Fairfield Main Street Accelerator Check Presentation - 08.25.26

In August 2026, Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) awarded the Fairfield Arts Commission a $5,000 Main Street Accelerator grant to increase its downtown Cultural District’s visibility and economic impact through new branding, digital signage, and community programming. Fairfield’s Cultural District, designated by the State in 2025, encompasses a walkable downtown filled with historic buildings, premier live entertainment venues, annual community events, exhibitions, and creative businesses. During CMSC’s six-month Accelerator program, Fairfield’s team of economic development officials, Chamber of Commerce members, and leaders from local arts and culture institutions created a plan that includes logo development, an awareness survey, and new visual elements to help residents and visitors better identify and explore the district. In attendance were Main Street Accelerator team members Mark Barnhart, Fairfield Director of Community & Economic Development; Beverly Balaz, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President; Mary Alice Limperopulos, Marketing & Business Development Manager, Fairfield Office of Community & Economic Development; and Charles MacDonald, Chair of the Fairfield Arts Commission are joined by Fairfield First Selectman Christine Vitale; State Rep. Jennifer Leeper, co-chair of the Legislature’s Main Street Working Group; and CMSC Executive Director Michelle McCabe; Senior Director of Programs Kristen Lopez; and CMSC Programs Manager Ani Chaghatzbanian.