Tuesday, November 25, 2008



a hometown Holiday was a vision of Main Street Greenville to have local talent performing during the whole holiday season downtown.  We set out for auditions and were delighted with the response of great talent we have in Darke County. 

As Christmas favorites are broadcasted on the sound system downtown, this cd of local talent is within the mix.  Main Street Greenville is making this cd available to the public to enjoy.  You can get your "a hometown Holiday" at Readmore's Hallmark, Montage Cafe, Main Street Greenville, or by calling Main Street Greenville at 937.548.4998 with your request.  

The cd sell for $12 with all proceeds going toward downtown Greenville events and activities.

Thank you for your interest in the great local talent in Darke County.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

But unfortunately it isn't snow that we are frightful of... it's the rain!
The Hometown Holiday Parade scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 7pm.  

Look for a great parade featuring horse drawn carriages next Saturday in downtown Greenville. 

If you still would like to plan your evening for downtown Greenville tonight the shops and eateries are open late for their Holiday Open House.  Enjoy the Hometown hospitality all in downtown Greenville.   

Thursday, October 9, 2008

An 18-month calendar has been created by Main Street Greenville to showcase the historic integrity of downtown Greenville from 1890’s to the 1930’s. The calendar contains twenty historic photographs taken throughout the downtown district. 

The calendar runs from January 2009 until June 2010 and can be purchased for $10 each at Readmore’s Hallmark, KitchenAid Experience, Granny’s Corner, Bread of Life, Bear’s Mill, Wayne Hospital Gift Shop, and the Brethren Retirement Gift Shop. 

The proceeds from the sale of the calendar benefit Main Street Greenville’s Design Committee to further downtown improvements. 

To have a calendar sent to you, please contact the Main Street Greenville office at 937.548.4998..



Saturday, October 4, 2008


Oh, Autumn is here! But soon all the fall decor will be replaced with the magical sights of Christmas. On November 13, 14, 15 downtown Greenville will host their annual Holiday Open House. So far the schedule of events are as follows:

November 13
Holiday shopping with stores open until 8pm
Downtown Church tour with luminaries lighting the way from 5-8pm
Carriage Rides compliments of Greenville National Bank from 5-8pm

November 14
Holiday shopping with stores open until 8pm
Hometown Holiday Music Showcase 6-8pm at Montage
Hear local musical talent perform Christmas classics and modern hits

November 15
Holiday shopping
Performance by East Echos, Greenville Elementary School music group, at 5:30pm on Broadway
Performance by Greenville Municipal Band in Annie Oakley Park at 6:30pm
5th Annual Hometown Holiday Parade featuring horse drawn carriages at 7pm

We hope you can mark this special weekend on your calendar for a visit to downtown Greenville.

Thursday, August 28, 2008



(A note from a family visiting Darke County...)

Towards the end of September, our family always try to squeeze in one more family fun event. So we head west to Darke County situated on the Ohio /Indiana border, where we find vibrant colors, intoxicating smells and
irresistible flavors. There's so much to sample on a perfect autumn weekend.



We begin our autumn explorations in  Downtown Greenville , the heart of Darke County. All roads lead to this

county seat where Lady Justice proudly watches over the shoppers in the historic downtown area. This is a great walking town, so we park the car and stroll the tree-lined sidewalks enjoying the crisp fall air. The variety of

historic sites, shopping and seasonal events are enough to fill a weekend. I just love browsing the shops and wandering through the park dedicated to Annie Oakley, a local legend. 


A favorite stop of ours in the downtown is the farmers market located on the courthouse lawn under Lady Justice's watchful eye. Our garden consisting mostly of tomatoes is abundant this year however we frequently purchase

other locally-grown produce to pair up with our tomatoes. The farmers aren't beginners like us. Many bring their children and grandchildren (or grandfathers) to help sell their wares. Farmer Byers is our favorite with

his blue-ribbon veggies. Mr. Byers is well into his mature years, and has many award-winning secrets still up his worn sleeves.


When it comes time to eat, we always have a hard time deciding from amongst the many of local eateries in Downtown Greenville. Several of them offer menus with ingredients grown on local farms so we can get the full harvest

experience. 


Just a few blocks from the downtown area, over the river and through the woods is >Garst Museum . This is the one and

only museum in Darke County, so you can imagine how much good stuff is inside. The "must sees" according to our family are the Annie Oakley Center, Cross-roads of Destiny and the Lowell Thomas House. This last weekend in

September, the museum is also featuring a "Harvest of Quilts" that we are excited about seeing. Maybe grandma's old quilt will be on display.


While we are in town, our family takes a short drive along Water Street out Route 502 to Shawnee Prairie Preserve to enjoy  Prairie Days . We always make time on this weekend to sample the hand-churned apple butter and locally-grown honey while enjoying the music and drama. The kids love to step back into history at the two-story log cabin to hear tales of days gone by and see the antique (ancient to them) furnishings. Costumed volunteers not only tell stories of

life in the late 1700's but also go about daily chores like candle-making, sewing and cooking. 


On our way out of Greenville, we enjoy stopping at the Ohio Gourd Show at the Darke County Fairgrounds on Route 49. When this popular, annual event relocated to town several years ago, the thousands of first-time visitors

were amazed at the talent that went into decorating a gourd. Artists from all across the country and even the world come to this event to showcase their work. Our kids love trying their hands at decorating. Adults can take classes too. One highlight of the weekend is the musical concert performed with instruments made from gourds. And what's a trip to the Gourd Show without a souvenir? Let's see, we have a silver swan made from a gourd, an orange smiley face gourd, a Santa gourd for the Christmas tree... the kids can't wait to see what they'll walk away with this year.


From Greenville we drive east on Route 36 toward  Bear's Mill situated on the Greenville Creek. This historic mill stills operates as it did when it was built by Gabriel Baer in 1849 with water-powered burr stones. Our family never gets tired of traversing the four story structure with the master of the mill or a costumed guide to hear the stories of how the mill was built and how it works. The ladies in our family also enjoy a leisurely walk along the mill race to see the many

animals frolicking about as well as the the brightly colored, hand-made pottery for sale as well as the art displays in the mill. The gentlemen, well they enjoy the locally-made fudge and cookies. 


Leaving Bear's Mill, we travel the road named for the mill, Arcanum - Bears Mill Road south and stop at Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm . Our kids know that a stop at Brumbaugh's just outside of the small village of Arcanum means warm fresh apple dumplings, cold apple slushies and a ride on the hay wagon. We usually ride along with the kids to the pumpkin patch to pick our future jack o-lanterns, and stop along the way to slide down monster mountain or get

lost in the corn maze. A bushel or just a peck of locally-grown apples always makes a great souvenir or a dozen apple fritters for the road!


While we are in Arcanum, we love to visit the various antique shops where we mine for treasure. When we need a break, a cup of joe or a fresh-made sandwich usually do the trick at Smith House Coffeehouse and Antiques. 


With a variety of lodging options along the route in every price range, a fall getaway to Darke County , Ohio is affordable. Many prefer to stay in bed & breakfasts, where they can get to know the hosts and other travelers. It's a great way to get the inside scoop on local highlights off the beaten path. While others like the privacy of hotels and

inns, our family enjoys a dip in the pool whether it's at a b&b, hotel or inn. 


Planning our trip each year is easy. We simply order a  Visitors Guide  online and sign up for email updates, so we don't miss anything new. Our annual fall trips to Darke County are something to look forward to and are never the same twice.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Catch the Fratelli's in downtown Greenville and see what treasure Jamie has waiting for you!
Baby Ruth's of course!

Pre Show performance by KIDS band from DA Music Studio





The Goonies wrapped up our Thursday Theater season last week.  Downtown Greenville was the spot for 3 outdoor movies with a 2 story inflatable screen.  Thank you to everyone that came out for the free movies...we hope you enjoyed it.  We would love to hear from you...hint, hint!

With a great committee, a load of volunteers, fun movie equipment guys, a committed photographer, dedicated sponsors, a wacky emcee, and willing movie goers, I would like to think that this year was a great first attempt at bringing this free family fun event to downtown. 

We look forward to continuing the outdoor venue next year (hopefully with dryer weather!)



Friday, July 25, 2008

Model T's displayed downtown
Downtown is vibrant with color this summer morning
KitchenAid, early in the morning after seeing 200 customers

Ranger Jim rounding up the posse for a downtown photo.   

A store sidewalk display



Wow!  It is only a day and a half into the sidewalk sales downtown. We have seen heavy traffic all day long.  The first person in line at KitchenAid came at 11pm the night before to camp out in their car to line up as early as 3am.  

The Model T convention is taking place a county away in Indiana.  We have seen a lot of the nostalgic cars putt into downtown to take all the craziness in.  They just had to make a stop at Maid Rite!

Well from what I have seen so far all I can say is "Legendary!"

Hope you can come check out Annie Oakley Days.  Mark your calendar, it is always the last weekend in July!
 

Monday, July 21, 2008

The downtown Farmers' Market is a great addition to downtown activities in the summer.  One of the great things I see about the market is families working together for a bountiful harvest of goods. 

This past Saturday was a great market to partake in.  We strive to offer a variety of vendors each Wednesday and Saturday along with customers that really enjoy the downtown setting.

Here are a few faces you will see at the market in downtown. (Remember market days are Wednesdays 2-6 pm, Saturdays 8 am-1 pm)
Francis, our staple at the market, brings blue ribbon produce. 

The Wolfe family provides a nice display of produce and a great salesman!


Keith brings his wife's homemade noodles, pot pie and angel food cake to the market! 


Carrie offers local honey, honey sticks, lip balm, and beeswax


The Kauffman family bakes up delicious whole wheat bread and rolls


Heather with daughter Olivia. Heather provides great baked goods at the market.

We hope to see you at the market soon!




Friday, July 18, 2008

Darke County is home of Little Sure Shot, Annie Oakley.  
  
Hope you have Thursday, July 24-Saturday, July 26 marked on your calendar for the Annie Oakley Sidewalk Sales in downtown Greenville.  This 45 year old tradition highlights KitchenAid Experience with their insane deals on KitchenAid gadgets and countertop appliances.  You can wait in line for them to open at 8 am to be one of the first 200 shoppers to receive a free gift (it is not unusual to see people lined up at 3 am).

A taste of Annie Oakley Sidewalk Sales
KitchenAid however is only one of numerous downtown businesses slashing prices.  The following are specials for downtown Greenville. Click here for a map of downtown.

Granny's Corner Framing & Print Shop: 35% off select framed artwork, 40% off all prints
 
For those not interested in shopping all day, don't worry there is plenty to do downtown.  A walking tour exhibits the life of Annie Oakley, which is displayed throughout downtown. The self guided tour can start and stop anywhere with 24 locations in storefront windows. The walking tour will be displayed starting Wednesday and ending on Sunday. 

On Saturday from 8 am-1 pm our Farmers' Market will be open at the Courthouse on 4th Street.  At the market you can find fresh fruits & vegetables, honey, pies, whole wheat breads, angel food cake, noodles, rolls, cookies, and much more.

The Annie Oakley Festival is located at the fairgrounds. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2008


Have you been missing out on the summer fun happening in downtown Greenville?  New this year, Main Street Greenville along with sponsors of Midmark Foundation and Greenville National Bank have brought free family fun movie nights to East Fifth Street called Thursday Theater, A Reel Outdoor Experience.

The season finale is nearing and we want to make sure you don't miss it.  Thursday, August 7, The Goonies will be featured on the two story inflatable screen.  The pre-show fun begins at 7:30pm with the Fratelli Scavenger Hunt downtown.  At 8:00 pm KIDS band from DA Music Studio will perform with the movie beginning after sunset.

The Goonies are a group of seven young friends from a small Northwest town who find themselves on a thrilling underground adventure filled with humor and heart-pounding peril as they seek the secrets behind the treasure of the notorious pirate, One-Eyed Willie.  This 1985 PG film features Sean Astin and Josh Brolin.  

Bring friends, a blanket or a lawn chair for an al fresco evening  under the stars in downtown Greenville.


The Sandlot featured July 3rd on a misty evening 

Bubble Gum Blowing Contest had Greenville National Bank representative as well as the Greenville Schools Superintendent.
Boy Scout Troop 373 presenting the American Flag for a patriotic salute 
The young baseball and softball players singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"
Patriotic tattoos were offered to all the show attendees!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008


Ice Cream, where?
Ahh, kids and adults favorite, especially on a hot summer day.  

At downtown Greenville's farmers' market we want to show our appreciation for the tempting indulging food and to educate how it is made. Come downtown for the farmers' market on Wednesday, July 9 from 2-6 pm and find out! 

Saturday, June 28, 2008




The Sandlot
Thursday, July 3rd is the second of  Main Street Greenville's Thursday Theater Series. The Sandlot will be the featured movie with pre-show fun beginning at 7:30 pm on East 5th Street in downtown.

Wear your baseball jersey to the movie to commemorate America's favorite past time.  Celebrate Independence!


Breakdown of activities:
7:30 pm
The Music Begins

7:45 pm
Bubble Gum Blowing Contest 
Cornhole
"Don't forget the Lyrics, Patriotic Edition"

8:30 pm 
7th Inning Stretch

8:45 pm
Presentation of Flag/National Anthem

9:00 pm 
The Sandlot

Thank you to Greenville National Bank for sponsoring this Celebration of Independence!

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.  Enjoy the movie under the stars!


Thursday, June 19, 2008

Fresh vegetables are sprouting along and will soon be entering the downtown Farmers' Market. Until then, market goers were entertained by our human vegetable characters voicing what they can make at our 1st Eat Your Veggies Day in appreciate of the national celebration. The 10 year old cabbage expressed that she was a cabbage and "I make coleslaw!"  A cute way to educate and have fun with veggies!

A special thanks to Diane Barga from OSU Extension for setting up in the windy city of Greenville to showcase her veggie balloons and knowledge of the fresh health snacks.

With characters, coloring books, and recipes, I would have to say the 1st attempt at veggie day was a fun and learning experience.  Darke County Farm Bureau was a great help in accomplishing this day and we hope to continue to bring fun, educational activities to the market.  

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 9. The market celebrates national ice cream month. Let's all Scream for Ice Cream, o' my favorite!!



Friday, June 13, 2008

June 18 is Eat Your Veggies Day at the Farmers' Market in downtown Greenville.
Along with finding fresh baked goods and seasonal vegetables, the market will host Diane Barga with OSU Extension from 2:30pm-3:30pm.  Diane will present the following:

Vegetable Nutrition
How to Select Good Vegetables
Ways to Prepare and Store Ohio Vegetables

In addition, a kids area will have vegetable recipes, coloring activities, and a photo opp with vegetable characters.

The downtown Greenville Farmers' Market is located at 4th & Broadway at the Courthouse.  Farmers' Market is open Wednesdays from 2-6pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm.

The 2008 market is hosted by Main Street Greenville and Darke County Farm Bureau.  

Tuesday, June 10, 2008


Week 2 of the Farmers Market begins tomorrow at the Courthouse from 2-6pm.  We are always looking for vendors.  No amount is too small or too big to bring to the market.  This year we have the communal table for those that can't spend the afternoon set up but would still like to contribute to the variety offered at the market.  

For more information on becoming a vendor, please call 937.548.4998.

Also we are looking for volunteers to help out with the market on Wednesdays and/ or Saturdays.  Duties included welcoming vendors and customers, working the communal table and setting up cones for parking area.  If you are interested please contact Amber at 937.548.4998

We look forward to a great week at the market. 

Upcoming Market activities:  Wednesday, June 18- Eat your Veggies Day.  Come to the market to participate in fun educational activities for kids and adults, learn more about the veggies you eat.

Friday, June 6, 2008




This week was a big week for downtown Greenville.  We kicked off the Farmers' Market on Wednesday and Thursday Theater, A Reel Outdoor Experience obviously on Thursday.

The Market, which opened a month earlier this year, saw new faces set up.  We were worried that Mother Nature was going to hold it up, but by the time set up came the clouds parted and allowed for a great afternoon.  Farmers' Market is every Wednesday and Saturday at 4th and Broadway by the Courthouse.  Wednesdays from 2-6 and Saturdays from 8-1.
Shrek made its way to Greenville for an evening under the stars with the first outdoor movie of the season.  A 120 people took advantage of the free family event that was held on East 5th Street. Thanks to Roger Brooks of the Darke County Photo Club for taking great pictures of our events this week.  A special thanks to the Midmark Foundation for sponsoring the first of hopefully many summer outdoor movies.

We hope you mark your calendars for the July 3rd Thursday Theater showing of The Sandlot.  Pull out your old baseball jerseys and let's play ball! Thanks to Greenville National Bank for sponsoring this family night!      

Tuesday, May 27, 2008


Shrek will be featured for the first Thursday Theater in downtown Greenville on Thursday, June 5, 2008.

Pre-Show Information
7:30pm- Shrek Costume Contest (age groups 0-5, 6-12, teens, adults)
8:00pm- Best Donkey Impersonation 
8:30pm- Shrek Trivia on the Big Screen
Approx. 8:45pm- Shrek

What to Bring?
Lawn Chairs
Blankets

Viewing Area
East 5th Street in downtown Greenville between South Broadway and Walnut
East 5th Street will close at 5:30pm.

Thursday Theater is presented by Main Street Greenville. Shrek is sponsored by Midmark Foundation.
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