A resolution celebrating Main Street Week throughout the state of Kentucky was signed by Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson along with Middlesboro Main Street Director Emily Ayers and Bell County Chamber of Commerce Director Sheila Durham Monday.

The Kentucky Main Street Program was created in 1979 to address the economic decline experienced by many of Kentucky’s downtown business districts in the late 20th century. It is the oldest statewide Main Street revitalization program in the nation.

The goal of Kentucky Main Street is to encourage downtown revitalization and economic development within the context of historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and preserving existing assets of architecturally and historically significant buildings.

According to the resolution signed by Nelson, the Main Street approach has proven successful in communities across the state by advocating self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of downtowns based on traditional assets.

“Middlesboro does honor the work of Middlesboro Main Street,” Nelson said. “Especially, it’s significant economic impact the Commonwealth over nearly four decades.”

This week, Middlesboro Main Street is encouraging everyone to shop local for mom in honor of Sunday being Mother’s Day.

Here are a few of the shops on Middlesboro Main Street:

• Cardwell Furniture;

• Fountain Square Pharmacy;

• Hello Beautiful Hair Boutique;

• Jim and Mary’s Flower Shop;

• Christopher’s Creations;

• Sew Perfect Studios;

• Shades Café and Steakhouse;

• Shampooch Pet;

• Touch of Class;

• And many, many more.

This week, be sure to celebrate your Main Street both Middlesboro and Pineville.