Aug 1, 2013 2 min read

South Main Street in Washington has experienced an upturn in commercial activity lately. Empty storefronts are filling up, and parking spaces are often difficult to find. Our hope is that this upturn continues uptown.

One thing that would really allow it to happen would be the construction of a proposed pavilion over the two city parking lots between Maiden and Wheeling streets.

So far, the board of directors of the Main Street Farmers’ Market has managed to raise 40 percent of the $850,000 needed to build the structure, which will put a roof over the lots. The structure would not only make shopping comfortable on Thursdays at the market, but would provide a venue for all kinds of civic events as well as weather-protected public parking.

“It’s going to be a nice town center for the city of Washington that could host activities throughout the year, not just one day a week or in a particular time frame,” said Washington Mayor Brenda Davis.

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival’s use of tents in the parking lots has drawn thousands of visitors to Washington. Attracting more people to the city will draw more businesses, and a permanent pavilion can help do that.

Shopping at the Main Street Farmers’ Market supports local farmers. Donating to the pavilion fund (by visiting www.msfm.org) also supports the city and everyone who lives and works here.