Main Street previews fall events, Halloween Howl on Oct. 25; theater demolition packet pending

Main Street staff briefed the CRA on Aug. 25 about an events calendar and promotions work, reporting increases in social-media metrics and plans for Halloween Howl on Oct. 25, which will use the downtown theater as a venue for seasonal programming.

Why it matters: Main Street events are a focal point for downtown economic activity and visitation; changes in programming and venue condition (theater demolition planning) affect scheduling and permit coordination.

Antoine Gildan said the organization has concentrated on Instagram growth and community outreach; he reported gains in views and followers in recent months and an active investor drive. Main Street confirmed the Halloween Howl date of Oct. 25 and said the haunted-house activation will be staged in the theater; staff said they are finalizing a demolition packet with the theater’s architects and will share that documentation in the days ahead. The theater activation will go forward for Halloween and demolition will not begin until after the event.

Main Street staff also noted a successful summer of events (Kids Fest and back-to-school) and said they are pursuing entertainment-booking help to attract a named act for Founders’ Day. Staff encouraged council members and CRA commissioners to consider attending the Preservation on Main Street conference in Plant City later in the month.

Next steps: Main Street will circulate the demolition packet for the theater, continue investor outreach and finalize Halloween logistics. Staff asked council and CRA to coordinate permitting and scheduling with staff for both Halloween Howl and Founders’ Day.