Main Street honored for Fifth Friday events
RUSSELLVILLE — A new downtown event launched by Russellville Main Street has already earned statewide recognition.
At the annual Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence banquet, Russellville received the “Up and Coming” Award of Excellence for its Fifth Friday series.
“Russellville Fifth Fridays began as a simple idea to bring our community together downtown, and receiving this award is such an honor for a program still in its early stages,” said Kara Shelnutt, executive director of Russellville Main Street.
Shelnutt said she was inspired when she first attended Main Street Alabama LAB training.
“I was just a month into this role, and I was inspired by what seasoned Main Street cities had accomplished over a decade or more,” she said. “To now be recognized among them speaks volumes about the people of Russellville and their commitment to seeing downtown thrive.”
Russellville’s Fifth Friday has drawn support from the community. Shelnutt said that sense of buy-in gave organizers confidence to build the series into something lasting.
“It’s not always easy to try something for the first time, but their enthusiasm really set the tone.”
Organizers have already made adjustments to improve the event.
For the second Fifth Friday, Russellville Main Street has boosted advertising, placed vendors closer together to create a stronger sense of energy, and recruited more shoppable vendors to expand the experience.
The upcoming event will also debut live music downtown with The Cadillacs set to perform.
“We’re encouraging everyone to bring their chairs and enjoy the show,” Shelnutt said. “Watching our downtown filled with music, shopping and community spirit is something I can’t wait to see.”
To accommodate the Russellville Golden Tigers’ football game that same evening, Fifth Friday activities will begin at 5 p.m.
The second event will feature 31 vendors, and she anticipates an even larger turnout.
One of her favorite moments from the first Fifth Friday was seeing families bring their pets to enjoy the evening.
“It felt like we were filling a real need for connection,” Shelnutt said. “Those little things made the atmosphere so welcoming.”
Looking ahead, Shelnutt said she hopes Fifth Fridays continue to expand.
“It brings people downtown, highlights our local businesses and creates an energy that makes people want to keep coming back. My vision is for these events to become a staple people eagerly anticipate and circle on their calendars.”
