LAGRO — The Lagro Canal Foundation got the news they had been eagerly waiting to receive.
The organization has been accepted into the Indiana Main Street Program.
The prestigious recognition will aid in assisting promotion toward revitalization for Lagro’s downtown.
“We are incredibly honored to be accepted into the Indiana Main Street Program,” said Beth Gillespie, president of the Lagro Canal Foundation. “This is a huge step forward in our efforts to revitalize and celebrate the heart of Lagro. Being part of this program will help us strengthen our downtown, create new opportunities for local businesses, and ensure that Lagro continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The Lagro Canal Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural, historical and economic vitality of Lagro. Through community programs, local partnerships and events, the foundation aims to support local businesses, enhance the community experience, and drive sustainable development in the region, according the tenets of the foundation’s board.
The Indiana Main Street Program, managed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, or OCRA, provides communities with the tools and resources to revitalize their downtown areas through strategic planning, partnerships and sustainable development efforts. As part of this program, the Lagro Canal Foundation will be able to access vital funding, technical assistance, and training opportunities to further its mission of preserving the historical charm and beauty of the Lagro area, while fostering economic growth and community engagement.
In addition to the benefits of the Main Street Program, the Lagro Canal Foundation plans to use this new partnership to enhance its ongoing preservation efforts, improve infrastructure, and continue hosting community events bringing people together, according to Jennifer Long-Dillon, board member of Lagro Canal Foundation. With support from the Indiana Main Street Program, the foundation also will work on further developing Lagro as a destination for both residents and visitors, attracting tourism and economic investment to the area.
“We’re excited for the future of Lagro and the positive impact this partnership will have on our downtown area,” added Lavonne Sparling, secretary of the Lagro Canal Foundation. “This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together with the Indiana Main Street Program.”
The Lagro Canal Foundation also recently announced the creation of the Cattleman’s Dinner. The fundraiser is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 10 inside the Dover Street Barn, 810 Washington St., Lagro.
The Cattleman’s Dinner is an event to raise funds for the Lagro Canal Foundation’s ongoing projects, including the Lagro Grocery and Dover Street Barn, a community event center inside a vintage, white pole barn.
Tickets for the event are $125 each. A table for eight is available for $825. And a high-top table for four is $550. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by visiting the Lagro Canal Foundation website, LagroCanalFoundation.com.