127 West Davis Street, Culpeper, VA 22701 • 540.825.4416 • email CRI

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Art Poster Contest - 2012 Taste of Culpeper a wine  -  June 1, 2012

Culpeper Renaissance Inc. (CRI) is now accepting submissions from artists for the 2012 Taste of Culpeper festival poster. CRI s eighth annual Taste of Culpeper will take place Sunday, October 7, 2012, in picturesque downtown Culpeper at the Depot. Attendees will experience the very best in Virginia wines, microbreweries, and local cuisine from noon until 5:00 p.m. CRI is looking for colorful and classy artwork that incorporates a wine, food, and arts theme that will be used on all marketing materials.

For further information, official rules, and an application please contact the CRI office at 540-825-4416 or e-mail to crievents@culpeperdowntown.com

VOLUNTEERS!!   -  May 31, 2012

CRI has numerous volunteer opportunitties for volunteering! Whether you like to sit and stuff envelopes or are up to organizing an entire festival, we welcome your energy and talents! New to town? Volunteering is a great way to begin and forge new friendships. Please contact CRI if you are interested in the following: 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series, Farmer's Market, 4th of July Car & Bike Show, Taste of Culpeper, Culpeper Downtown Holiday Open House, Culpeper Carnivale, Snow Much Fun, Design Committee, Promotions Committee, Economic Restructuring Committee, or Organization Committee. Be a part of the Culpeper Community, volunteer! Contact CRI at 540-825-4416 or crievents@culpeper

Culpeper, Virginia - 2012 Great American Main Street  -  April 2, 2012

Culpeper, Virginia Honored with 2012 Great American Main Street Award

National Trust for Historic Preservation Praises Excellence in Revitalization at Annual Conference

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced today that Culpeper, Virginia was chosen as a 2012 Great American Main Street Awards® (GAMSA) winner. Recognized as a leader in implementing the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, embracing sound historic preservation practices and building strategic partnerships, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI) was honored at the Main Street Awards Ceremony during the National Main Streets Conference in Baltimore, Md.

The National Trust Main Street Center s annual GAMSA awards recognize exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing the nation s historic Main Street commercial districts. CRI is credited with leading the once-thriving downtown district back to vitality after steady decline that began in the 1970s. The demolition threat to a once-bustling train depot was the spark that ignited citizen action. CRI was formed in 1987, became a Main Street program in 1988, and joined public and private entities in redeveloping the depot, making streetscape and infrastructure improvements and restoring badly damaged storefronts. Vacancies are now down to 6 percent from 86, thanks to a mix of banks, boutiques and coffee shops. Upper floor apartments along Culpeper s Davis Street are occupied and the downtown is again thriving.
Culpeper demonstrates what can be achieved with a strong commitment to historic preservation and a broad base of supporters, says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. This combination enabled its swift but thoughtful recovery from the 2011 earthquake and promises a bright future for Culpeper as a growing regional cultural and entertainment destination.
The other four 2012 winners are: Bath, Me.; Jacksonville, Ill.; Valley Junction/West Des Moines, Iowa and Washington, Mo. They were selected by a national jury composed of former award winners, community development professionals, governmental agency representatives who are active in community economic development and historic preservation. To learn about previous GAMSA winners, visit http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/awards/gamsa/
GAMSA winners demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts based on the following selection criteria:
" Active involvement of the public and private sectors;
" Broad-based community support for the revitalization effort;
" Quality of achievements over time;
" Innovative solutions to significant problems;
" Commitment to historic preservation;
" Evolving track record of successful commercial district revitalization;
" Comprehensive revitalization effort: activity in all four points of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization;
" Economic impact of the revitalization program; and
" Successful small business development.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a proven methodology for historic preservation-based economic development that was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 30 years ago and is used in more than 2,000 communities throughout the U.S.


2012 - 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series  -  March 30, 2012

2012 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series
Culpeper Downtown

The 11th annual 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series, brought to you by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., a downtown development organization, is quickly approaching. Join us in historic downtown Culpeper, directly in front of the Depot on Commerce Street, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20 from 5-9 p.m. for some great summer fun!

The summer concert series kicks off on May 19 with the amazing soulful sounds of Keith Bryant & IronHorse. At age 19, Keith Bryant won Best Male Vocalist honors at the East Coast Country Music Championship. Keith embraced his talent and decided to start a band by the name of IronHorse. Since then, IronHorse has traveled from club to club, city to city, conquering the South East and creating legions of devoted fans.

The festivities continue on July 19 with The Fabulous Hubcaps, one of the nation s most sought after oldies and rock show bands. Their career has been as diverse and colorful as the bowling shirts they wear. In 2005, The Hubcaps proudly were inducted into The Southern Legends Entertainment and Performing Arts Hall of Fame. The Hubcaps continue to captivate audiences with their high energy tributes to original artists like Little Richard, James Brown, Tina Turner, Bobby Darin, Sonny and Cher, The Flamingos, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson & Patsy Cline, Elton John and Frank Sinatra just to name a few. With an extensive repertoire of Do-Wop group harmony, Classic Rock and Roll, Rock-A-Billy, Motown, and R & B music, The Fabulous Hubcaps are heralded as one of the best oldies show bands in the country. This is one concert you will not want to miss!

Join us on August 16 with a fabulous show from the The Holiday Band, recent winners of the 2011 Carolina Beach Music Awards album of the year and two-time winners of the CBMA group of the year. Four lead vocalists and multiple instruments played by all members of the band, including saxophone, keyboards, trombone, guitar, bass, drums, and flute, give the group a very diverse sound. The Holiday Band has performed in many notable venues including The Lincoln Center in New York City, The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, The Alabama Theater in North Myrtle Beach, Mardi Gras in Mobile Alabama, and on Carnival Cruise ships. The Holiday Band is an event that the entire family will enjoy!

On September 20, Soul Expressions, a high-energy soul band, takes the stage downtown with an amazing performance featuring funk, rock, reggae, jazz, and Motown, as well as today s best hits. This 7-piece band includes bass, drums, lead and rhythm guitars, keys, sax, and vocals. Come, join us on September 20 as Soul Expressions gets the party movin and folks on the floor groovin from the first beat.

Advance tickets for each of the concerts are available for $5, and back by popular demand, 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series Season Passes are available for only $15 (that s one concert for free)! Advance tickets may be purchased up until the day before the event at the following locations: all StellarOne offices throughout Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Locust Grove, Randy s Flowers located at 211 West Evans Street, Pepperberries located at 102 East Davis Street, The Museum of Culpeper History at 803 South Main Street, and the Culpeper Renaissance office located at 127 West Davis Street. Individual concert admission is $7 at the gate on the day of the event for those 21 and over. Admission for those under 21 is always FREE!

All concerts begin at 5:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and a variety of children s activities will also be offered. So bring friends, family & a lawn chair! All are welcome! Please remember no pets and no coolers, but picnic baskets are welcome! The 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Culpeper; 92.5 WINC FM; Appleton Campbell; Culpeper Media Network; Culpeper Times; Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC; Kid Central; Randy s Flowers; Studio C Photography; Suites at 249; The Smokehouse; Terremark; and Virginia Eagle Distributing.

Come and enjoy summer in picturesque downtown Culpeper with great times and the great sounds of Keith Bryant & Ironhorse, Soul Expressions, The Fabulous Hubcaps, and The Holiday Band. For more information, please contact Culpeper Renaissance at (540) 825-4416 or crievents@culpeperdowntown.com or visit us on the web at www.culpeperdowntown.com and www.facebook.com/CRIDowntown .

Snow Much Fun in Downtown Culpeper  -  January 12, 2012

Enjoy Snow Much Fun at the Depot in historic Downtown Culpeper on February 4 and March 3 with performances by Rocknoceros and The Magical Illusions of Kyle & Kelly. Two different Saturdays, two different shows, ALL for the family! These wintertainment events are brought to you by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., a downtown development organization.

Rocknoceros, a kid-friendly power pop trio, will perform on February 4th. Rocknoceros (pronounced like Rhinoceros) is made up of three guys, Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie, who make wildly popular, award-winning music for the entire family. They have dominated the Washington D.C. children s music scene and have won a remarkable seven Washington Area Music Awards, including their fourth consecutive Best Children s Music Artist award in 2011. Recently, Rocknoceros has gained significant national recognition with their single Pink! reaching number one on Sirius/XM Kids Place Live 13 under 13 countdown. Plan to be charmed by their wondrous and whimsical tunes!

The winter fun continues downtown on March 3rd with The Magical Illusions of Kyle & Kelly. Be prepared for magic, music, and illusions presented by Kyle and Kelly, a husband and wife magic team specializing in family-friendly magic and illusion shows for over 25 years. Their magic has taken them all over the world. Fresh off of a performance on Carnival Cruise Lines, they are now bringing their award-winning magic to Culpeper! Their interactive show is a mix of magic, comedy, and grand illusion that promises to captivate and enthrall everyone.

Come and enjoy winter family fun at the Depot in historic downtown Culpeper with Rocknoceros on February 4 and The Magical Illusions of Kyle & Kelly on March 3. Doors open at 4 pm with the show taking place from 5 pm  6 pm. Admission is $5 per person one year and older. Pizza by the slice and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, please contact Culpeper Renaissance at (540) 825-4416 or crievents@culpeperdowntown.com or visit us on the web at www.culpeperdowntown.com and www.facebook.com/CRIDowntown .


Culpeper to Receive Great Streets Award Sunday at   -  October 6, 2011

During the annual Taste of Culpeper celebration Sunday, town of Culpeper officials will receive the Great Streets Award announced this week by the American Planning Association, which named Culpeper s Davis Street as one 10 Great Streets in 2011.

Mayor Chip Coleman will offer remarks regarding the prestigious award between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Depot. APA Director of Outreach and International Programs Jeff Soule will present the award.

It is ironic that part of the Great Streets award criteria and a catalyst for the success of Davis Street is The Depot where Soule will be arriving by Amtrak train to present a plaque to Mayor Chip Coleman.

Officials will also participate in a ribbon cutting to commemorate being named a Great Street.

Being recognized for having a great street is coupled with the town s recognition many years ago as one of America s Best Small Towns.

The APA singled out Davis Street for the honor for its grass roots revitalization effort.

The Taste of Culpeper celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m.


Become a Fan on Facebook!  -  January 6, 2010

Keep up with the latest Culpeper Downtown happenings such as in-store promotions, concerts, wine and beer tastings, car & bike shows and so much more by becoming a fan of the Culpeper Renaissance Inc. Facebook page. We look forward to keeping you in the loop!

Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Culpeper-Renaissance-Inc/126178172579?ref=ts