Projects
Projects Proudly Sponsored by Frostburg First
Current Projects
Pop-Up Shop/Business Incubator Program
The Pop-Up Shop and Small Business Incubator Program is intended to attract small retailers and/or service based businesses to the Frostburg Arts & Entertainment District by offering assistance with start-up costs including rent, utilities, materials, insurance, and marketing to give the selected businesses the opportunity to test their products and services. FrostburgFirst hopes the program will create opportunities for future business owners who have had trouble finding accessible, affordable, and flexible spaces and allow them to create, expand, and nurture their small business with relatively low risk in downtown Frostburg.
Frostburg Downtown Maps
Every year, FrostburgFirst works with a local designer to update the downtown brochures that can be found at nearly every local business. These brochures give information about the town and its businesses and contains a listing of the major annual events that take place in Downtown Frostburg. FrostburgFirst also maintains four large-scale maps and information kiosks located at the Frostburg post office, Sheetz, the Great Allegheny Passage trail head, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad depot.
Past Projects
Lamppost Banner Project
In January 2017, FrostburgFirst was awarded a grant to support a Lamppost Banner Project. With the grant, FrostburgFirst will purchase 72 banners that will line Main Street from the intersection of Grant Street to Water Street, Broadway from the intersection of Main Street to Ormand St., and from the Depot up to Main Street. The banners will enhance Frostburg’s sense of place and tie together the different sections of our downtown community. More information on this project coming soon!
Frostburg Trailhead Signage Project
In October 2016, FrostburgFirst was awarded a grant through the State Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program to support a project to create signage leading from the Great Allegheny Passage Frostburg Trailhead up to Main Street to help bikers and pedestrians using the trail navigate to necessary amenities at the Depot and on Main Street. More information coming soon!
Frostburg Business Directory
FrostburgFirst compiled contact information for every business in the Frostburg and surrounding area to include in a comprehensive business directory. Directories were mailed to every household address in the 21532 zip code. With the intent to inform community members of what businesses and services Frostburg has to offer, this project falls in line with the “Think Local, Shop Local” initiative.
Depot Transportation Program
FrostburgFirst coordinates the Trolley Program. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad brings 40,000 riders to Frostburg each year. The trolley program provides transportation to train riders during their 90 minute layover up to Main Street to shop and dine in our local restaurants.
Discover Your Frostburg: A Downtown Community Orientation Series
More info on Discover Your Frostburg coming soon!
Public Art Project
In partnership with Frostburg State University Art Department and the City of Frostburg, FrostburgFirst helped to coordinate a series of three public art projects around town. The first installation, a mural by Parris Ashley on Broadway, was dedicated in October 2015. The second installation designed by Eric Groff featured a series of three robots printed on a heat-applied vinyl designed specifically for masonry. You can find these robots on Zen Shi, Main Street Books, and A Place to Eat. The third project designed by Shea Crumbley, a series of literary genre-themed banners, will hang from the Frostburg Public Library and was dedicated on April 23, 2016 as part of the Frostburg Arts Walk.
Events Sponsored and Co-Sponsored by FrostburgFirst
Allegany County Restaurant Week
FrostburgFirst has partnered with Allegany County Tourism for a celebration of the culinary talents of local restaurants. During restaurant week, restaurants offer specially priced multi-course meals. The first restaurant week concept originated in New York City in the early nineties. Allegany County kicked off with their first annual restaurant week in September 2017 and offered both multi-course menus and allowed restaurants to opt for special promotions.
Beautify The Burg
Beautify the ’Burg, formally called the Day of Caring and Sharing, is an activity that exemplifies the growing collaboration between year-round Frostburg residents and members of the Frostburg State University community. Participants fan out across town to plant flowers, paint light posts, sweep sidewalks and perform other tasks to spruce up Frostburg for spring.The event is hosted by the City of Frostburg in conjunction with Frostburg State University, Frostburg First, and the Greek Council at FSU.
Frostburg Arts Walk
Frostburg’s premier event to showcase local artists, makers, and crafters that takes place mid-Spring. The Frostburg Arts Walk is designed as a walking gallery and arts tour right in the heart of downtown Frostburg. This is a family friendly event, and most activities are free and open to the public.
Frostburg 101: A Taste of the City
Occurring the Saturday after Block Party, this event invites Frostburg State University students to Main Street for an interactive scavenger hunt through the businesses in downtown Frostburg. To acquaint students with the restaurant and retail options in Frostburg, businesses offer hefty discounts and free samples to students showing their school ID.
Pirates Ahoy!
Second Wednesday in July
In this pirate-themed event of the summer, children participate in various pirate activities, including a treasure hunt, costume contest, and author/illustrator presentation. Activities take place at City Place, Palace Theatre and participating stores and restaurants in Historic Downtown Frostburg. This event is coordinated in partnership with the Children’s Literature Centre at Frostburg State University
Small Business Saturday & Handmade Holiday Fair
Occurring annually the Saturday after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday celebrates shopping small in local, independent businesses. In addition to Frostburg retailers and restaurants running specials for the day, a Handmade Holiday Fair takes place in City Place, featuring local artists, artisans, and crafters with their locally made goods.
Storybook Holiday
First Saturday of December
Bundle up and join in the winter festivities of Storybook Holiday, hosted the first Saturday of December. Start the day off with Breakfast with the Elves. Immediately after, join the elves outside to cheer on your favorites during the traditional Elf Olympics, followed by a magical parade down Main Street. Then, come see City Place turned into a winter wonderland, filled with family fun activities for all. Throughout the day, elves host storybook readings, followed by the annual cookie contest. End the day by watching a classic holiday movie at our wonderful Palace Theatre.