Vote for Downtown Somerville in America's Main Streets Contest

Is Somerville your “go-to” place for great shopping, dining and entertainment? Here’s your chance to support the ongoing revitalization efforts that are earning accolades both locally and nationally. A vote for downtown Somerville in the America’s Main Street contest can help downtown Somerville win a top prize of $25,000. However, your vote must be registered online at MainStreetContest.com by Sunday, April 24.

The contest is sponsored by Independent We Stand (with the support of STIHL, Inc. and FCA US BusinessLink), a movement of independent business owners across the country dedicated to informing their communities about the importance of “Buying Local” and how these efforts bolster their local economy.

“The goal of this inaugural Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest is to promote the importance and strong economic benefits of Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive,” explained Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “We expect to see communities rallying for their Main Streets by simply going online to vote and encouraging others to do the same.”

Downtown Somerville was nominated by Brittany Burton, who along with her mother, Cathie Golden, are the creative force behind Revive (30 S. Doughty Street), which combines consignment and new clothing, plus the works of local artisans to create a fashion niche they call “glamtique.”

In her application, Burton said there is an attractive energy that is unmistakable in downtown Somerville and noted the hard work of the Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA), a public-private partnership between the Borough of Somerville and downtown business and property owners, striving to make Somerville a must visit town. She highlighted the year-round calendar of events including car shows, carriage rides, parades and more. “When you come here and spend 4 hours shopping and eating you realize they have met their goals,” Burton added. “This is not enough for the DSA, they strive to keep Somerville popular and never sit back. From Yestercades to Discover Wines there is diversity, fun stores and great restaurants to enjoy in Somerville.”

Beth Anne Macdonald, the DSA’s Executive Director said the contest will help showcase why downtown Somerville deserves recognition. “Main Streets are really the heartbeat of America's cities and towns,” Macdonald concluded. “They play an important part in the long-term success of communities and really help build a sense of place. When Main Streets are strong, so are the communities that surround them.”

For directories of downtown Somerville businesses and restaurants, and information on programs and services provided by the Downtown Somerville Alliance, visit downtownsomerville.com, or follow news from Somerville on social media at Facebook.com/DowntownSomervilleAlliance and Instagram.com/DowntownSomerville.