Take a peek at MainStreet Libertyville

It's not an award exactly, but MainStreet Libertyville members are honored nonetheless at being named a top destination by the national umbrella organization.

Lauren Adkins, the assistant director for the National Trust Main Street Center, touts Libertyville's farmers' market and concerts in Cook Park, and highlights two businesses in a short article that appeared in July's issue of Southwest Airlines' in-flight magazine.

"Several of our store owners got phone calls from friends across the country who saw it," said Randy Nelson, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville.

Libertyville, along with commercial districts in New Iberia, La., and Frederick, Md., were the top destinations selected by Adkins as Great American Main Street Award winners. Libertyville MainStreet snared that award in 1997.

Adkins was not available for comment Tuesday. But Nelson said he spoke with her for hours more than two months ago.

"We are justifiably proud of our program, and honors such as this reflect the dedicated work our volunteers do for us and the community," Les Galo, chairman of MainStreet Libertyville, said in a statement.

MainStreet was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the 1970s. There now are more than 1,200 active MainStreet programs throughout the country.

The kudos are being well received by the nonprofit organization created in 1989 to reverse a slide of deterioration in downtown Libertyville. Last winter, MainStreet was on the financial edge and began pulling out the stops for an infusion of funds.

A drop in village funding and lackluster turnout at a big annual fundraiser contributed to the crisis, and left Nelson and others wondering if it would be able to continue its full calendar of activities.

The publicity has fueled a surge in contributions and new members.

"We're up to 1,391 total members now, which far and away is more residential members than any MainStreet in the country," Nelson said.

The efforts also have produced a spurt in the number of volunteers, he added.

"As odd as it sounds, it's been a challenge to keep them busy," he said.

While there have been many new members, the trick will be to keep them involved beyond a one-time charitable contribution, Nelson said.

Upcoming fundraisers include the 5K Twilight Shuffle and the granddaddy event, Street Dance on Sept. 13.