Winnsboro Main Street director previews fall events, marketing gains and USDA infrastructure grant work

Winnsboro Main Street’s director told the advisory board on Tuesday that the program will host a family “Big Wheel Bash” this weekend with Busy Bee Academy at the Depot parking lot and a pop-up thrift shop Nov. 1–3 at Carden Hall organized by the Economic Vitality Committee.

The director said the pop-up has sold 15 vendor spots, with about 12 vendors confirmed and some vendors buying multiple spaces. “We have one lady in the back that’s selling necklaces that she’s made,” she said, describing the variety of items expected.

The director also described recent marketing steps that she said have expanded the program’s online reach. She told the board she boosted two Facebook posts — one promoting the pop-up shop and one about a local segment on KETK featuring her and Casey Hallbaker — and said those boosts produced a large rise in followers and engagement. “In the last 90 days, our views are up more than 400%,” she said, and reported about 169,000 page views, 2,623 interactions and a net gain of roughly 343 followers, bringing the page to just above 4,600 followers; she said the largest demographic remains 35–44-year-olds.

The director said the Main Street program is also listed in the statewide Texas Highway Events guide and that the Economic Development Corporation is helping to source photography and maps; she said she is working with Casey Benson of Viking Filmworks and James Pickering at the museum on mapping and imagery to promote Winnsboro as a destination.

On grant work, the director said Winnsboro has applied for a U.S. Department of Agriculture infrastructure grant and is providing maps and materials requested by the agency. She described the grant as aimed at sidewalks, ADA ramps and pedestrian walkways but said the award decision is still pending. “We don’t know yet,” she said of receiving the grant, adding that the town is supplying requested documents and awaiting the agency’s lengthy review. She estimated that large infrastructure work can rapidly consume available funds — “a million dollars goes really fast” — and said she is seeking cost estimates from SWEPCO and other contractors to understand likely project scope and timing.

Board members asked about timing and scope; the director said she will work with the city’s grant liaison and with SWEPCO to refine cost estimates and next steps.

For members seeking training, the director noted that the Texas Historical Commission has rolled out board-training videos and that she can provide links or hold face-to-face sessions.

The board recorded routine business at the meeting, including approval of the prior month’s minutes and adjournment at 2:42 p.m.