MONROE - Since 2005, approximately 70 single- and double-light poles throughout the downtown district have been decorated with artificial wreaths, garlands and lights. Main Street Monroe is proud of its past work and has a goal to finalize new decorations downtown by 2020.
While city staff install decorations and the Board of Public Works approved the plans, Main Street has been entrusted with purchasing, selecting, maintaining and storing downtown decorations.
Fifteen years of ice and snow have taken their toll on existing decorations. The need to purchase new ones became increasingly evident. Volunteers spend approximately 60 hours fluffing the greens and replacing burned out lights and damaged red bows prior to each season. One of Main Street's "pillars" is to focus on the aesthetics of the historic district. Main Street also is responsible for seasonal flower pots, banners and benches. The look and feel of downtown is especially important during the holidays and its retail season.
There are now eight historically appropriate five-foot tri-star lighted displays on the corners of the Square. Main Street's design committee wrote a grant through the Monroe Fund, making new decorations possible. Sharon Riese is a long-time Main Street volunteer, was instrumental in writing the Monroe Fund grant.
The awarded grant was $2,500. A final cost of $15,000 is anticipated and Main Street is being judicious in purchasing. The tri-star lights are made in America and were purchased in January when prices were 30 percent discounted. Existing decorations will continue to be used as long as possible.
Moving forward, Main Street will be using funds from a capital replacement fund established for such large projects, as well as 2018 general budgeting from Main Street. Main Street also is hopeful that the community will donate to the project, and that future grants will be possible.
Donations for more decorations may be sent to Main Street Monroe Inc., P.O. Box 544, Monroe, WI 53566 or contact the Main Street office at 328-4023.
While city staff install decorations and the Board of Public Works approved the plans, Main Street has been entrusted with purchasing, selecting, maintaining and storing downtown decorations.
Fifteen years of ice and snow have taken their toll on existing decorations. The need to purchase new ones became increasingly evident. Volunteers spend approximately 60 hours fluffing the greens and replacing burned out lights and damaged red bows prior to each season. One of Main Street's "pillars" is to focus on the aesthetics of the historic district. Main Street also is responsible for seasonal flower pots, banners and benches. The look and feel of downtown is especially important during the holidays and its retail season.
There are now eight historically appropriate five-foot tri-star lighted displays on the corners of the Square. Main Street's design committee wrote a grant through the Monroe Fund, making new decorations possible. Sharon Riese is a long-time Main Street volunteer, was instrumental in writing the Monroe Fund grant.
The awarded grant was $2,500. A final cost of $15,000 is anticipated and Main Street is being judicious in purchasing. The tri-star lights are made in America and were purchased in January when prices were 30 percent discounted. Existing decorations will continue to be used as long as possible.
Moving forward, Main Street will be using funds from a capital replacement fund established for such large projects, as well as 2018 general budgeting from Main Street. Main Street also is hopeful that the community will donate to the project, and that future grants will be possible.
Donations for more decorations may be sent to Main Street Monroe Inc., P.O. Box 544, Monroe, WI 53566 or contact the Main Street office at 328-4023.
