McPHERSON, Kan. — 2025 was a busy and active year for McPherson Main Street. The year’s successes and plans for 2026 and beyond were shared during their annual meeting Monday.
Main Street Director Johni Doughman and board Treasurer Shayla Grasser provided an overview of the year’s activities. A total of 22 events took place during the year, creating opportunities for community engagement and business support.
The year began with the Spring Sip and Shop which featured a spring bingo card, pop ups at participating businesses, and ending with a chocolate buffet. Spring events continued with the spring open houses and All Schools Day activities including Main Street sponsorship of live bands on the Plaza following the parade.
The summer season started with Shop the Night Away, which included a live DJ, a rock star costume contest, and an air guitar contest. Participating businesses also were part of a sales tax-free shopping experience, and they held back-to-school events at both McPherson College and Central Christian College.
Another open house weekend began the fall season for McPherson Main Street, followed by the Burnin’ Down Main chili contest which drew some 600 participants this year, and Trick or Treat Main Street which was such a success they actually ran out of candy.
Main Street again partnered with the McPherson Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Promotion, which included Candy Cane Cash, the Holiday Open House, free holiday movies and Cookies with Santa. 17 vendors took part in this year’s Mini Main Street at the Community Building, which generated a record $7,138 in sales over three hours.
Doughman expressed her appreciation to the many businesses who helped sponsor events, volunteers who gave 688 hours of service to the program, and board members who provided their time, leadership and expertise. Additionally, Ad Astra Radio provides time as part of their Ad Astra Cares series for Main Street Matters, which airs each Friday morning at 7:40 AM on the three McPherson Ad Astra Stations.
Main Street also partnered with The Ark for their Thrift Fest and the inaugural Highway 56 Sales Scramble, and participated in the PBS Kansas “See Taste Do” program which featured Noffy’s Sandwich Shop along with the Opera House and McPherson Museum and in the McPherson Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff.
The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau provided several grants in support of specific Main Street Events. Another major contributor during 2025 was the McPherson Rotary Club which donated $3,500 for picnic table umbrellas on The Plaza and another $25,000 for the new shade structures.
The projects at the Plaza are helping to build upon into an interactive gathering space bringing people downtown. Future plans include adding a large LED screen that will enable community programming such as movies on the plaza, live streaming and other events, along with ambient nighttime lighting and additional seating spaces.
Another project in the works involves introducing large 3D block letters spelling out MAC, which will provide an instant photo opportunity and other amenities, in addition to additional programming on the square and establishment of a “common consumption area” license for events that would provide added flexibility and event organizers allowing for a more seamless experience for various events.
For 2026, some new events are being added, two in partnership with the McPherson Public Library. One of these is the Fall Wicked Walk and Shop, a Wizard of Oz inspired event which among other things will include a costume contest. In the works is an Adult Silent Disco, where a DJ provides music fed to wireless headphones.
The Plaza Jam on All Schools Day will feature live music on The Plaza that afternoon, building on last year’s event.
Doughman said they also will continue to support Main Street businesses through such programs as local grants such as the heal and rooms grants, and design reimbursement grants, along with the Incentives Without Walls loan program. They are always open to pursuing other funding opportunities that will allow investment in downtown, support of businesses, and promotion of a sense of community.
Outgoing board members Nick McQueen and Phil Parrish were recognized by President-elect Alex Graber, and 2025 Main Street President Deb Luttig was recognized by 2026 President Mark Seller. Other McPherson Main Street Board members include Secretary Leah Kawanguzi, Treasurer Shayla Grasser, and board members Luke Aichele, Marlene Gray, Jasmine Morina, and Julie Johnson, with Luttig continuing on the board as Past President.
Seller and Grasser each recognized the work Doughman has put in as an advocate for Main Street since she became director in July 2024. At the conclusion of the meeting, downtown area businesses provided updates on what has been going on in the past year and future plans.
