By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon 66 Main Street honors its outstanding supporters and volunteers during a recent annual spring event.
The “Palette of Progress” was April at Paintin’ Place alley in the 400 block of W Main south of Route 66.
“It was a wonderful night in a casual setting as we gathered with fellow business owners, volunteers and partners who make downtown such a great place,” Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis said.
The event featured the presentation of nine awards and seven certificates of appreciation.
Five local artists displayed their work while demonstrating their techniques – Gloria Bean, Vickie Kastl, Hannah Combs, Nina Goodwin, and Casey Barnett.
The audience enjoyed food, refreshments and live entertainment by Brantley Cowan on acoustic guitar.
Attendees also were encouraged to demonstrate their painting prowess in a collaborative art project.
Yukon Main Street Board President Kay Casper and Vice President Heather Samuels presented the annual Main Street awards.
WINNER DESCRIPTIONS
Here are the award winners and brief narrative descriptions from the nominations:
- Premier Main Street Partner: Cherie Logan – State Farm Insurance
Logan has been on the Main Street board in various roles for nearly 10 years, has been an active leader, event sponsor, generous contributor, heavy-lifting volunteer who just never stops, and motivates her employees to volunteer. Her business has been an ever-present supporter of the Yukon Main Street program from the very beginning.
- Spirit of Main Street: Andrea Griffin
Griffin embraces a “shop small and local” campaign on a personal level and has been involved in some way, nearly every Main Street activity and event, even if simply attending to show support. She and her family have contributed to downtown revitalization efforts by investing in and sponsoring various events and activities.
- Outstanding Main Street Volunteer: Erika Stark
Stark is present at nearly every event and activity that Yukon Main Street hosts. She has been a critical member of the Design and Promotion points and past Main Street board member. Stark has helped with the Czech Christmas Market, Style on 66 Fashion Show and Yukon Sunset Mural artist selection committee.
- Outstanding New Business: Vladislava’s Czech Bakery & Café
Vladislava’s opened for business at 422 W Main in September 2021, just in time for the return of the Oklahoma Czech Festival. The business eagerly participates in retail promotions, graciously sponsors events and activities and contributes greatly to Yukon’s cultural heritage tourism draw.
- Best Adaptive Re-use: Little Collective Co.
The Little Collective Co. opened in spring 2022 in a renovated building that previously housed the DX gas station, 545 W Main. Local sister-entrepreneurs’ aesthetic of “a little shabby, a little rustic interior” is the perfect setting for their boutique.
- Outstanding Total Building Rehabilitation: Ingram Smith & Turner Mortuary
Ingram Smith & Turner Mortuary completed their total building rehabilitation with a dramatic transformation of the property’s exterior as well as interior design improvements and changes to their use of space to allow a business expansion with the recent opening of Mason’s Flowers.
- Best Façade Rehabilitation: Threads of Tradition
Threads of Tradition is a great example that big impacts in property improvements do not always have to come with a big budget. Improvements to this business’s front-facing exterior enhances Yukon’s commercial district.
- Best Downtown Destination: Archery Traditions of Oklahoma
Archery Traditions hosts many archery tournaments, fund-raising events and local leagues. The new Route 66 “train town” museum attracts another layer of tourists to downtown.
- Most Effective Social Media: Avery Joe’s Boutique
Avery Joe’s promotes their business and downtown Yukon through creative and consistent social media.
Yukon Main Street point (committee) chairs each presented certificates and gifts to recognize their 2022 Volunteer of the Year during the recent Palette of Progress:
- Promotions Point: Kim Rex
- Design Point: Carol Mowdy Bond
- Economic Vitality Point: Jamie Beasley
Meanwhile, Oklahoma Main Street Director Buffy Hughes presented certificates of achievement to top three finalists in the Oklahoma Main Street awards program:
- Best Building Brand: Vladislava’s Czech Bakery & Café
- Best Visual Merchandising: Urban Boondocks Market
- Outstanding Public Official: Shelli Selby
- Business of the Year: The Arrangement
- Best Main Street Retail Promotion: Shop Small Scratchers
- Premier Event: Czech Christmas Market
- Best Community Educational Campaign: Yukon’s Best History Display & Contest
