Main Street Hanover Releases FY2025–2026 Annual Report Highlighting Growth, Impact, and Community Engagement

CommunityGeneral News ArticlePress Release

Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover is proud to release its July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 Annual Report, highlighting a year of continued downtown revitalization, new business growth, increased community engagement, strategic marketing, and strong partnerships throughout Hanover and beyond.
The annual report showcases the organization’s work to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, improve the business environment, enhance quality of place, and increase community synergy.
Executive Director Moriah Tyler reflected on the past fiscal year:
“This year was defined by continued growth, strong partnerships, and exciting new opportunities, from launching our monthly downtown cleanups and expanding the Christmas in Hanover Festival, to being recognized with the Spirit of Tourism Award from Explore York. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, business owners, sponsors, board members, community partners, and supporters who continue to invest their time, talents, and resources into our shared vision.”
Key FY2025–2026 Highlights Include:
  • 15 new businesses opened downtown.
  • More than 160 businesses are currently located downtown.
  • 17,647+ visitors attended downtown events.
  • 762+ volunteer hours were contributed, valued at $24,244.85.
  • 25 Hometown Hero Banners were installed.
  • 26 beautification grants were awarded, totaling $6,476.54.
  • 512 gallons of trash were collected through monthly downtown cleanups.
  • 252,076 accounts were reached through social media advertising.
  • 500,140 social media impressions were generated.
  • More than 1,500 e-newsletter subscribers are connected to Main Street Hanover.
  • Main Street Hanover was featured in four local magazines.
  • $12,000 was invested in downtown Hanover through the Video Reel Marketing Grant.
  • The Google Ad Grant Program generated 10,858 clicks and 171,031 impressions, with $84,977.33 in grant funding invested in downtown Hanover.
Through its programs and partnerships, Main Street Hanover continued creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience downtown. Core programs included 2nd Saturdays, 1st Friday Art Walks, beautification initiatives, Hometown Hero Banners, Christmas in Hanover, and monthly downtown cleanups.
Expanding Hanover’s Reach
Main Street Hanover’s marketing efforts continued to reach audiences well beyond York County. Social media advertising generated significant exposure across Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, New York, the District of Columbia, and Ohio.
Pennsylvania accounted for more than 124,900 of the highlighted audience reach, followed by Maryland with more than 41,400. Other states and the District of Columbia represented thousands of additional connections to Hanover. The organization also received recognition during the fiscal year, including the Spirit of Tourism Award from Explore York, reflecting the impact of Main Street Hanover’s work to promote Hanover as a destination.
Investing in Downtown
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Main Street Hanover relies on the generosity of community members, businesses, sponsors, donors, and partners to support its programs, events, and ongoing revitalization efforts.
During FY2025–2026, revenue sources included:
  • Bequest: $70,070.79
  • Grants: $68,267.00
  • Borough Funding: $40,000.00
  • Programs & Beautification: $21,212.47
  • Sponsorships: $20,150.00
  • Donations: $6,294.83
  • Christmas: $4,575.71
Expenses included:
  • Operations: $137,999.22
  • Programs & Beautification: $17,725.17
  • Christmas: $16,987.59
  • Advertising: $16,809.49
The organization notes that its bequest was responsibly invested to support long-term sustainability, with a portion of the funding including interest income earned from the investment. Additionally, the majority of grants received are restricted to specific programs, projects, and events and are passed through directly to support implementation; these funds are not eligible for general operating expenses.
Supporting Hanover’s Business Community
Main Street Hanover works with retailers and boutiques, restaurants and breweries, professional services, and arts, entertainment, and cultural organizations throughout downtown.
The organization supports downtown businesses through social media spotlights and campaigns, the Explore Downtown website and business directory, press releases and printed publicity, monthly themed events designed to encourage patronage of local businesses, access to grants and funding programs, and educational and networking opportunities.
Main Street Hanover is not a membership-based organization and instead relies on community donations, sponsorships, and partnerships to support its work.
Looking Ahead
The FY2025–2026 Annual Report demonstrates the continued momentum behind downtown Hanover’s revitalization. With new businesses opening, increased visitor engagement, expanded marketing reach, volunteer investment, beautification efforts, and continued partnerships, Main Street Hanover remains committed to building a stronger and more vibrant downtown.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year possible,” said Tyler. “Every volunteer hour, sponsorship, donation, partnership, event, business opening, and community connection contributes to the continued success of downtown Hanover.”
Main Street Hanover’s mission is carried out through downtown revitalization, community events, business support, and beautification projects. The organization works to create a welcoming, economically vibrant downtown while supporting the businesses and organizations that make Hanover unique.
To view the complete FY2025–2026 Annual Report, including detailed program, marketing, financial, and community impact information, visit www.MainStreetHanover.org. A printable and downloadable PDF of the report is also available through the organization’s website.

Main Street Hanover Releases FY2025–2026 Annual Report Highlighting Growth, Impact, and Community Engagement

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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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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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October 3, 2026
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Snack Town Fall Fest 2026

Snack Town Fall Fest is a one-day festival featuring food trucks, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), craft vendors, kid and family activities, and live music.
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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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Email

info@discoverhanoverpa.org

Phone

+1 (717) 637-6130 ext. 105

Office

40 York St Suite 2, Hanover, PA 17331