Let's Be Friends! Old Town Winchester During the Holidays

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Brady Cloven, the Executive Director of Friends of Old Town in Winchester, Virginia. The organization is focusing on rejuvenating and promoting Old Town Winchester and Brady discusses the progress made since their inception, including a rebranding from Winchester Main Street to Friends of Old Town. Brady elaborates on the organization's efforts to engage the community, boost social media presence, and foster strong connections between local merchants, residents, and Old Town enthusiasts. They talk about the numerous events planned for the community, highlighting the significance of these events in driving economic vitality and enhancing the social fabric of Old Town. The conversation delves into specific initiatives like the Friends of Old Town managing events previously handled by the EDA, such as the Chocolate Escape, KidzFest, and Juneteenth celebrations. Brady also introduces their upcoming 'Old Town 2045' master plan project, focusing on the long-term development of the area. Janet and Brady chat about other innovative projects, including the 'History of Us' program, a self-guided tour via QR codes that allows visitors to learn about the historical significance of various buildings. There's also an emphasis on the importance of keeping the community involved and informed about available commercial spaces and future developments. The episode highlights the upcoming WINdependent Weekend, a local initiative to promote small businesses over the Thanksgiving holiday. Brady and Janet discuss the special offers and events planned for the weekend, encouraging listeners to explore Old Town Winchester, shop local, and enjoy the festivities. The conversation wraps up with a preview of the Winter Village and the upcoming holiday parade, emphasizing the magic and community spirit of Old Town Winchester during the holiday season. Finally, Brady shares where people can get more information on these events, making a pitch to support local businesses and get involved with Friends of Old Town. Follow them on Facebook to stay in the know about upcoming happenings.