September in Downtown

We had a summer filled with fantastic events and programs that attracted more interest in Downtown than ever before. We came together to promote health and wellness with Healthy Village Farm Stand and our free Zumba Fitness classes, celebrate downtown with phenomenal musical performances at Music on the Main, and launched the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market which brings affordable delicious, seasonal produce to the district every week.

Autumn is on its way and its bringing even more activities in Downtown:

Save the Date, Rejuvenate!
Spirit & Soul Festival

Downtown is gearing up for the 4th annual Spirit & Soul Festival and Fundraiser on Saturday, September 29! So make sure to

PLUS: Richmond Blues Diva, Tia Carroll and other local favorites, food trucks, unique artisan shopping and opportunities to win a number of fantastic door prizes, with proceeds benefiting the revitalization of Downtown.

The celebration will continue beyond Spirit & Soul with Richmond Arts in Motion, a special event hosted by the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts. Richmond Arts in Motion will offer guests an opportunity to explore the rejuvenation of Downtown through the arts with a new, interactive window display by acclaimed Bay Area-based digital artist, Scott Snibbe. The festivities will begin at 4pm with family-friendly activities including arts & crafts, bouncy house, face painting, performances by East Bay Center resident performers, and Mexican and African music & dance processions. Activities will move inside the renovated historic Winters building following the installation’s dedication ceremony at 6pm for more performances, including a script-in-hand reading of scenes from a new Center-commissioned play.

Interested in participating as a vendor at Spirit & Soul? Download the Spirit & Soul 2012 Vendor Registration Form or contact Alicia at (510) 236-4049 for more information.

Special thanks to our sponsors and community partners for making Spirit & Soul 2012 possible: City of Richmond, Chevron, Mechanics Bank, State Farm, Bay Area LISC, and Kaiser Permanente.

Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market

Nowhere is the change in season more visible than at your local farmers’ market. As summer gives way to autumn expect to see grapes, pears, apples, and hearty winter veggies like leafy greens and squash.

Check out the September Newsletter to receive delicious Fall Recipes like Brussel Sprouts with Apples or Pork with Figs, Onions, and Mustard, read about our vendors, save the date for market events, and more! “Like” the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market on Facebook and sign up for our e-newsletter for special deals and regular market updates.

Zumba Fitness in Downtown is BACK!

The first session of Zumba Fitness classes was a big success. We are excited to once again offer these free, high-energy fitness classes in downtown with Zumba instructor extraordinaire, Willa ‘Bontle’ Willis.

We have secured a new location in Downtown that will allow a flexible class schedule and class size! No need to reserve a spot–just show up and get fit moving to those fun beats!

Join us for the first two classes on Thursday, September 13: 5:30-6:30pm and 7:00-8:00pm at 310 9th Street (Macdonald Avenue & 9th Street)–just two blocks up from the Main Street office!

Main Street Zumba Fitness
Class Schedule, Fall 2012
Starting Thursday, September 13

Mondays ~ Lunchtime Zumba
12:30-1:30pm

Thursdays ~ After-Work Workout
5:30-6:30pm
7-8pm

Location for all classes:
310 9th Street
(Macdonald Avenue & 9th Street)

All classes last one hour. Make sure to wear comfy, loose clothing and athletic/supportive shoes. Healthy snacks and water will be provided.

Richmond Main Street is a proud member of the Healthy Eating Active Living Collaborative (HEAL), which promotes health and wellness in Contra Costa County. The Downtown Richmond Zumba Fitness classes are made possible by support from HEAL and Richmond Main Street’s commitment to revitalizing Downtown Richmond by creating access to healthy foods and exercise activities.

Start & Grow Smart
Small Business Assistance Classes

Do you have a great idea for a business? Do you dream about opening your own shop, restaurant, or organization in Downtown Richmond? If you answered yes to these questions, then we are here to help you get started with Start & Grow Smart, a unique small business assistance program designed to provide assistance to start-ups by helping budding entrepreneurs with low-moderate income develop a solid business plan to start and grow a successful business:

Create a Compelling Business Plan
Determine your Business Vision
Establish your Objectives
Create a Road Map for your Business
Consider Funding Sources
and much more!

When:
PART I: Saturday, September 8, 10am – 1pm
PART II: Saturday, September 15, 10am – 1pm
PART III: Saturday, September 22, 10am – 1pm

PLUS: One, 4-hour, Private Consulting Session
(scheduled individually following completion of the course)

Where:
Richmond Main Street Office
1000 Macdonald Avenue, Suite C
Richmond, Ca 94801

Similar courses and individual business consulting sessions can easily cost well over $700!  We can only accommodate a limited number of participants and spaces will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so contact us today to secure your spot!

To Enroll: Complete the Start & Grow Smart Pre-Application and return it to Richmond Main Street via email (admin@richmondmainstreet.org), fax (510-236-4052), or mail (1000 Macdonald Avenue, Suite C, Richmond, Ca 94801).

Questions? Call (510) 236-4049 or email admin@richmondmainstreet.org

Start & Grow Smart is made possible free of cost to qualified individuals thanks to support from Chevron, Mechanics Bank, and the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

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