Stronger Together Through Heroism: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

"We do not have to become heroes overnight.
Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up…
discovering we have the strength to stare it down."

 – Eleanor Roosevelt

Some heroes are faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive. But I think the greatest superpower of all is the ability to take leaps of faith -- not in a single bound, but by putting one foot in front of another. By mustering up enough optimism to try, one step at a time can eventually get us all back on the road again.

On the Road Again, the Downtown Arlington 2020 Annual Meeting, will salute many of the heroes who have similarly helped us, led us, and inspired us this past year. Several of those individuals will be recognized with our three most prestigious annual awards, presented live during the program:

The Golden Lantern Award salutes a non-profit organizations or community member who leads with kindness and empathy. The 2019 winner of the Golden Lantern Award was Tillie Burgin, founder and long-time matriarch of Mission Arlington. 

The Legendary Lionheart Award is a reference to the iconic figure of a lion in Downtown’s historic mineral well. The award is given in recognition of a local businessperson whose entrepreneurial energy and dedication to Downtown has become legendary. Randy Ford, owner of J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, was the recipient of the 2019 Legendary Lionheart Award.

The highly-anticipated Dream Builder Award honors outstanding leadership and contributions to our community over time. Previous winners of the Dream Builder Award include Patti Diou, Tom Cravens, Lana Wolff and Terry Bertrand.”

We hope you’ll join us on Facebook Live Thursday, September 10 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. as we celebrate our 2020 honorees during the event. The free, variety show-style celebration will also include music, great storytelling, bloopers, throwback trivia, and a tribute to the people who make Downtown Arlington the heart of our community. 

You can get involved before and during the Downtown Arlington 2020 Annual Meeting in several ways:

Invite your friends: Since this year’s event is free and easily accessible online, please invite your friends to join us! The more people who discover all that Downtown Arlington has to offer, the more likely our community can survive the economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free Promotion for Your Business: If your business or organization is located in Downtown Arlington, we’ll give you a free sponsor shout-out during the Annual Meeting! Simply host a Watch Party for your customers or patrons during the event on Sept. 10 and/or offer an On the Road Again special. Promote your watch party or special on Facebook, and send/tag us the details of your promotion by Sept. 6 to be guaranteed a shout-out during the event. Questions? Email Elena@downtownarlington.org

Deliver Downtown First: Before you settle in to watch On the Road Again, be sure you’re stocked up on your dishes, appetizers, drinks and desserts from one (or more!) of Downtown’s bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs. Visit Downtown Delivers for links to order items to-go, for curbside pick-up, or delivery and watch our social media for info about Watch Parties and Annual Meeting specials.

Live Trivia: Fans of our Downtown Arlington Roots series will enjoy playing our Downtown Trivia Challenge which will take place in the live chat. Do you know your Arlington history? If so, you might win some swag!

RSVP now via the Facebook event, and we’ll see you next Thursday.

Walkin’ on Abram: Downtown Outdoors Labor Day Edition

Before we reveal the next self-guided tour courtesy of our Downtown Outdoors platform, here’s a little something to get you in the mood:

I used to think Abram was only for getting through town
And for watching parades twice a year and some good local grub
Now every time I walk along Abram, gotta hold myself down
'Cause I just can't believe all the things to do in Downtown 

I'm walking on Abram, whoa
I'm walking on Abram, whoa
I'm walking on Abram, whoa
And don't it feel good
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good!

(Sung to tune of Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves)

That’s right, Arlington. It’s time to take a walk (or run or ride) along the all new, award-winning Abram Street. Stroll along accessible, attractive sidewalks as you take in 24 (wow!) murals, public and interactive art installations, pocket parks, historic points of interest, and arts venues. What better time than with your family and friends over Labor Day Weekend?

Click here to see our Walkin’ on Abram infographic which maps out all the artful points of interest along and adjacent to Downtown’s “main drag.”

As you take yourself on this 1.5-mile tour, you’ll also discover cool new places to kick back with a cup of coffee or enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ramen? Check. Wings? Check. Frozen custard? Check. Coffee shops? Check, check. Irish Nachos? Check, since 1979.

Kids will also enjoy exploring their hometown in this new way that’s both fun and educational. Did you know that there is a monument to Arlington Sister City Bad Königshofen, Germany in Gene Allen Park? Adjacent to the park is the Arlington Museum of Art, where you and your youngsters can check out the Knox Martin: Living Legend exhibition through October 11. Add a stop at Free Play Arlington or Truth Vinyl and your family can easily make a day of it. 

Please continue to follow Downtown Outdoors on our website and social media platforms for more ideas, programs, and events. 

Let’s go outside and play!

Live from the Levitt   

After successfully transitioning to Facebook Live online concerts this past summer, the Levitt Pavilion is not only continuing to offer live stream music this Fall but is resuming in-person concerts with new COVID-19 safety measures in place. The beloved lawn now offers designated seating areas to give families and groups their own, socially-distanced space.

Groups can include up to eight people in each of the spaces, which must be reserved online.