Great Bend Alive has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program, the highest level of national recognition awarded to Main Street organizations committed to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners recognize programs across the country that demonstrate exceptional commitment to strengthening downtown districts through community-driven transformation, economic growth, and placemaking initiatives.
“We are honored to receive this designation and proud of the momentum happening in Downtown Great Bend,” said Nicci Henderson, Director of Great Bend Alive. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our volunteers, business owners, community partners, sponsors, and residents who continue investing their time and energy into creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown experience.”
Great Bend Alive is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America programs and part of a nationwide network of more than 1,600 communities working to strengthen commercial districts through preservation-based revitalization efforts.
The organization’s performance was evaluated through a comprehensive assessment process measuring organizational capacity, community engagement, economic development strategies, programming, sustainability, and measurable impact.
Over the past year, Great Bend Alive has continued building momentum through events, business engagement, downtown activation, and community partnerships designed to increase foot traffic, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life in Great Bend.
From events like Fridays on Forest, Big Bend Bash and the Art & Wine Walk, Great Bend Alive continues creating opportunities that bring people downtown, support local businesses, and strengthen community connection.
With continued growth in programming and community engagement, the organization is actively seeking sponsors, volunteers, and business partners who want to be part of the momentum happening in Downtown Great Bend.
The Accredited designation recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence in:
· Community commitment and engagement
· Organizational leadership and sustainability
· Strategy-driven programming
· Preservation-based economic development
· Demonstrated impact and measurable results
Main Street America programs collectively generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment in 2025 while supporting thousands of new businesses, jobs, and historic rehabilitation projects nationwide.
“This designation reinforces the importance of continued collaboration and investment in downtown Great Bend,” said Henderson. “We believe strong downtowns create stronger communities, and we are excited to continue building on the energy and progress happening here.”
ABOUT GREAT BEND ALIVE
Great Bend Alive is a downtown revitalization committee under Great Bend Economic Development focused on strengthening the heart of Great Bend through community engagement, economic development, events, and placemaking initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, business support, and downtown activation, Great Bend Alive works to create a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org