1. ANNUAL REPORT
2016
Our Mainstreet Program was organized to help revitalize
downtown Bardstown and is appropriately tailored to meet
our community’s local resources, conditions and needs.
www.bardstownmainstreet.com
2. CONTENT
Executive Director Statement
Board of Directors
Four Point Approach
Historic Preservation
Community Preservation
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The Bardstown Main Street Program is one of the
Partners for Progress in the Nelson County Development
Agency (NCEDA). We are currently a 501(c)6 organization
under the umbrella of NCEDA. The Bardstown Main
Street Program is supported by the City of Bardstown,
Nelson County Fiscal Court, Bardstown Tourism, and
countless events and fundraisers coordinated by the
Bardstown Main Street Program director and volunteers.
3. SOUTHERN CHARM AND TRADITION
IS JUST WHAT YOU WOULD
EXPECT FROM KENTUCKY’S
SECOND OLDEST CITY. ardstown is nestled in the heart of
Kentucky’s rolling hills and has welcomed
visitors from all across the world since 1780.
Once you enter our community you will
understand why we continue to be listed as “One
of the 100 Best Small Towns in America.” With
My Old Kentucky Home State Park less than a
minute from our Courthouse Square, downtown
Bardstown offers something for everyone
including browsing our eclectic shops, dining
in our fine restaurants, and visiting our many
historic attractions. And if you are lucky, you
might just happen upon one of the 30 popular
festivals that we celebrate each year.
There are many ways to see and experience
our beautiful downtown including an intimate
carriage ride through our tree-lined streets, or
take a seat on our authentic trolley that includes
a lesson on our bourbon industry. Or if you want
to go at your own pace, we invite you to take
our walking tour that takes you past some of the
over 300 homes listed on the National Register
of Historic Places.
However you choose to experience downtown
Bardstown we are certain that you will be
welcomed with that traditional southern
hospitality that will make you fall in love with us
at first sight.
Here you can easily explore our unique
downtown atmosphere, various downtown
events, and find your own story in the place we
all call home.
Bardstown has something very special… a
historically beautiful downtown filled with
people that are passionate about bringing it to
life! We have a variety of shops and boutiques,
delicious dining options and streets filled with
charming historic buildings. Go back in time by
visiting our numerous historic attractions, catch
an outdoor drama or tour two of the world’s best
bourbon distilleries.
I invite you to come see why I am honored to
work in the town that I have called home all my
life. Downtown Bardstown is truly a lovely place!
I hope you come see us soon and enjoy your
visit!
Lisanna Byrd
Executive Director
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
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4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman – Brian Sutton
Secretary – Theresa Hurst
Treasurer – Drew Ballard
Organization Chair – Gwynn Oliver
Promotions Chair – Harriett Ballard
Design Chair – Barbara Blackstone
Kathy Seyle
Jimmy Gartland
MaryJo Nally
Diana Gagne
Historic Preservation Coordinator - RaShae Jennings
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Economic Vitality Chair - Kim Huston
Bardstown Tourism – Dawn Przystal
Mayor, City of Bardstown – John Royalty
BMS Executive Director – Lisanna Byrd
FORMER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Former Design Chair - Joe Buckman (July 2016)
Pat Swartz (July 2016)
Betty Kelley Hart (June 2016)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2016
OUR VISION
A historically modern place to live, work, and play.
OUR MISSION
Fostering our heritage by cultivating entrepreneurial and artistic spirit.
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5. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
he restoration of the Union Church in
Bardstown was completed in November
of 2016. This is the first brick structure built
in Bardstown and is the oldest surviving
church building in the City. In 1812 the
church was completed and named the
Union Church because it was the home of
early Protestant congregations. In 1866,
under the leadership of Reverend Turner, it
became the house of worship for Bardstown’s
African-American Baptist Congregation and
the name was changed to the First Baptist
Church.
CITY OF BARDSTOWN ARCHIVES
RaShae Jennings, The City of Bardstown’s
Preservation Coordinator, is working with
local historian Dixie Hibbs, Gary Bishop,
and John Czerwinsk to create a community
archive. In establishing this archive, it will
create the ability to house historic artifacts,
photographs, documents, audio, and video
recordings.
The space for the archive was donated by the
City of Bardstown and the room is located
in the COBEC building. Enough funds have been
raised from community members to purchase
PastPerfect software which will allow the archival
items to be catalogued appropriately. The funding
for the renovations of the room has been provided
by Mayor Royalty. This includes making the room
temperate and humidity appropriate, UV filters,
and other general repairs that were needed.
Ms. Jennings has experience as an Archivist,
Registrar, and Curator. She has performed these
duties hands on by previously working in three
museums. Her goal is to train volunteers to catalog
the collections as she supervises their work. This
archive will provide a much needed place to
store the historic material that tells the story of
Bardstown.
Members of the community are encouraged to
utilize this space for any private collections. Dixie
Hibbs’ collection will be the first to be donated.
This will be the first archive for Bardstown to
preserve and catalog items such as these. This will
allow for the collections continued preservation
so future generations will enjoy and understand
Bardstown’s unique history. Ms. Jennings will
provide updates as the project continues.
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6. FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS – Easter Bunny on Court Square, Bourbon City Street Concert,
Bardstown Arts, Crafts & Antiques Fair, Halloween Spooktacular, Light Up Bardstown
EASTER BUNNY ON COURT SQUARE – An opportunity for families to come out and see the
Easter Bunny in downtown Bardstown. Two weekends of photos, live baby chicks/ rabbits, sweet
treats and memories to be made.
BOURBON CITY STREET CONCERT – Largest crowd on record with over 3500 people in
downtown Bardstown. We shut down the first two blocks of North Third Street for free live music,
good food and great company. This year we enjoyed music from headliner Glen Templeton,
Andrew Scott Newton, Dillon Carmichael, and Carly Moffa. The date for next year’s concert will
be July 8, 2017.
BARDSTOWN ARTS, CRAFTS & ANTIQUES FAIR – Perfect weather for a weekend crowd of
over 45,000 people. A new food court and entertainment area added new features for people,
but the main attraction was the 200 artisans that lined the historic streets of our beautiful small
town. The dates for next year’s fair will be October 14-15, 2017.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR – Thousands came downtown to trick or treat with their
favorite merchants and attend our fun free kid’s area at the Farmers Market Pavilion. This was
the first year we had a games, concessions and family movie night at the pavilion… it was a huge
success and the community would like to see more. Be ready for the 2017 Halloween Spooktacular
– scheduled for October 27th.
LIGHT UP BARDSTOWN – With hundreds of people attending, ORBIS Light Up Bardstown
created a magical evening to kick-off the holiday season. The streets were filled with families
listening to the Stephen Foster singers, visit with snow princesses, balloon artists and get their
face painted. The City Christmas Tree, lampposts, frolicking dear, and trees surrounding the old
courthouse came to life when Santa arrived on our City fire truck. Next year’s Light Up will be
held on November 24, 2017.
ACCREDITATION – For the second straight year, the Bardstown Main Street Program has
received accredited status at both the state and national level. What does that mean? Being a
Main Street America Accredited™ community is a mark of distinction that signifies commitment
to comprehensive revitalization, community engagement, and rigorous outcome measurement.
These are programs or organizations that have a proven track record of success in planning,
implementing, and measuring results that align with the Main Street Approach and have met a
series of rigorous accreditation standards.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
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