Downtown Wabash Facade Grant Program Invests in the Future of Downtown Buildings

Downtown Wabash, Inc. is proud to announce the continued impact of its Facade Grant Program, which is

helping local building owners make significant improvements to downtown buildings while preserving and

enhancing the character of the community.

For the 2025–2026 grant cycle, $16,000 in facade grants have already been paid out, with an additional

$44,000 committed to projects once the approved work is completed. Together, these grants are helping

generate an estimated $260,000 in total expenditures toward improving downtown buildings.

“These investments are about more than just improving the appearance of a building,

” said Annie Weitzel, Communications Manager of Downtown Wabash, Inc.

“They help preserve our downtown, encourage investment, and create a welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors. When owners invest in their buildings, it has a ripple effect

throughout the entire downtown.”

Among the most recent projects supported through the program are improvements to Pizza King, including a

new awning, three new windows and screens, and repainting of the cornice and trim around the windows.

These updates refreshed the building’s exterior while maintaining its character and contributing to the overall

appearance of downtown.

Eddingfield Law Office has also completed several facade improvements through the program. The project

included two new awnings, two new doors, new exterior paint, and the replacement of deteriorated areas of the

facade. Together, these improvements enhance the building’s appearance while addressing areas in need of

repair, to help preserve the building for years to come.

These projects are examples of how facade improvements can make a noticeable difference in the appearance

and long term preservation of downtown properties.The Facade Grant Program is designed to encourage

property owners to invest in the exterior of their buildings while supporting Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s ongoing

mission of economic and community revitalization through historic preservation and the Main Street Approach.

Program Guidelines are available at the DWI office or may be requested from mikka@downtownwabash.com

For more information about Downtown Wabash, Inc., visit DowntownWabash.org.

About Downtown Wabash, Inc.

Established in 1981, Downtown Wabash, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and a State and National Main Street

organization. Its mission is to revitalize and rehabilitate the historic downtown district thus fostering community and

economic development. For more information about DWI visit DowntownWabash.org.

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November First Friday: Give Thanks

Downtown Wabash, Inc. is Grateful for You!

As we enter the season of giving, Downtown Wabash, Inc. wants to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything our local businesses bring to our downtown district. For November’s First Friday, we’re celebrating that appreciation with a fun and rewarding event!

Complete the ‘Give Thanks’ Stamping Map by visiting participating businesses, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win! Two lucky winners will receive $100 in Downtown Dollars, and two children will win $25 in Downtown Dollars, all redeemable at local stores.

In the spirit of the season, we’re encouraging businesses to give back by hosting a nonprofit, organizing a canned food drive, or collecting donations for a local charity of their choice. Be sure to check our social media channels to see which stores are partnering with nonprofits and how you can support their efforts!

The event will also feature numerous shopping & dining specials, things to do in downtown, event-related festivities and so much more!

Join us in celebrating community, gratitude, and generosity this November!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

October First Friday: Wizardly Wabash

Downtown Wabash will transform into a wizardly oasis during October’s First Friday! Embark on a magical downtown adventure complete with wizard-themed festivities, spooky shopping & dining specials and more, all inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter! From Harry Potter music filling the streets to butterbeer specials, there’s sure to be “Mischief Managed” around every corner!

The free event will also feature the return of Food Truck Plaza for the last time in 2024, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

September First Friday: Bark in the Bash

Who let the dogs out?! We did! If you’re looking to add a special member to your family, this exciting First Friday is the event for you! The Wabash Animal Shelter will bring adoptable dogs & cats to the event for people to play with and begin the adoption process.

The free event will also feature pup-inspired shopping & dining specials, the return of Food Truck Plaza, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

December First Friday: Annual Downtown Cookie Walk

Returning for the fourth year in a row, the Downtown Wabash Cookie Walk will feature delicious holiday treats to sample from various businesses while you cross off your holiday shopping to-do-list.

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Small Business Saturday in Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Shop small this holiday season on Small Business Saturday! The Saturday after Thanksgiving meant for supporting small, local businesses for holiday shopping and more. Take advantage of shopping specials, all while supporting your favorite downtown businesses!

Small Business Saturday promotions in Downtown Wabash, Indiana are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

August First Friday: Downtown Throwdown

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to Miami Street… THE DOWNTOWN THROWDOWN, presented by the Apache Wrestling Club! This event, formerly known as Thrash in the Bash, is a fan-favorite community spectacle. Gather on Miami Street for a friendship format, folk-style wrestling tournament open to all age brackets. The event will also feature numerous shopping & dining specials, the return of Food Truck Plaza, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

July First Friday: BBQ in the Bash

Downtown Wabash will feel like home with lively backyard vibes during July’s First Friday: BBQ in the Bash! With the smell of barbecue on the grill and cornhole bags flying, this First Friday will be one to remember! Bachelor Creek Church will host a cornhole tournament on Miami Street open to all ages. Participants will have the chance to win locally curated prizes while showing off finely-tuned cornhole skills. The event will also feature a concert by The Bulldogs on Market Street hosted by Wabash County Museum and Living Well Downtown, summertime/barbecue-inspired shopping & dining specials, the return of Food Truck Plaza, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson. 

June First Friday: Wabash Cultural District Celebration & Paint the Plow

The Wabash Cultural District is celebrating its 3-year anniversary since the 2021 designation from the Indiana Arts Commission! Join us for a night of immersive art experiences, the return of Paint the Plow presented by the City of Wabash Street Department, community-focused fun, Food Truck Plaza and plenty to do around every corner on June’s First Friday in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.

The Wabash Cultural District is a 2.5 mile perimeter of walkable terrain. The boundaries are Hill Street along the influential railway tracks on the north, Carroll Street on the west, Paradise Spring Park on the east and the Wabash River on the south. A unique characteristic is our hilly topography. Standing at the District’s entrance, you can see the entire District unfolding before your eyes.

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays comes Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, 95.9 KISS FM and Wabash Dominos.

Downtown Wabash Farmers Market at Paradise Spring Park

In conjunction with the Downtown Wabash Summer Sidewalk Sales and 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In car show on Saturday, Aug. 17, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will move to Paradise Spring Park for a lush, full market!

More than 35 vendors will feature handmade, homemade and homegrown items including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, homegoods, plants, arts and artisan wares. Shoppers are invited to experience more than vendor offerings at the 2024 Market including live music, food trucks, Kids Corner activities, demonstrations and more.