Main Street America has named Vicksburg Main Street as a 2025 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) semifinalist.

Vicksburg Main Street officials said the prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants, according to information provided by Mains Street America.

“After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns,” Main Street America officials said.

“I am honored to congratulate the eight Main Street organizations as 2025 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists and to celebrate their incredible accomplishments,” Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes said. “This year’s semifinalists demonstrate exceptional achievements in reenergizing their downtowns through inclusive, collaborative organizing and innovative economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation initiatives.”

In addition to Vicksburg, the 2025 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists are Berlin Main Street, Berlin, Md.; Denison Main Street, Denison, Texas; Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton, Pa.; Main Street Farmington, Farmington, Oakland County, Mich.; Jefferson Matters, Jefferson, Iowa; Raton MainStreet/Arts and Culture District, Raton, New Mexico; Downtown Wytheville Inc., Wytheville, Va.

Vicksburg Main Street Executive Director Kim Hopkins said the community has been working together to create opportunity in its downtown area.  

“Vicksburg Main Street’s downtown revitalization efforts over the past 40 years serve as an inspiring example of what communities can achieve when they come together with vision, determination, and long-term commitment to the Main Street Approach,” Hopkins said. “We are so excited for the opportunity to showcase our spectacular downtown and the investment the community has put into making it a bustling district.

“Our downtown community understands teamwork and enjoys the growth and accolades that come with it. We work closely with our local businesses, Mississippi Main Street Association, City of Vicksburg, Visit Vicksburg, Vicksburg Partnership, Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, Vicksburg Convention Center, Warren County Supervisors, Architectural Review Board, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation, and the Mississippi Development Authority, along with numerous other organizations.”

Vicksburg Main Street brings together historic preservation, recreation, and community engagement to promote a beautiful and thriving downtown, Hopkins said. Signature activities include “Second Saturday” events that blend live music with art and shopping, and ​“From Vacant to Vibrant” tours that encourage community members to envision new uses for underutilized commercial spaces and co-create the organization’s business attraction strategies. These efforts have driven a rise in foot traffic, increased business revenue, and stronger community engagement, she added.

Downtown Vicksburg was selected from applicants of Main Streets from all over the United States. Vicksburg was selected for its diversity, growth, strategic partnerships, and commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. During the application process, Vicksburg Main Street touted downtown Vicksburg’s commitment to entrepreneurship, mentorship, diverse offerings of recreation and entertainment, and utilizing resources to create new opportunities in the district.

Vicksburg Main Street also reported that downtown Vicksburg has drastically decreased its commercial vacancy rate from 65 percent in 1984 to just 4 percent today. Local and statewide leaders are excited about the recognition, Hopkins said.

She said ​​Vicksburg Main Street also works closely with existing businesses to create sustainable growth and foster the next generation of local leaders. When the owners of several family-owned businesses recently retired, Hopkins said Vicksburg Main Street acted quickly to reduce the risk of closure.

“We are incredibly proud that Vicksburg Main Street has been selected as a top 8 semi-finalist for the Great American Main Street Award,” Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, vision, and dedication of our local businesses, community members, and leadership. I’d especially like to recognize Kim Hopkins, our director of Main Street, for her hard work and the outstanding job she’s done in continuing to move Vicksburg forward. Our Main Street is more than just a historic hub; it’s a vibrant reflection of Vicksburg’s resilience, creativity, and spirit.”

The Vicksburg Main Street Program Taxing District encompasses much of downtown starting east on First East Street cutting south on Cherry Street, moving east one block on China Street and continuing south on Adams Street, incorporating Carr Central School and picking back up on Monroe Street. It goes north on Monroe and turns west down Bridge Street and continues east on Depot Street before it turns back north on Pearl Street and stops at the end of the Street.

“The Mississippi Main Street Association is thrilled, but not surprised, to learn of Vicksburg Main Street’s recognition as a 2025 GAMSA Semifinalist,” said Jim Miller, Mississippi Main Street Association executive director. “Rarely can a community boast such a rich past, thriving present, and bright future, but Vicksburg can, thanks to the work of Vicksburg Main Street and the countless other stakeholders who call Vicksburg home. Vicksburg is the truly epitome of the Great American Main Street.”

The Vicksburg Main Street Board of Directors is comprised of eleven members. The 2024 Vicksburg Main Street board chairman is Amber Morton, owner of several businesses downtown including Leigh’s Boutique, Crickets, and Morton CPA.

“The Main Street Board of Directors is very excited to be a semi-finalist for Great American Main Street,” Morton said. “This recognition would not be made possible without the work that our business owners, property owners, developers, and city leaders have put into our downtown district. It makes me so proud to celebrate this achievement with our downtown community.”

The 2025 Great American Main Street Award ceremony will be held at the opening plenary of the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia April 7, where three semifinalists will be recognized as recipients of the coveted honor.