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The Main Street Story

On May 13, 1997, Hernando joined the elite ranks of approximately a dozen other Mississippi communities by becoming a part of Main Street, U.S.A., a downtown revitalization program that has transformed downtowns throughout the country.

The program, which is administered nationally by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and, at the state level, the Mississippi Main Street Association, uses a four-point approach - organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring - to preserve, promote and enhance the downtown areas of historic communities.
In the decade that has followed its induction into the program, Hernando has become an example of what downtown revitalization is all about.

"From humble beginnings in 1997, Hernando Main Street has established itself as one of the shining stars in the Mississippi Main Street Association network which now totals 51 active Main Street programs," said Mississippi Main Street Executive Director Bob Wilson. "We are extremely proud of Hernando for all its accomplishments and plans for continued growth and development in the years to come."

On May 11, 2007 - nearly 10 years to the day that it received its designation as a Main Street community - Hernando celebrated its anniversary and released some very impressive statistics related to the program.
According to program estimates, Main Street has either directly or indirectly influenced more than $40 million in public and private reinvestment and sparked nearly 40 new businesses and 100 new jobs in Hernando's downtown area.

The program has also fostered a new spirit of community pride and beautification throughout the town.
"This program has made a visible impact on how local residents and visitors alike see our community," said Hernando Main Street/Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brian Goff. "As a result, Hernando is, today, a very desirable place to live, shop and visit. And, its appeal continues to increase on a daily basis."
Defined by the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad to the north and east; Oak Grove Road to the south and Scott Road to the west, the Hernando Main Street district includes a broad mix of buildings and business uses. The district encompasses everything from residential neighborhoods to professional offices, restaurants and upscale retail shops. In addition, city and county government offices are located downtown - along with the DeSoto County Museum.

Throughout the year, Hernando Main Street and other local community organizations host a plethora of events within the Main Street district. Many of these events such as the Hernando A'Fair, Celebration of Art and the Hernando Music & Heritage Festival, take place on the historic town square. But, others such as the Hernando Christmas Open House and the Hernando Christmas Parade are far more reaching than just the square.
"Downtown is a true asset of our community and our county," Goff said. "Through the Main Street program, we are able to help preserve and promote those assets - along with other historic areas of our community so that more and more people can appreciate them each and every day."

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