Winnsboro. La.--Tourism

For complete calendar of events for Winnsboro, click here!

WINNSBORO MAIN STREET PROJECT

In 1988, Winnsboro became one of only seven cities in the State of Louisiana to be recognized in a new federal and state five-year program known as Main Street. The mayor and members of the beautification committee received information on the program and started the application process to make Winnsboro a Main Street community.

Winnsboro Main Street was funded with a grant from Historic Preservation in Washington D.C. and then matched with local government funds. The program was so successful, after five years, with continued backing from the Mayor's office and the City Council, Winnsboro Main Street was incorporated in 1993 as a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. Funding for the program now comes from donations from the city of Winnsboro, festivals, tourism, Winnsboro Merchant's Association, fund raisers, and private donations.

Our program in Winnsboro is unique in that it extends from city limit to city limit, not just the downtown historic district. Winnsboro is also the only Main Street program in the State that includes a tourist information center.

The duties of the Main Street office are many, including serving as Catfish Festival headquarters; working to secure grants for community projects; working to restore historic buildings; recruiting new businesses; showing buildings to potential business owners; and organizing and assisting with business workshops. The Main Street Project is geared toward improving the business climate with the end result of historic buildings being restored. From the Main Street Project a Historic Commission was formed, as well as the Winnsboro Merchants Association.

Two of the largest projects have been the renovation of a vacant downtown historic building to house the Franklin Parish Library. With much effort from the Historic District Commission and the city of Winnsboro, the Library Board and Police Jury gave their approval. In February of 1994, the Franklin Parish Library was moved into a beautiful 16,000 square foot building in the center of the historic district.

www.princesstheatre.com

A another important undertaking was the renovation of the old Princess Theatre. The theatre was donated by the owners to be used as a community center for the area. Over $30,000 in private donations was raised for the project.

The Princess Theatre states its mission as:

The Princess Theatre is a community arts organization serving Franklin Parish and the surrounding area that fosters public interest and awareness in the performing and visual arts and serves as a focus for community pride and economic development by:

1) restoring, maintaining and operating an arts complex that is accessible to and used by all segments of the community;

2) presenting a wide variety of high-quality events, both self-produced and imported: live performances in theatre, music, and dance; visual arts events; firm and video; lectures, conferences and workshops;

3) forming partnerships with city officials, the schools, and other community groups to share resources and link the Princess Theatre's facilities and activities in an overall plan for community and economic development.

See "History of the Princess" on History page.

WINNSBORO MERCHANT'S ASSOCIATION

The fundamental purpose of the Winnsboro Merchants' Association is to organize the Winnsboro business community into an effective instrument to promote shopping at home. Membership has grown each year from the beginning enrollment (1994) of 66 local merchants.

Working closely with Winnsboro Main Street, the Association promotes the preservation and development of the local Historic District while encouraging the formation of new businesses that serve the needs of the community.

By joining hands and working together on promotional projects throughout the year, these merchants are reminding residents that it pays to shop at home.

Tourism | Industry