Indiana? While its history is cherished, 2025 brought a refreshed brand identity to match the market’s vibrant future.

Following a public call for artists, local artist Jeremy Feuerstin's design was selected and later digitized and finalized by graphic designer Lindsay Courtney. The new logo celebrates the market’s 100% producer-only tradition while embracing a fresh, energetic look.

Learn more about the new logo and the Madison Farmers Market here: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/farmers-market

In addition to the weekly Saturday market, four evening markets popped up throughout the summer, giving those who can't make it on weekend mornings a chance to experience the joys of shopping at the market!

You can keep up with all things Madison Farmers Market on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/madfarmersmarket

Thriving Businesses in Downtown Madison! 

Downtown Madison is incredibly fortunate to have a vast variety of unique small businesses that each do their part to make our city so great! In 2025, over 10 new businesses opened their doors and were welcomed with open arms by their peers.

Every downtown business has a story, and in 2025, MMSP staff and volunteers went "behind the scenes" with 20 local businesses to share theirs. These Business Spotlights highlight the dedication, creativity, and hard work that go into running a small business in our historic district.

You can read up on these highlights here: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/news 

In fall 2023, MMSP was awarded $10,000 to enhance the National Historic Landmark District through improved business signage. In 2025, this funding helped 10 downtown businesses install new signs, strengthening their visibility while preserving the historic character of downtown.

Learn more about the Signage Grant program here: https://www.madisonmainstreet.com/signagegrant

MMSP Staff and Board Highlights

The Madison Main Street Program is made up of three staff members and a highly engaged Board of Directors, who all do their part to keep this program vibrant!

In 2025, MMSP staff traveled to Philadelphia for the Main Street NOW! Conference. The 2025 theme focused on connection, innovation, and sustainability. The conference offered valuable new skills and perspectives while reinforcing the importance of the Main Street Program. As 2024 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners, our team also shared in the excitement of celebrating the 2025 award recipients.

Leadership Jefferson County, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County, provides residents with opportunities to learn about local government, business, health, and education. In 2025, MMSP Executive Director Austin Sims served as the Business & Entrepreneurship Chair, bringing together local business owners and industry experts to share insights on growth, decision-making, and the tools that helped them succeed.

Community exchanges are a vital part of Main Street work, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and fresh ideas. In 2025, MMSP staff and board members visited Brookville, Indiana, for a valuable exchange. We learned about Brookville’s Be Bold entrepreneurship incubator, Opportunity Zone investments, and impressive progress in upper-story development, an ongoing priority for MMSP through our strategic plan and upcoming 2026 Upstairs Downtown Workshop.

We were thrilled to welcome Brooklyn Cornelius, our summer intern, in 2025. A Madison native, Brooklyn returned home for the summer to learn more about her community while supporting MMSP’s mission. Brooklyn collaborated with Farmers Market Manager Brittany Demaree on vendor visits and weekly market operations. She also partnered with Program Manager Lindsay Holley to assist with volunteer recruitment and gather updated data on downtown business investments. Brooklyn left a lasting impression on the community with her clever and entertaining social media presence; we are so proud of her!

Volunteers and Board Growth

Volunteers are a huge part of MMSP’s success. In 2025, volunteers contributed more than 778 hours, creating an incredible impact across programs and events. We are so thankful for those who give their time and talents!

We also welcomed three new Board members: Emily McKinney, Merry Mattox, and Sandy Palmer. Each has been deeply involved with MMSP for years, and we’re honored to have their leadership on our Board.

As we close out 2025, we do so with gratitude and excitement. In 2026, we look forward to implementing goals from our strategic planning process, welcoming new businesses to Downtown Madison, and continuing to build on this momentum. Thank you to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, staff, and Board members for making Downtown Madison the amazing place it is!

See you next year in Downtown Madison!

Lindsay Holley

Madison Main Street Program

Program Manager

#madisonmainstreet #wearemainstreet #supportlocal #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #MadisonIndiana #MainStreet #shopsmall #weekend #fun #family #friends #OnlyInIndiana #HolidayOpenHouse