If you think Market Days is the party of the year, then think of Main Street Concord as the hostess with the mostest. There’s good reason their slogan is “Changing the Face and Pace of Downtown Concord,” because it’s the organization’s job to make sure Concord is the most happenin’ little city New Hampshire has to offer.
We got an interview with the woman behind the organization behind Market Days – Jessica Eshleman – and no, that’s not her official title. Jessica is the new executive director of Main Street Concord, and this is her first Market Days ever with the organization. Despite being new and insanely busy planning Concord’s biggest bash, she still took the time to answer a few questions about Main Street Concord and Market days. What a multi-tasker!
If you’re interested in learning more about Main Street Concord or how to become involved (it is always looking for volunteers!), call 226-2150 or e-mail info@mainstreetconcord.com.
What exactly is Main Street Concord? Main Street Concord is a nonprofit organization whose sole focus is to support the continued advancement of downtown. As a primarily volunteer-driven group, we implement a “four-point approach” to our revitalization efforts that comes to us from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These four points include: economic development, design, promotion and organization, or consensus-building among community stakeholders. To sum it up, our work is aimed at spurring economic activity in the downtown within the context of historic preservation.
How did you get involved with Main Street Concord? It became clear to me that work of downtown revitalization was for me the moment I began working for Nashua’s downtown organization. Supporting local commerce, celebrating community and working to make a noticeable difference in the lives of others have always been priorities of mine and suddenly, these themes appeared throughout my job description. When I learned about this position being available in Concord, a downtown that I have adored for many years, I jumped at the opportunity. It is a true honor and privilege to be working for and with all the great people, businesses and organizations that make up downtown.
What are you most looking forward to at Market Days? The opportunity to celebrate summer, music and all things Concord! Market Days has been a downtown tradition for 35 years now, and it continues to grow and take on new dimensions. Our major goal this year has been to spotlight all the great things happening here in our city. Working with groups like the Arts Market, the Concord Cooperative Market, the YMCA and The Discovery Center reminds me how fortunate Concord is to be home to so many high-caliber organizations. I am very excited about this year’s enhanced programming and amenities, and specifically about our attempt to break the world trivia record on Thursday evening.
Why are events like Market Days important to Concord? An event like Market Days is important for a number of reasons. Foremost, it provides an opportunity to showcase the variety of goods, services and cultural offerings available in our city. Moreover, it gives people from across the region a chance to enjoy boat loads of fun and cost-free activities against the beautiful backdrop of historic downtown Concord with its quintessential New England streetscape and stunning architecture.
Events like Market Days provide an excellent opportunity for people discover (or in some cases rediscover) the charm of downtown Concord.
