PRESTONSBURG, KENTUCKY (April 29, 2024) – For its efforts to breathe new life into downtown Somerset and once again make it the heartbeat of the community, the City of Somerset received the Downtown of the Year Award April 27 at the SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Gala. The annual event, presented by Kentucky Power, was an evening filled with celebration and recognition of those working across Appalachia Kentucky to create a brighter future. Hosted in the grand theatre of the Mountain Arts Center, the event was a poignant reminder of the talent and dedication thriving in the region. More than 260 nominations from 42 of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties culminated in 14 individuals and organizations being recognized at Appalachia’s premier awards ceremony. The Downtown of the Year Award honors a downtown or Main Street organization dedicated to supporting existing businesses, attracting new enterprises, and engaging in collaborative beautification initiatives, including enhancing downtown Wi-Fi access.
Photo credits: SPEDA and SOAR (Somerset Mayor Alan Keck receiving the Downtown of the Year award)
