In 1987 Benicia was selected to participate in the California Main Street Program. Main Street is a grassroots downtown revitalization program. The program is part of the state and national network of downtown revitalization projects housed under the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Each year, Benicia Main Street sponsors many community events and retail promotions which bring thousands of visitors to Benicia's downtown. Annual Benicia Main Street-sponsored events include, July 3-4 Freedom Festival; Holiday Merchant Open House, Parade, and Holiday Market; Ghost Walk, Halloween Parade, A Taste of First Street, Benicia in Bloom, Fine Art & Jazz Festival and activities; the very popular weekly Certified Farmers Market held every April-October; and First Fridays on First.
Disney has approved Benicia Main Street for its
"Give a Day - Get a Day" program
Benicia Main Street is the only non-profit in Benicia that has been approved by Disney offering a free one-day admission to the park for a day, for 8 hours of volunteer work. There will be one million tickets given out and the program will continue until they are all given out or on December 15, 2010, whichever comes first. You must sign up at (disneyparks.com). Once you go to the website select "give & get" then "search and sign up". A box comes up asking for your zip code. Then there are additional instructions as well as the rules and limitations. "We are so appreciative of the many volunteers who work our numerous events and pleased to be approved by this special program. It really gives an added benefit to the volunteers, it's so exciting," said Executive Director, Nancy Martinez.
The See's Candies Corporation selected Benicia Main Street to participate, along with two other California Main Street cities, to set up a See's Candies Fundraising Store. This is an ongoing program to provide a marketing opportunity for the candy company as well as provide fundraising benefits to downtown programs. Benicia Main Street's See's Candies Fundraising Store is open year-round with holiday selections for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day.
Main Street assists property owners and businesses interested in refurbishing their buildings, business relocations, and expansions. In the coming years, Main Street will continue to play an active role bringing people to downtown, providing a safe, attractive atmosphere for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Find out more about benicia Downtown Dollars.

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