Building Momentum in Downtown Jefferson

The Jefferson Main Street Association (JMSA) leads projects that preserve our historic charm, support local businesses, and bring new life to downtown. Every project—large or small—moves us closer to a thriving, connected, and beautiful community where people want to live, work, and visit.

Our work is guided by the Four-Point Main Street Approach: Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotion. These principles shape every initiative we take on.

Current Projects

Downtown Beautification

Each season, JMSA coordinates citywide efforts to make downtown shine. From colorful summer hanging baskets to fall harvest décor and holiday lights, these projects help maintain Jefferson’s welcoming, small-town character.

Status: Ongoing, year-round
Impact: 100+ decorative elements installed annually through community partnerships and volunteer efforts.

Business Education Seminars

JMSA provides educational opportunities for downtown business owners to strengthen storefronts, marketing, and overall business success. Seminars have included retail merchandising workshops with opportunities to apply for grants, as well as social media sessions offering one-on-one guidance from experts to enhance online presence.

Status: Ongoing
Impact: Improved business knowledge, stronger storefronts and marketing, and increased opportunities for growth in downtown Jefferson.

Completed Projects

Rotary Park Redesign

We’re working with the City of Jefferson and a professional landscape architect to reimagine Rotary Park—a beloved downtown gathering place. After hosting public listening sessions, a new master plan is in development to expand green space, improve accessibility, and create a more welcoming central hub for community events and recreation.

Goal: Create a signature downtown park that blends natural beauty, accessibility, and community pride.
Funding: Supported by a $10,000 grant secured by JMSA.
Impact: Enhanced downtown green space, improved accessibility, and a vibrant central park for community gatherings—made possible by a $10,000 grant secured by JMSA.

Jefferson’s Best Dam Art Fair

Launched in 2024, this signature downtown event brought dozens of artists, musicians, and food vendors to Main Street for a day celebration of creativity and community.

Highlights:

  • Over 70 vendors and artists

  • Thousands of visitors

  • Expanded to a two-day event in 2025

  • Strong sales and visibility for attending artists

  • Increased foot traffic and business for downtown shops and restaurants.

Rotary Park Redesign

Holiday Magic In Downtown Jefferson

JMSA brought holiday cheer to downtown Jefferson by creating opportunities for families to visit with Santa, enjoy festive lights, and experience the charm of the season on Main Street.

Impact: Strengthened community engagement and created meaningful holiday experiences for local families.

Meet the Makers

This event showcases Jefferson’s artisans, crafters, and small-scale manufacturers through live demonstrations and local shopping experiences. It celebrates creativity while supporting homegrown businesses.

Outcome: Increased foot traffic, stronger community pride, and repeat participation from local makers.

First Fridays

Introduced in 2025, First Fridays brought themed evenings of music and shopping to downtown Jefferson from June through September. Businesses extended hours, musicians performed on sidewalks, and Main Street came alive with energy and connection.

Impact: Increased downtown visitors and collaboration among local merchants.  JMSA is excited to build on that momentum and continue the First Fridays tradition in 2026.

Chili Walk

This family-friendly event has become a local favorite, bringing visitors downtown to explore shops and restaurants while sampling a variety of chili from participating businesses.

Impact: Encouraged family participation, increased foot traffic, strengthened community connections, and boosted sales for downtown businesses.

Cider, Seltzer & Beer Walk

This popular event attracted craft beverage enthusiasts to downtown Jefferson, featuring live music and opportunities to explore local shops and restaurants.

Impact: Fostered a sense of community, supported downtown businesses, and drew regional visitors to experience Jefferson’s vibrant downtown.

Looking Ahead

Each project JMSA leads builds upon the last. Our vision is to continue creating a downtown that honors Jefferson’s history while inspiring its future—one event, improvement, and partnership at a time.

Future plans include continuing to support downtown businesses, encouraging visitors to explore Jefferson, and hosting events that celebrate the community’s culture, creativity, and small-town charm.