PRESTONSBURG - Downtown's a special place, says Prestonsburg's Director of Economic Development Brent Graden, and he has plans to make Prestonsburg's downtown more special than ever.

Graden unveiled the city's newest downtown revitalization program, the Prestonsburg Renaissance on Main program, this past Wednesday evening in a meeting held in the courtyard/fountain area along downtown's Court Street.

The program, which will focus on economic restructuring, growth and job creation, will be kicked off this summer with a variety of new additions geared toward drawing crowds to the city's downtown area.

Among those additions will be "Fridays Alive," a concert series featuring a wide array of musical entertainment for people of all ages. Among the genres scheduled are new country, Southern rock, gospel, bluegrass and hardcore rock.

The concerts will take place, dates to be announced, in the city parking lot. Refreshments and various other vendors will be available.

Additionally, the Downtown Sidewalk Sale program will be implemented throughout the summer season. Again, much of the activity will be focused in the city parking lot area, with a variety of vendors, artists, local shop owners and craftsmen displaying their wares.

Graden also expressed hopes that a local Farmer's Market will again be open in the downtown area throughout the summer growing season for locals to purchase fresh, locally grown produce.

In the mix, also, are future plans to accommodate the area's youth with the construction of a skateboard park and competition area.

The Renaissance on Main program, Graden said, "is going to be good for downtown."

"Whatever we can do to bring people downtown, we're going to do ... We're going to make it happen. I'm excited."

Members of the Prestonsburg Renaissance on Main Association include Graden, manager and secretary; Bryan Allen, Hall & Clark Insurance, president and promotions; Thomas Nairn, Reed Engineering, vice president; Glenn David May, Glenn May Enterprises, treasurer; Eric Thomas, East Kentucky Science Center, design and organization; Jan Wells, Country at Heart, design committee; Dr. Robert Herrick, Herrick Dentistry, organization committee; and Lee and Sheila Collins, Billy Ray's Restaurant.