Port Gibson Main Street. Inc., is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 corporation formed in 1990 to assist in the revitalization of Port Gibson's downtown business and residential district. It is primarily a volunteer-based organization with a diverse 21-member board of directors representing abroad cross-section of the community. We utilize a large contingent of volunteers to help plan and execute our projects and events. Since our inception, we have provided encouragement, advice and design assistance to both private and public property owners in an effort to improve the appearance and appeal of the Main Street District and encourage new businesses to locate in this area. We have been recognized by the Mississippi Main Street Association with numerous awards for work which has ranged from installing trash receptacles, benches and planting flowers and trees to the purchase and renovation of two (2) badly neglected historic buildings in the Main Street District.

Port Gibson Main Street has made several significant financial commitments to this revitalization effort by acquiring and restoring two (2) buildings in the Main Street District: 621 Market Street and 217 Walnut Street. In January 2008, we purchased the badly deteriorated 619 Market St. (The J.H. Lee Building) for rehabilitation.

The 621 Market Street property renovation was completed in 2002, sold to a private individual and is now an art gallery and artist studio.

The 217 Walnut Street property watt donated to Port Gibson Main Street and the facade restoration and interior renovation was completed in 2005. This property is currently occupied by a tenant and was recently sold to a private developer thereby returning the property to the tax rolls.

Such projects have been accomplished primarily through the use of traditional hank loan financing, limited grants and monies raised by Port Gibson Main Street through a number of activities including our annual Port Gibson Heritage Festival.

In 2006, we converted an empty city-owned lot in the central business district into a professionally designed and landscaped greenspacc park and completely re-landscaped the adjacent three (3) city blocks adding 12-foot flowering shrubs, new benches and trash receptacles. This project was financed with available Main Street funds combined with corporate donations and grants/in-kind services From the City of Port Gibson and the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors. Corporate supports included Entergy, RiverHills Bank, Sallie M, Ross Memorial Fund, Inc. and State Bank and Trust.

As part of our on-going revitalization efforts, Port Gibson Main Street promotes the downtown area by sponsoring a number of successful annual events which include the following:

• Port Gibson Heritage Festival
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Downtown Trick or Treat Party
• Annual Christmas Parade
• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Naroling Program