Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow received the top award a Main Street director can receive on Tuesday during the Mississippi Main Street Association’s annual awards luncheon, honoring her 12 years of service to her organization.
Main Street associations and members from across the state and Golden Triangle came together to celebrate during Tuesday’s luncheon held at The South in downtown Jackson.
“Main Street programs are an essential economic driver in our state, and we honor and celebrate the local and state champions at our Annual Awards,” Kelle Barfield, MMSA’s 2025-2026 board president, said in a press release.
Main Street Columbus took home two awards this year, including Bigelow receiving the Charles Beasley Outstanding Main Street Director of the Year award.
Cody Coleman with Elevation Real Estate Group received the Outstanding Downtown Revitalization Project award in the large community category for his revitalization of the Merchants and Farmers Bank building on Fifth Street.
West Point Main Street also took home two awards this year.
Executive Director Lisa Klutts received the Outstanding Community Education Campaign award in the small community category for the Crossroads: Changes in Rural America installation. The four-week exhibit with interactive displays on life in rural towns brought more than 300 visitors from 12 states to the Black Prairie Blues Museum.
Klutts also received the Heart of Main Street award, an award for a Main Street director who goes above and beyond to help their fellow directors and community.
Starkville Main Street Association took home three awards this year.
Bo Summerford with Reed’s accepted the Premier Partner award in the large community category for work with the Making Main Merry event. The annual event brings together members of the community to decorate Main Street for the holiday season, and Reed’s provides custom t-shirts and brunch for Starkville Utilities linemen participating.
Mayor Lynn Spruill accepted the Outstanding Community Education Campaign award in the large community category for the Plan a Downtown Event Guide. The city and Starkville Main Street collaborated on an events how-to guide and checklist for those interested in creating events downtown.
Ty Thames and Brian Kelley accepted the Outstanding Project Promotion award for The Guest Room’s “Miracle Under Main and Santa’s Surf Shack” promotion, with decorations to create special memories during the holiday season.
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