Noblesville Main Street Organization Shines a Light on What Makes Downtown Special
Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided
People are charmed by the ambiance of historic downtown Noblesville. Located along the perimeter of the courthouse square, and extending to nearby streets, are unique businesses such as antique shops, boutiques, and quaint places to grab coffee or a bite to eat. The monumental Hamilton County Courthouse, built in the late 1870s, anchors it all. Besides shopping, visitors come to attend the 20-plus highly anticipated events that take place each year. Noblesville Main Street is the organization responsible for making the festivals and activities happen.
For more than 30 years, Noblesville Main Street, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has developed the culture of the city’s historic downtown, and in turn enriched the surrounding community. Accredited by the national organization Main Street America, it differs from the Chamber of Commerce since its sole focus is revitalizing the downtown sector. Funding is completely through donations and corporate sponsorships. 
It promotes the businesses within the district by developing partnerships and creating unique events that draw visitors to the area. Along with corporate sponsor Duke Energy, Noblesville Main Street hosts the Farmers Market at Federal Hill Commons each Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon through October 14. Music & All That Jazz, which is held on the courthouse square and sponsored with Gordon Insurance Partners, will also end its season on October 14.
Happenings geared toward the cooler months are coming soon. The themed First Friday events held downtown are very popular and include the Fall Fest/Soup Cook Off on October 6, Holiday Open House on November 3, and Deck the Downtown/Midnight Madness on December 1. Small Business Saturday is November 25, and on Saturday, December 2, the Holiday Mart will be held. Information will be coming soon for Noblesville Main Street Holiday Dinner, which will take place on December 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Joe Arrowood was involved with Noblesville Main Street from its very beginnings. Early on, he stepped into the role of executive director, serving in that position for nine years. Many of the events people enjoy today were developed during his tenure.
“The thing we really wanted to do was help the merchants and mom-and-pop establishments by putting on programs to bring people downtown,” Arrowood says. “One of the biggest ones we started is the Street Dance. Getting the Duck Race up and going was hard. I went to the Lions Club for help and they were great. Later they came up with the idea of serving grilled cheese during the Soup Cook Off.”
“Our community-driven organization is affiliated with the national organization Main Street America,” says Kate Baker, executive director. “To keep our accreditation, we must run a solid board, have fundraisers, define our historic district and do things for the community through events. We need volunteers and partnerships to continue to adapt our events, to welcome more people in our growing community. Each year we think about how we can redefine and bring folks downtown to support our local businesses.”
Noblesville Main Street is located at 839 Conner Street. Call 317-776-0205 and visit noblesvillemainstreet.org for more info. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.
