The atmosphere was lively from start to finish as Emporia Main Street held its Public Improvement Auction on Saturday at the Granada Theatre.
A big part of the atmosphere was the return of Dueling Pianos.
Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz says it’s a fan favorite.
In years past, the auction has gone towards specific improvements, including the downtown speaker system and the I Love Emporia sign. This time, the proceeds will be earmarked later.
Whatever the cause, the final total was impressive — an estimated $30,000 for the work ahead.
Main Street is getting ready for The Taste in April and the Great American Market on Sept. 14. It will also play a key role in several other community events through the year, including Cinco de Mayo, the Welcome Back Block Party in August and the Dia de los Muertos-Trick or treating combination in October.
Main Street is also heavily involved in economic development, and that emphasis will continue with more upper-story development work and processing of the recent Historic Economic Asset Lifeline, or HEAL, grant for the Gazette Collective mixed-use development.
