Main Street Hanover Designated as a 2026 Main Street America Accredited Program

ChamberEconomicHuman InterestCommunityGeneral News ArticlePress Release

National recognition marks Main Street Hanover’s 10th consecutive year as an accredited organization
Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards established by Main Street America. This prestigious designation recognizes Main Street Hanover’s ongoing commitment to downtown revitalization, preservation-based economic development, and creating a vibrant, welcoming community through the nationally recognized Main Street Approach™.
This year’s designation marks a significant milestone for Main Street Hanover as the organization celebrates 10 consecutive years as an accredited Main Street America program, first achieving accreditation in 2016. For a decade, Main Street Hanover has demonstrated a sustained commitment to strengthening downtown Hanover through strategic programming, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and economic development initiatives.
“We are proud to recognize Main Street Hanover as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Main Street Hanover demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contributes to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”
Main Street Hanover is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is part of a network of more than 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.
Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation, Accredited and Affiliate. These designations serve as a badge of excellence, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and partners that a Main Street program has demonstrated a commitment to the proven principles of downtown revitalization. The Main Street movement has a 45-year history of generating economic growth, fostering welcoming communities, preserving historic character, and creating lasting local impact.
Main Street Hanover’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s staff and Board of Directors, as well as the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.
To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate success in six key areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
Throughout 2025, Main Street Hanover continued to build momentum through expanded downtown events, business support initiatives, beautification projects, and community partnerships. The organization welcomed thousands of visitors to downtown events, supported local businesses through promotional opportunities and grant programs, and helped advance projects focused on improving downtown aesthetics, connectivity, and quality of life. In the organization’s 2024–2025 reporting year, Main Street Hanover helped celebrate 18 new businesses opening downtown, engaged the community through events attracting more than 6,100 attendees, and coordinated more than 554 volunteer hours dedicated to strengthening Hanover’s downtown.
Major accomplishments over the past year included the continued growth of signature events such as Christmas in Hanover, 2nd Saturdays, and First Friday Art Walks, as well as continued collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and municipal partners to support downtown investment.
“Achieving 10 consecutive years of Main Street America accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of our board, volunteers, community partners, and downtown businesses,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “This designation reflects the incredible collaboration happening throughout Hanover. Every event, improvement project, volunteer hour, and business partnership contributes to the continued revitalization of our downtown and helps create a place where people want to visit, invest, and call home.”
In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.
For more information about Main Street Hanover and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, visit www.mainstreethanover.org.
About Main Street America
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, the Main Street Movement has resulted in $115.42 billion reinvested locally, 181,647 net new businesses, 815,895 net new jobs, 345,801 buildings rehabilitated, and 37.3 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

Main Street Hanover Designated as a 2026 Main Street America Accredited Program

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August 8, 2026

2nd Saturday August - Summer Celebration

Celebrate August’s 2nd Saturday in Downtown Hanover with special screenings of the iconic summer thriller Jaws (1975) at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center!
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August 8, 2026
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Restaurant Week

Get ready to experience the best flavors of downtown during Hanover Restaurant Week, a two-week celebration of local dining from August 8–22, 2026.
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September 6, 2026
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30th Annual Hanover Chili Cook-Off (Chili Palooza)

Take part in Hanover's largest and most popular event: the Hanover Chili Cook-Off!
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September 12, 2026
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Oktoberfest - A Taste of Germany

Come downtown for September’s 2nd Saturday! Raise your steins and bring your appetites—Oktoberfest – A Taste of Germany is coming to downtown Hanover!
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September 12, 2026
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2nd Saturday September - Oktoberfest Bites & Brews Stroll

Raise your steins and bring your appetites, Oktoberfest – A Taste of Germany is coming to downtown Hanover!
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What are the top attractions to visit in Hanover?

Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.

Are there guided tours available in Hanover?

In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.

Can visitors engage in any unique local activities?

In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands.

What historical experiences can one have in Hanover?

Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.

What is Hanover known for?

Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which is part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.                              

Where can I grab a drink?

Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.

Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.

Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.

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Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.

Where can I get a map of Hanover?

The Borough office at 33 Frederick St,‍ Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.

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