2025 Kentucky Main Street Program Honors Their Main Street Directors and Staff Including Beattyville

The Kentucky Main Street Program has announced the winners of its 2025 Kentucky Main Street Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in community development, preservation and local leadership across the commonwealth. The awards, presented June 11 at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort, recognize local leaders, entrepreneurs, volunteers and initiatives that exemplify the spirit and mission of the Kentucky Main Street program.

“The Kentucky Main Street Awards celebrate the remarkable people and projects that are transforming our downtowns into thriving hubs of culture, commerce and connection,” said Kitty Dougoud, Kentucky Main Street Program Administrator. “These winners exemplify the very best of what’s possible when vision meets community engagement.”

“This recognition is a proud moment for our Main Street program. It reflects the hard work behind events and initiatives that help bring people into downtown and support our local economy,” said Teresa Mays, executive director of Beattyville Main Street and Preservation Hero award recipient.

“Not only is it an honor to receive an award, but it is a great opportunity to see the best ideas our fellow Main Street directors are coordinating,” said Caroline Reece, executive director of Maysville Main Street and Best Social Media Campaign award recipient.

The 2025 Kentucky Main Street Award winners are as follows:

Volunteer of the Year:

Ray Wheeler – Guthrie

A dedicated board member and hands-on historian, Wheeler has contributed to park development, major renovations and board trainings since 2018.

Dan Brenyo – Kentucky Main Street Association

Known for his data wizardry and tireless volunteerism, Brenyo has become a vital Main Street and Heritage Council advocate statewide.

Spirit of Main Street Awards:

Individual: Neil Hackworth – Shelby Main Street

As the former mayor, he brought the Main Street program to Shelbyville. A long-time Main Street leader, Hackworth helped to launch transformative programs like Main Street Spark to foster entrepreneurship.

Local Leader: Betty Kelley Hart – Bardstown Main Street

A 25-year champion of downtown Bardstown, Hart has led preservation efforts and arts initiatives with dedication and heart as a city councilwoman.

Business: Tiffany Jones – Heart of Scottsville

Owner of Ninety and Nine Café and founder of Care Village, Jones uses her business to uplift and serve her community.

Outstanding Main Street Partners:

Mayor Chris Essex – Springfield Main Street

For his visionary leadership, generosity and support for downtown revitalization as both mayor and business owner.

Jennifer Anderson – Holbrook Drug, Downtown Morehead, Inc.

For 75 years, Holbrook Drugs has cared for the Morehead community. As the current owner, Jennifer has played a vital role in economic development through Main Street board leadership and collaboration.

Entrepreneur of the Year:

Bridgett Hylton – Pikeville Main Street Program, Inc.

A quilter turned business leader, Hylton turned passion into impact with classes, a storefront and regional Quilt Shop-Hop programming.

Best Economic Development Initiative:

Beattyville Main Street – Locally Made Farmers Market

Beattyville Main Street created a year-round indoor market, revitalizing a vacant downtown space while supporting over a dozen local businesses.

Best Retail Economic Vitality Initiative:

For their innovative digital retail campaign spotlighting local businesses through professional videography and web engagement.

Best Social Media Campaign:

Caroline Reece – Maysville Main Street

For her imaginative holiday video series that brought festive charm and major visibility to downtown businesses.

Best Fundraising Effort:

Cheers to Bardstown

A community event turned major fundraiser that raised over $60,000 while promoting local pride and tourism.

Best Outdoor Space Improvements:

Mayor’s Park – Bardstown Main Street

A one-acre park redesigned as a vibrant downtown gathering place through community partnerships and public-private funding.

Battson Oates Commons – Downtown Morehead, Inc.

A once-temporary pandemic project has become a permanent, people-first destination revitalizing the downtown and the newly dedicated entertainment district.

Best Promotion of Downtown:

Bardstown Main Street – “Merriest Main Street”

A nationally celebrated holiday transformation featured on NBC’s Today Show showcasing the power of Main Street collaboration in one of the Merriest Main Streets in the country.

Best Events:

Small Event: National Girlfriends Day – Taylorsville Main Street@

A heartfelt celebration of women and volunteers that strengthens local connections and community involvement.

Large Event: Bourbon & Moonshine Festival – Beattyville Main Street

A signature event blending heritage and tourism, celebrating the past and promoting downtown Beattyville’s future.

Best Adaptive Reuse Project:

Will Hardy – Bardstown Main Street

For transforming a historic bank building into a dynamic mix of retail, hospitality and tourism space.

Preservation Hero Award:

Darla Saylor Jackson – Cumberland

For her tireless investment in historic buildings and small businesses, breathing new life into downtown Cumberland.

Perseverance Award

Teresa Mays – Beattyville Main Street

Honored for leading through crises with grace, passion and unrelenting commitment to preservation and community empowerment.