Elkins Main Street presents awards

ELKINS -- After being put on hold for three years because of COVID-19, the Elkins Main Street Heritage and Horizon Awards reception returned this week, as six local businesses were honored.

The event honored the Heritage Award winners for the past three years – El Gran Sabor (2020), Citizens Bank of West Virginia (2021), and Artists at Work (2022). The Heritage Awards are for long-standing businesses that have been in the community for numerous years.

Three businesses were also honored with Horizon Awards at the ceremony, held at The Arts Center. The Horizon Award goes to new businesses that have opened within the last year. Tip Top (2020), Jimbo's Place (2021) and the Mossy Merchant (2022) were the three recipients.

"I was thankful for the turnout that we had, everybody seemed to have a really good time," Elkins Main Street Executive Director Lissa Eason told The Inter-Mountain. "It was kind of different this year because we had six recipients because we hadn't been able to have the event for a few years.

"It was nice to see all the businesses get together and talk and have a good time. We also had a lot of community support at the event, which was great to see."

Each award winner received a plaque featuring a log-cabin quilt pattern that was designed by Judy Van Gundy. Heavy hors d'oeuvres were coupled with a wine and beer bar at the event.

Wish Awake, a duo featuring Stephanie and Leskie Tompkins, performed at the celebration.

"We had a good attendance and everyone had a good time," Easson said. "All of our recipients were able to be there except for the Horizon winner for 2023, who could not make it. Everyone really enjoyed the evening, it was a great time to honor all of our recipients and show support for our local businesses in the community."

Eason, who was named Elkins Main Street executive director in April, said she was happy to finally be able to honor many of the local businesses for their success.

"Because of COVID and the transition from one executive director to another, it was delayed for three years," Eason said. "All of the businesses we honored are extremely deserving of the recognition they received. Next year, however, we will be honoring just two winners at this event, one Heritage and one Horizon."

Elkins Main Street is a downtown revitalization program that follows the National Main Street Center's community-based approach to preservation and development. There are currently 13 certified Main Street organizations in West Virginia.