By Sherri Blevins
HUNTSVILLE – On Thursday, August 17, Main Street, Alabama, held its 10th annual Awards of Excellence Banquet at the Stovehouse in Huntsville, Alabama. This event celebrated the successes of local programs.
Main Street Alabama’s President and State Coordinator, Mary Helmer Wirth, and Assistant State Coordinator, Trisha Black, recognized projects and individuals who significantly contributed to their communities. The Awards of Excellence program highlighted the tremendous impacts of these honorees in their respective areas.
Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine received the Main Street Hero Award for his work as a city and community leader. Main Street described Baine as one who leads by example: “He is an incredibly involved and active board member of Fort Payne Main Street. He helps with every event and activity that Main Street implements. He does all of this while also leading the city and community. He is an amazing leader!”
Fort Payne also received two Awards of Excellence. James Dean, the creator of Pete the Cat and the Pete the Cat Mural, was recognized for contributing to Fort Payne Main Street and his hometown. Dean painted the world’s largest Pete the Cat mural on one of the buildings in downtown Fort Payne. He painted the mural in two days and paid for everything himself. Main Street commented, “It’s a wonderful mural and a beautiful gift for our Main Street. The artwork is priceless!” Fort Payne received the second Award of Excellence for reinvesting over $ 5 million into the downtown area. Congratulations!
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