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The Marshalltown Central Business District recently announced the launch of Downtown Proud: Class of 2027, a new banner campaign that will line the streets of downtown Marshalltown each spring with the names and photos of Marshall County's graduating high school seniors.
Beginning immediately, families of Marshall County high school seniors graduating in 2027 can order a personalized Downtown Proud banner for $189. Each banner will feature the senior's photo and name, hung proudly on light poles throughout downtown Marshalltown from April through June -- giving graduates, families and the whole community a chance to celebrate this milestone together, right in the heart of town.
"We wanted to create something that lets our whole community say 'we see you, and we're proud of you' to every senior walking across that graduation stage," said Danielle Lekin, executive director of the MCBD. "Downtown Proud turns Main Street into a hometown hall of fame for a season -- and every banner sold goes right back into keeping our downtown strong."
Proceeds from the Downtown Proud campaign directly support MCBD's mission to promote and strengthen downtown Marshalltown -- fueling the events, beautification efforts and small-business support that keep the district thriving. Ordering a banner is more than a tribute to a graduate; it's an investment in the downtown businesses seniors will one day call their own hometown.
Downtown Proud: Class of 2027 succeeds MCBD's Military Tribute Banner Program, a proud partnership with Marshall County Veterans Affairs that, for several years, honored the service and sacrifice of local veterans with banners displayed throughout downtown Marshalltown. MCBD is deeply grateful to Marshall County Veterans Affairs and to every family, veteran and community member who participated in and supported the program over the years. Due to declining participation in recent seasons, MCBD has made the difficult decision to sunset the Military Tribute Banner Program and redirect that energy into celebrating another group of Marshall County residents poised to shape our community's future: its graduating seniors.
"The Military Tribute Banner Program meant so much to this community, and to us," Lekin said. "We are thankful for every veteran who was honored, every family who ordered a banner, and our partners at Marshall County Veterans Affairs for years of collaboration. As that program winds down, we're excited to start a new downtown tradition that will keep bringing our community together, banner after banner, class after class."
Families can order a Downtown Proud: Class of 2027 senior banner online at www.marshalltownmainstreet.org, or pick up a paper order form in person at the MCBD office, 34 W. Main St., Marshalltown. Community members are encouraged to order early to make sure their senior is included when banners go up next spring.