A Vision and a Mission

To Revive and Enhance

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) was launched in 2002 to revitalize and enhance the center city. WDDC is a private 501c3, not-for-profit corporation that works closely with the private sector and local government to stimulate new investment and interest in Downtown Wichita. The mission of Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is to direct a comprehensive economic development program to strengthen Downtown as:

• The heart of the city for all citizens,
• An active and prosperous place for businesses and employees,
• A center for artistic and cultural experiences, and
• A vibrant urban environment for residents, workers, and visitors.

The WDDC is governed by a 25-member Board of Directors that are elected by members of the organization. Any person, retail shop, association, corporation, partnership, or other entity interested in revitalizing Downtown may participate in the WDDC.

The WDDC contracts with the City of Wichita to provide downtown development services. The contract is funded through a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) that encompasses the geographic area bounded by Washington Street, Central Avenue, Kellogg and the Arkansas River. The WDDC Board of Directors employs a professional staff that can assist entrepreneurs and property owners evaluate and plan a range of investment decisions. We can help to identify prospective business locations, provide market data, evaluate opportunities for new retail and service businesses, develop marketing and promotional strategies and assist with conceptualizing and implementing construction projects.

Wichita's hub for arts and entertainment is Downtown. If you haven't been downtown in a while, it's time to come back. Our city is experiencing a resurgence in its arts, music and culinary scenes. Indulge in the simple pleasures of antique shopping or a Saturday morning trip to the Farm and Art Market. Celebrate the finer things in life with a night out for dinner, music or the theater. New developments, infrastructure improvements and redevelopments are making Downtown Wichita a destination of choice. Drag your mouse through this site, then drag Douglas ... just one more time.

WDDC is proud to be a key mover in enhancing our downtown's cultural and entertainment options. The organization's involvement and financial support have enhanced numerous seasonal events and festivals. These include the Wichita Wagonmasters Chili Cookoff, the Wichita River Festival, the Automobilia Moonlight car show, the Tallgrass Film Festival, the Old Town Farm & Art Market, numerous Old Town events and the Mayor's downtown Christmas tree lighting celebration.

The Final Friday gallery crawl is perhaps one of WDDC's most successful achievements. Connecting monthly art shows at downtown galleries with a free trolley shuttle makes an art-inspired trek to the city's core convenient for thousands of art lovers each month. Drawing on the success of Final Friday, in April, 2009 WDDC helped launch First Friday, a music crawl that puts the focus on the talented musicians that call Wichita home.

Final Friday — As the name implies, Final Friday happens the last Friday of each month. Art galleries, museums, restaurants and retail shops around Wichita stay open late and welcome visitors. Recognizing that Downtown is the artistic and cultural center for the region, the Q-Line trolley service transports art lovers to the concentration of venues in Downtown. The ride is free and allows attendees to park once and visit several galleries.

Hours vary between galleries but the majority are open during the core hours of 7pm to 9pm Most galleries use Final Friday to unveil and debut new shows or as a closing reception. All venues are free and open to the public and several galleries incorporate artist demonstrations and/or live music. Not only does this event give guests the opportunity to view creative art space, it also is an excellent time to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists.

View Online Interactive Map of All Venues in Wichita or view the "Resources" above

McPherson Main Street

Ann Engel, Executive Director
306 N. Main
McPherson, KS 67406
620-241-7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org

McPherson Main Street provides an array of activities to promote Downtown McPherson. Discover new treasures when shopping during The Main Event on the first Thursday of every month. A ttend everyone's favorite fall event, Burnin' Down Main, featuring a public tasting of soups, chilis and desserts. Children will find the perfect holiday gift for mom or dad while shopping at Mini Main Street. No matter what the occasion, McPherson Main Street strives to empower small independently owned businesses in the downtown district while providing entertaining shopping opportunities for all.

Burnin' Down Main Chili & Soup Cook-Off

Get excited for everyone's favorite fall event in Downtown McPherson! We have lots of fun, family-friendly activities in the works again this year that are sure to not disappoint!

Activities
Public tasting of the soup and chili begins at 11:30am and ends at 1:30pm. A $5 wristband will get you a sample of each delicious entry and the opportunity to vote for your favorite in each category. Wristband wearers can also sample multiple desserts after the Dessert Contest judging.

Free pumpkins are offered to the first 100 kids, as well as face painting, crafts, and other free activities! Touch-A-Truck will be going on in the 100 block of East Marlin from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The kids can get an up-close and personal look at some of the emergency vehicles, farm equipment, and other cool vehicles they see every day!

Thinking of entering the contests? They are open to everyone! Entry forms and rules will be posted on the event page when available or feel free to contact Ann Engel, director of McPherson Main Street at 620-241-7430. The total prize package is over $2,000.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this exciting event:

• The Cooks Nook 2016 Dessert Sponsor
• Wendy's 2016 Corporate Sponsor

Contest Forms & Documents

General Cook-Off Information

1. Cook-off Rules - Contestants 2016 05-19-16

Date & Location

October 1, 2016
11:30-1:30 Tasting
Plaza at Main & Marlin
McPherson, KS 67460

More Information

620.241.7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org

Cookies with Santa

Santa loves to shop in McPherson! Be sure to find him while he's in town and share a cookie or two. Cookies with Santa is sponsored by McPherson businesses and offers opportunity for light-hearted holiday fun.

2016 Schedule

Date Time Location

December 1	5 - 6:30 pm.
December 3	9 -10:30 am
December 3	2 - 3:30 pm
December 8	5 - 6:30pm
December 10	9-10:30 am
December 10	2-3:30pm
December 15	5 - 6:30pm
December 17	9-10:30 am
December 17	2-3:30pm
December 22	5 -6:30pm

Dates & Locations

Thursday evenings in December 5-6:30pm and Saturdays 9:30-11am and 2-3:30pm Location will be posted in November

More Information

620.241.7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org

Holiday Movies

Free holiday movies are a part of the "Home for the Holidays" promotion sponsored by McPherson Main Street and McPherson Chamber of Commerce. All movies are shown at the McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main, at 3 p.m.

2016 HOLIDAY MOVIE SCHEDULE

November 26

December 3

December 11

December 17

Kids Summer Movie Series

McPherson Main Street and select members sponsor the Summer Kids Movie Series at B&B Theatres located at 318 N. Main in McPherson. Movies are shown weekly beginning June 14, Tuesdays thru Thursdays, at 10 a.m. All tickets are $3 per person. The 2016 movie series is sponsored by McPherson Main Street, Ellene McKean & Associates, First Bank Kansas, Home State Bank, Hutton Construction, KNGL/KBBE Mid-Kansas Radio, LSI Staffing, Midway Motors Supercenter, MTC, Rinse & Roll, Inc., Save 'N Share, Stout Printing Apparel & Promo, Stupka Chiropractic.

2016 SUMMER SCHEDULE - All movies G or PG

The Peanuts Movie June 14-16

The Smurfs 2 June 21-23

Home June 28-30

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 July 5-7

Puss In Boots July 12-14

How to Train Your Dragon July 19-21

Goosebumps July 26-28

Hotel Transylvania 2 August 2-4

Movies in the Park

There's no better place to watch a movie than under the stars! The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a free summer movie series at the Lakeside Park Bandshell. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, nestle down in the grass and enjoy an evening of relaxed fun. All movies begin at dusk. 2016 SUMMER SCHEDULE

Max Saturday, May 14 Sponsored by Hutton Construction

Kung Fu Panda 3 Saturday, June 4 Sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless

The Martian Saturday, July 9 Sponsored by Disability Supports of the Great Plains

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Saturday, July 23 Sponsored by McPherson News

Minions Saturday, August 6 Sponsored by Home State Bank

The Good Dinosaur Saturday, August 13 Sponsored by Representative Les Mason & Senator Rick Wilborn

Mini Main Street

Mini Main Street is a children's holiday shopping experience supported by Main Street member businesses. All gifts are priced at $10 and under and are available for children to purchase for their family. Elves assist the children in finding the perfect gift for mom, dad, grandparents, siblings and anyone else on their list. Cookies, crafts, gift wrapping and Santa are all a part of the fun!

Date & Location

December 3, 2016
Community Building
122 E Marlin

More Information

620.241.7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org

Trick or Treat Down Main Street

Halloween is a time when downtown merchants treat little ghosts and goblins to something sweet during the annual Trick or Treat Down Main Street event. Festivities are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. or until the candy runs out!

Date & Location

October 27, 2016
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

306 N. Main
McPherson, KS 67460

More Information

620.241.7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org

Shop the Night Away

Shop the Night Away - Night of Heroes is a summer sale that takes place on the sidewalks and in the stores in Downtown McPherson from 5-10pm. Participating stores will have registration boxes, so be sure to sign up for a multitude of prizes, including a $500 Shopping Spree! Food, Fun and Bargains for the whole family!

Date & Location

July 8, 2016
5-10 pm
Downtown McPherson

More Information

620.241.7430
mainst@mcphersonks.org