ATHENS-Athens Main Street received two statewide Awards of Excellence during Main Street Alabama’s thirteenth annual Awards of Excellence Banquet, recognizing work in building design and fundraising. The event was sponsored by Energy Southeast and the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area.
“Last night was a wonderful reminder of why this work matters,” said Mary Wirth, Main Street Alabama State Coordinator. “It is an honor for me to present the awards, and seeing the pride each community has in its Main Street district was truly inspiring. Our local Main Street programs are doing meaningful work across Alabama, and the Main Street Four-Point Approach continues to help communities build on what makes them special while preserving the places that tell their story.”
Excellence in Building Design – BawBaw’s BBQ
The BawBaw’s BBQ project transformed a neglected historic African American church into a vibrant local restaurant while preserving an important piece of the building’s history. Restoration of the original church plaque honors the building’s past, while its new use brings fresh energy to an underutilized area of downtown. Owners Jimmy and Audrey McMeans led the project in response to the growing demand for locally owned dining options. Its location near the Athens Farmers Market and Five Points also helps extend downtown investment and activity beyond the traditional Square. Congratulations, Jimmy & Audrey!
Pictured: Tere Richardson, Executive Director, Athens Main Street; Jimmy McMeans and Audrey McMeans, owners of BawBaws BBQ
Excellence in Fundraising – Event Sponsorship Drive
Athens Main Street’s year-round Event Sponsorship Drive builds partnerships with local and regional businesses while generating sustainable funding for downtown programming. Those partnerships help Athens Main Street offer events that increase foot traffic, support downtown businesses, and create a vibrant downtown experience for residents and visitors. With more than 40 public and private partners participating, the initiative generated more than $60,000 in sponsorship revenue. Congratulations to the Athens Main Street Promotions Team!
“These awards really represent what Main Street is all about: strong partnerships, thoughtful investment, and people who believe in downtown Athens,” said Tommy Coblentz, Athens Main Street’s Board President. “BawBaw’s is a wonderful example of giving an important building new life, and our sponsorship program shows just how strongly our businesses and community partners support what is happening downtown. We are proud to have Athens recognized on a statewide level.”
Athens Main Street Heroes – Limestone County Commission Crew
Local programs also selected a Main Street Hero that honored an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their program. These Heroes were recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet. Athens Main Street selected the Limestone County Commission Crew as its 2026 Main Street Hero. This dedicated team maintains roads, public spaces, and community projects across the county. After the tornado in December 2024, they were instrumental in helping get downtown accessible within 48 hours. They support Athens Main Street with the farmers market, maintaining the courthouse grounds, and contributing to beautification efforts.
“The Limestone County Commission Crew is the kind of partner every Main Street program hopes to have,” said Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director. “They take tremendous pride in our downtown, they are always willing to pitch in, and they understand that the work they do makes a difference for our businesses, residents, and visitors. We are incredibly fortunate to have them in our corner.”
Media Release/Tere Richardson/Athens Main Street
