Downtown Vincennes Association Coordinates Events, Business Outreach

Ellen Harper brings experience from the Indiana Main Street program to lead revitalization efforts.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Downtown Vincennes Association, led by new coordinator Ellen Harper, is continuing efforts to revitalize the city's downtown area. Harper previously helped the city re-establish its Indiana Main Street affiliation and now oversees four committees focused on design, promotion, economic vitality and organization. The association supports community events and is organizing its own, including the upcoming Summer on Main festival. The group is also working to update the city's downtown revitalization plan.

Why it matters

Downtown revitalization is a key priority for many communities, as vibrant city centers can boost local economies, attract new businesses and residents, and improve quality of life. Vincennes' efforts, led by the Downtown Association, aim to build on the city's historic character and community assets to drive growth and investment.

The details

Ellen Harper, who previously worked for the State of Indiana as a liaison for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Main Street program, took over as coordinator of the Downtown Vincennes Association last fall. The association operates as an Indiana Main Street affiliate and has four committees focused on design, promotion, economic vitality and organization. The promotion committee works with other local groups to highlight events held downtown, including the Watermelon Festival. The association is also organizing its own events, such as the upcoming Summer on Main festival on June 26. Additionally, the group is updating the city's downtown revitalization plan to outline future priorities.

  • Ellen Harper became the new coordinator of the Downtown Vincennes Association in the fall of 2025.
  • The Downtown Vincennes Association is hosting its Summer on Main event on June 26, 2026.

The players

Ellen Harper

The new coordinator of the Downtown Vincennes Association, who previously worked for the State of Indiana as a liaison for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Main Street program.

Downtown Vincennes Association

An Indiana Main Street affiliate organization leading revitalization efforts in downtown Vincennes, Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“Being a native of Knox County, for 10 years I worked for the state of Indiana, and I was a liaison for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and part of my part of what I taught and went in and helped communities do was the Indiana Main Street program.”

— Ellen Harper, Coordinator, Downtown Vincennes Association (vincennespbs.org)

“The promotion committee is the committee that it's all about the events activities that's going on. Um, and it doesn't have to be something that's run by DVA, um, for instance, the Watermelon Festival's a prime example. That's a Chamber event, but yet it's held in our downtown.”

— Ellen Harper, Coordinator, Downtown Vincennes Association (vincennespbs.org)

What’s next

The Downtown Vincennes Association is planning to host its Summer on Main event on June 26, 2026, which will feature various activities and entertainment for the community.

The takeaway

The Downtown Vincennes Association's efforts to revitalize the city's historic downtown area, led by new coordinator Ellen Harper, demonstrate the importance of community-driven initiatives and public-private partnerships in driving economic development and preserving local character.