This past year marked my first as Director of the Tri-Cities Main Street Program—a year that can only be described as a whirlwind of activity, progress, and community pride. Stepping into the role on December 18, 2023, I brought with me a deep appreciation for the unique historical culture of the Tri-Cities: Cumberland, Benham, and Lynch. While each community has its own distinct personality, all three share a common legacy rooted in the coal industry.

Despite economic challenges and ongoing infrastructure needs, each city has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Notably, the City of Cumberland, under the leadership of Mayor Charles Raleigh, the City Council, and city employees, has successfully restored the city’s once-struggling sewer plant—an effort that allowed them to maintain independence rather than merge services with the Joint Sewer Agency. Meanwhile, Benham, Lynch, and the County’s unincorporated area of Clutts have taken initial steps toward joining the Joint Sewer Agency, with updates on that process still pending.

In July 2024, the Harlan County Fiscal Court transferred day-to-day operations of the Senior Citizens Center to the Tri-Cities Heritage Development Corporation’s Main Street Program. We rebranded the facility as The Center on Main to better serve both the community and our program’s mission. Since rebranding, the center has welcomed approximately 3,496 guests for events, activities, and rentals.

The July 4th celebration, planned and organized by Suzie Williams and Cumberland Tourism at the Square on Main was a resounding success, filled with vendors, food, drinks, and live entertainment. The evening concluded with fireworks that reminded us all of the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom. In Lynch, the annual 4th of July Parade—originally a 1920s tradition revived eight years ago by Eric and Sissy Rutherford—once again brought the community together, followed by a picnic at Jerry Edwards Park.

Another highlight of the year was the 3rd Annual Possum Fest, held on September 7, 2024, in Cumberland. First envisioned by Valerie Hinkle and Julie Pitts to celebrate Appalachian culture while boosting the local economy, the festival has grown into a signature Tri-Cities event. This year’s festival—led by Julie Pitts with creative contributions from Valerie Hinkle and a dedicated team of volunteers—attracted crowds that filled the streets as far as the eye could see. Many food vendors sold out, and community spirit was on full display. While we identified opportunities for improvement, planning is already underway for an even bigger and better Possum Fest 2025, scheduled for Friday September 5, 2025 and Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Reflecting on my time as Director, I recognize that there is still much to learn. I believe that continual learning is essential to growth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. The old saying is true—if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. This position allows me to not only contribute to our community’s progress but also to connect with friends and neighbors every day.

In 2024, the annual reinvestment total for the Tri-Cities reached $2,634,401. Major accomplishments included repaving the Main Street area from Cumberland to Lynch, launching a new bridge project, advancing floodwall retention work in Cumberland, and completing several downtown Cumberland building renovations—some of which are now home to new businesses. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to revitalizing our downtowns and strengthening our local economy.

The future of the Tri-Cities Main Street Program is bright, and I am proud of the progress we have made together. I look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year.

Tri-Cities Main Street Director

Erica Eldridge