Key Takeaways
- Main Street Martinsburg held its annual "Main Event" celebration to recognize the people and organizations that contributed to downtown’s growth in 2025.
- The organization welcomed over 45,000 people to four major festivals, distributed over 500 backpacks, and hosted multiple free concerts.
- Main Street Martinsburg is launching a "Friends of Main Street" initiative in 2026 to encourage community engagement and support for downtown businesses.
- The organization presented annual awards to individuals and businesses, including Public Official of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, and Board Member of the Year.
- Continued collaboration and community support are crucial to maintaining downtown Martinsburg’s momentum and growth.
Introduction to Main Street Martinsburg’s Main Event
Main Street Martinsburg held its annual "Main Event" celebration on Friday night, which served as an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements and look ahead to the future of downtown. The event was a time to recognize the people and organizations that have contributed to the growth and development of downtown Martinsburg. Throughout 2025, Main Street Martinsburg has been busy, welcoming over 45,000 people to four major festivals, distributing over 500 backpacks during a back-to-school drive, and hosting multiple free summer and children’s concerts. According to Robbie Blair, executive director of Main Street Martinsburg, the organization’s efforts have had a significant impact on the community, particularly on the children who received backpacks. Blair noted that the backpacks not only provided essential school supplies but also boosted the children’s self-esteem as they prepared to return to school.
A Year of Growth and Development
The past year has been marked by significant milestones and achievements for downtown Martinsburg. Main Street Martinsburg hosted 10 ribbon cuttings and business milestones, celebrating new ownership or openings at businesses such as Vandalia on Queen, The Drum Orpheum, Seeds Juice Bar, Billion Dollar Records, and Nikki Visions. Additionally, the organization oversaw restoration work at 408 W. King St., the return of the Apollo Civic Theatre marquee, and the launch of the Junior Main Street program at Martinsburg High School. These initiatives have contributed to the growth and revitalization of downtown Martinsburg, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit. The success of these efforts is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Main Street Martinsburg team, as well as the support of the community.
Launching the Friends of Main Street Initiative
Looking ahead to 2026, Main Street Martinsburg is launching a new initiative called "Friends of Main Street." This program aims to encourage ongoing community engagement and support for downtown businesses. The initiative will include monthly gatherings at rotating downtown restaurants, expanded retail incentives through the "Shop Small, Win Big" program, and new opportunities for residents to get involved with Main Street committees. The first Friends of Main Street gathering is scheduled for February 26 at Brix 27. According to Blair, the program may seem simple, but it has the potential to make a significant impact on the community. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging people to support local businesses, the Friends of Main Street initiative can help to maintain the momentum of downtown Martinsburg’s growth and development.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
As part of the Main Event celebration, Main Street Martinsburg presented its annual awards to individuals and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the community. Martinsburg Police Department’s Lt. Justin Darby was named Public Official of the Year for his role in public safety planning during large downtown events. Blair praised Darby’s attention to detail and commitment to safety, noting that safely managing festivals that draw up to 15,000 people requires months of coordination. Thai Martinsburg received the Small Business of the Year award for its consistent service and participation in Main Street programs. Other award recipients included Heidi Crawford, who was named Volunteer of the Year after contributing over 100 hours in 2025, SC Studios, which was recognized as Community Partner of the Year, and Keisha Swift, who received Board Member of the Year honors.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In closing the evening, Blair thanked volunteers, sponsors, and city leaders for their support and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining downtown Martinsburg’s momentum. Blair noted that the community is growing and that everyone has a role to play in supporting the downtown area. By working together, the community can build on the successes of the past year and create a bright future for downtown Martinsburg. The Main Event celebration served as a reminder of the power of community and the impact that individuals and organizations can have when they work together towards a common goal. As Main Street Martinsburg looks to the future, it is clear that the organization will continue to play a vital role in shaping the downtown area and promoting community engagement and support.
