By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon Main Street was well represented with 21 people attending the 33rd annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet.
Downtown business representatives joined Main Street board members, volunteers and staff for the May 2 festivities in Oklahoma City.
“Yukon is a blend of history, businesses and community for the past, present and future,” Yukon Main Street President Kay Casper said.
Programs across the state competed in 23 award categories representing the “four points” of the Main Street approach: Organization, promotion, economic vitality, and design.
Of seven “top three” finalist nominations, Yukon brought home the win in two categories:
- Economic Vitality Award for Business of the Year – The Arrangement
A floral, gift and home décor shop, The Arrangement is now in its 35th year in downtown Yukon.
The business was recognized for its support of Yukon’s Main Street program and Main Street’s four-point approach, community service and impact on historic preservation efforts.
Three generations – Sue Leach, Angie McPherson and Piper McPherson – were there to accept the award.
- Design Award for Best Community Education Campaign – Yukon’s Best History Display & Contest
Also, Heather Samuels was recognized as Yukon 66 Main Street’s Board Member of the Year.
A Main Street business owner, Samuels is the board’s vice president in 2023.
OTHER FINALISTS
The other top three finalist nominations were:
- Best Building/Business Branding – Vladislava’s Czech Bakery & Cafe’
- Best Visual Merchandising – Urban Boondocks Market
- Premier Event – Czech Christmas Market
- Best Retail Promotion – Shop Small Scratchers
- Outstanding Public Official – Shelli Selby
Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis called it a “great honor” to represent Yukon at the recent Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet.
Panels of outside judges for each point reviewed the entries and determined the winners.
The Oklahoma Main Street Center announced the winners of the program’s annual statewide awards competition.
“These awards truly showcase the hard work and efforts by so many in our local programs,” said Buffy Hughes, director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center.
“Through the unique and time-honored events, the volunteers, the restoration efforts and all the small businesses that make our downtowns and historic commercial districts so great, these awards prove that Main Streets across Oklahoma are alive and thriving.”
