PHOTO #1: Josh Vega and Nathan Rodriguez, middle, accept the Outstanding Special Project Award for the downtown crosswalk art project during the Victoria Main Street Awards Event on April 3 at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts. Taking part in the award presentation are Teri Murray, left, and Victoria Fine Arts Association board member Marc A. Hinojosa, right.
PHOTO #2: From left, Torin Bales and his wife, Melissa, accept the Downtown Champion award from Mayor Duane Crocker during the Victoria Main Street Awards Event on April 3 at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
PHOTO #3: Residents chat and take part in refreshments during the opening reception before the Victoria Main Street Awards Event on April 3 at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
PHOTO #4: Local musician Chelsey Markum entertains guests during the opening reception before the Victoria Main Street Awards Event on April 3 at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
The Victoria Main Street Program recognized some of the people who have helped downtown Victoria thrive during the Victoria Main Street Awards Event on April 3 at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
“Downtown is the cultural and social heart of the community—a place that reflects our identity and brings people together,” said Main Street Manager Kate Garcia. “The awards event wasn’t just about a few on a small stage but about honoring a community that steps onto downtown’s larger stage each day—carrying forward the vision begun in 2010 by a group of passionate individuals to make it a vibrant destination for Victoria and beyond.”
The ticketed event included and opening reception with refreshments and music by Chelsey Markum, who donated her services for the event.
The following people and organizations were recognized during the ceremony:
- Outstanding Special Project: – Crosswalk Art – Josh Vega, Nathan Rodriguez, and Victoria Fine Arts Association
Outstanding Small Event: ArtWalk – Claire Santellana- Outstanding Large Event: City of Victoria – Joel Novosad
- Outstanding Adaptive Reuse or Renovation: Moonshine Drinkery – JP Hull and James Geitz
- Purposeful Promotion: Thanksgiving Day Feast – Jennifer and Warren King (Water Well Café)
- Purposeful Partnership: Mother Cluckers Downtown Merry on Main Market – Jennifer Heibel and Jackie Winstead
- Downtown Impact: Peaches and Tortilla Mercantile – Lascena Milner Simmons
Centenarians: Chesnick’s Furniture Co., Fossati’s Delicatessen, Nazareth Academy, Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Prosperity Bank, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, The Victoria Advocate, Victoria College- Preserving Downtown Heritage: Mitchell School Project – James Wearden
- Community Service Award: Chick-fil-a Young Life 5K – Tammy and David Murphy
- People’s Choice Brick and Mortar: Greek’s 205 Bar
- People’s Choice Event: Downtown Rhythms and Hot Rod Tour of Texas – Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Hot Rod Tour of Texas
- Downtown Champion: Melissa and Torin Bales
Mayor Duane Crocker emphasized during his opening remarks that the event was “truly a celebration of the progress of downtown as a whole.”
“The growth and opportunities we are seeing downtown have been made possible by the support of our community, including all of you here today,” Crocker said.
View more photos from the event.