ATHENS, Ala. – Athens Main Street announced today [November 9, 2023] that they are one of the grantees selected to receive the 2023 Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area (MSNHA) Community Grant.
Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson said, “We are incredibly proud that MSNHA selected us for this $7,500 investment to enhance our farmers market’s attractiveness and functionality.”
According to Richardson, the historic Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park is located in beautiful downtown Athens, a very culturally diverse area. The area also represents people of all different socioeconomic statuses. It not only highlights the finest offerings from local farmers and craftsmen but, with ongoing enhancements, it will serve as a versatile venue for various events.
Richardson says through this grant, Athens Main Street has been able to provide a badly needed new roof to the main pavilion.
Non-profits, local governments, businesses, schools, and other groups & organizations may apply for community grants through MSNHA. Applicants and projects must be in MSNHA’s six-county region which includes Limestone County. The Athens Farmers Market renovation project falls within MSNHA’s mission by fitting within the category of historic preservation.
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The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, which operates under the University of North Alabama, was designated by Congress in 2009 to preserve history & culture in the Tennessee River’s northwest Alabama counties: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone & Morgan. We promote cultural tourism through education, preservation & conservation. Their mission is to inform & educate; develop & interpret historic sites; create living-history experiences; and chronicle landscape evolution, for the largest audience possible.
About Athens Main Street (AMS)
The mission of Athens Main Street is to enhance downtown vibrancy, preserve its historic charm, empower its community of business owners, and foster a center of activity for the community. For more information, visit www.athensmainstreet.org
