Our History

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In late 2007, the East Greenwich Planning Board solicited volunteers from the community to sit on a short-term action committee, the Strategic Downtown Planning Initiative. After presenting their findings to the Planning Board, some of the committee members were interested in continuing longer-term efforts, and subsequently formed the East Greenwich Downtown Planning Initiative (EGDPI), an official committee of the Town.

The committee set forth to implement of some the proposed ideas. One of these ideas was creating the East Greenwich Farmers’ Market (eastgreenwichfarmersmarket.com). The success of this market start-up showed the potential impact and benefits of an enhanced community. The EGDPI successfully implemented several other projects and events, such as placing highway signs encouraging visitors to Historic East Greenwich, creating the East Greenwich Visitor’s Guide and placing Downtown Directories at various locations on and off Main Street. Other enhancements to Main Street included the addition of recycling bins. For guests and residents of East Greenwich, a few events were started including an outdoor movie and The Hill and Harbour 5K Turkey Trot.

As it continued to grow and supported other projects the EGDPI voted to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and change its name to The Main Street Association.  Now a fully-certified 501(c)(3) organization, The Main Street Association can accept tax-deductible donations and seek sponsorships for its events.

Further establishing its presence within the community, The Main Street Association continues to add events that enhance life within the town of East Greenwich.

Become a volunteer

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Many of our MSA events require help with planning, execution, clean-up, etc. Becoming a volunteer means that you can help when you have the time, but can’t necessarily make a “full time” commitment to the MSA.