Open house for MainStreet Libertyville's 25th anniversary

MainStreet Libertyville, nonprofit volunteer-based organization that has 25 years of success promoting and preserving downtown Libertyville invites the public to share in the anniversary celebration at an open house.

The event, which is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church, Libertyville, will relive the transformation of the downtown of 25 years ago with its 30 percent vacancy rate and old buildings into the vibrant center of activity of today.

The organization relies on the support of the community. Through the commitment and thousands of hours donated by the volunteers, 50 days of community and retail events are held each year bringing people to the center of town.

Many events have been a long-standing tradition such as Dickens of a Holiday, Out to Lunch, Farmers Market, Car Fun on 21, Trick or Treat on MainStreet, First Fridays and Let's Wine About Winter.

The organization is not part of the village of Libertyville - 97 percent of its budget raised through membership, sponsorship and fundraising. The three fundraisers are Twilight Shuffle 5k Run, Oktoberfest and a golf outing.

Under the direction of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Main Street program was established 30 years ago to bring downtowns back to life while protecting the character of the town.

After receiving a three-year matching grant funding commitment from the village, the program was officially established on April 25, 1989.

For more information regarding the MainStreet Libertyville program, call (847) 680-0336, visit www.mainstreetlibertyville.org or friend them on Facebook.