Brian Roche, a longtime Cambridge Main Street volunteer on a diverse collection of projects, has been chosen as the 2016 recipient of the Marjorie S. Lednum Award for Outstanding Volunteerism, which will be awarded on April 9 at the orgainzations annual Spring Fling fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Brandon Hesson will be leaving Cambridge Main Street and joining the City of Cambridge as the new Associate Director of Economic Development. The search for a new Executive Director to help continue the recent growth downtown begins immediately. You can find the job description HERE.

The Cleveland-based, Reggae-Rock powerhouse Tropidelic will take a break on its tour to stop in Cambridge and headline the Paddy on Poplar entertainment on March 12. Higher Education will open the day for this unique twist on a St. Patrick's Day party.

The Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil and Muskrat Stew Fest happens this Sunday, February 28. It begins with a unique 'RARdi Gras' kickoff party, features world class entertainment, and is a food experience The Baltimore Sun calls, "unique."

Blues legend Tom Principato will return to Cambridge to headline the Crabi Gras Crawfish Boil and Muskrat Stew Fest on February 28 in Cannery Way.

For all of you last-minute shoppers out there, we've gone ahead and pulled together a list of deals and ideas. You are running out of time, so get out and support local businesses.

Thirty Cambridge Main Street volunteers gathered Sunday afternoon, and wrapped approximately 300 presents to make sure 75 Cambridge youth were provided Christmas presents this year.

Simmons Center Market will provide carriage rides for the 10th straight year, and Santa Claus will appear in two locations. Retail shops are offering great sales for you to finish your Christmas list downtown.

Cambridge Main Street recently partnered with Dorchester County companies Bay Country Communications and Bay Country Security to bring security cameras to downtown Cambridge, which can be monitored real time on site or via secure internet connection through a computer or portable device.

We've got a little something for everyone this Saturday, as we celebrate SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY on November 28.

Help downtown businesses make a difference this holiday season by donating new, unopened toys to Miracle on Poplar. You can also purchase these Groove City decals for $3 at Calista Boutique, Cutting Edge Salaon, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, or Katie Mae's Country Shop.

Cambridge Main Street, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth have joined forces to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to Cambridge Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Dorchester Center for the Arts. 

One lesson Cambridge Main Street learned last year was that there was ample parking during its event with IRONMAN Maryland. We're urging everyone to come downtown and enjoy the race at IRONFEST. Check out the full story and we'll tell you where to park.

Starting midweek, Main Street businesses have created a ton of unique events and specials to welcome back athletes for the second running of IRONMAN Maryland, which was postponed prior to its original date on Oct. 3 due to poor weather during the approach of Hurricane Joaquin.

Cambridge Main Street recently announced its design for the 2015 Christmas ornament, mimicking the tree topper designed and built by Jack Helgeson at Choptank Charlie's Emporium.

When IRONFEST was forced to be canceled due to Hurricane Joaquin and potentially dangerous weather conditions, a great street event never saw the light of day. However, by rescheduling for Oct. 17, this edition of IRONFEST might be better than the original. 

IRONMAN Maryland is officially going to happen on Oct. 17, and it took an incredible effort from everyone at the city and county governement, as well as their offices, and race coordinators. Businesses are gearing themselves back up for another run for the first IRONMAN endurance race to ever succesfully be rescheduled.

Citing potential flooding, high tides, heavy rain and wind, IRONMAN announced the postponement of its event here on Oct. 3. Race organizers broke the news to about 100 participants in attendance as part of its race briefing at Long Wharf, while email notifications went out to the remaining 2,000 athletes with instructions not to travel to Maryland.

Cambridge Main Street and Young Professionals of Dorchester County have teammed up with IRONMAN Maryland to provide shuttle service for athletes and their families into downtown Cambridge. These golf cart shuttles will happen from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. A few shifts are still available if anyone would like to fill in as a last minute driver.

Business owners in downtown Cambridge are making plans, extending hours and carrying special items for IRONMAN Maryland participants and their families.

Cambridge Main Street, RAR Brewing and McReady's Hearth & Home have teammed up to create a unique environment downtown for anyone interested in cheering on participants of IronMan Maryland on Oct. 3 from 5-10 p.m. There will be an outdoor lounge, food, drinks, and live entertainment from some of your favorite live performers.

We'll have music by Dave Hawkins, Bobby Reed and Blackwater. Join us at the intersection of Gay and Poplar, sit back, and enjoy the race.

Mike Elzey (center) has raised enough money to build a stage with upgraded sound and lighting in a space at Overflow Cafe, located at 400 Muir Street. They will hold alcohol- and drug-free musical events for students and professionals three Fridays a month.

Cambridge Main Street is sad to say it has had to cancel its Summer Sendoff - Blues, Brews and Barbecue event today. This morning's weather was not great, but the decision was made after seeing an almost definite band of rain which is expected to hit Cambridge around 8 p.m. Standing water, and the risk of more rain, made setting up a live band, as well as restaurants using electricity to heat food, an unnecessary risk.

The event will be pushed back to Oct. 3, where it will run in conjunction with IronMan Maryland from 5-10 p.m. Please make plans to join us. Thank you for your support.

It may not be the kind of partnership you'd expect, but Black Anchor Tattoo has raised more than $70,000 for the March of Dimes by getting industry professionals on board for its annual fundraising event Tattooing to Save Babies. Its seventh-annual event will happen on Sept. 19 at Black Anchor locations in Denton and Cambridge.

The Justin Ryan Band will make its debut in Cambridge as the headline act for Summer Sendoff- Blues, Brews and Barbecue. Ryan is a veteran of the Eastern Shore music scene and has collaborated on this most recent musical venture with other decorated area musicians to highlight an impressive collection of original work, as well as country rock standards. Local favorite and Summer Sendoff veteran Black Dog Alley will open.

The Maryland Department of Agrticulture and Governor Larry Hogan are urging communities to eat fresh, local produce and to help promote healthy living by taking selfies with your providers at the Cambridge Farmers' Market. Tag your selfies with #GetyourFRESHon, and you could be a lucky winner.

Mark your calendars for Summer Sendoff - Blues, Brews and Barbecue on Sept. 12 from 5-10 p.m. It's our annual tradition of saying goodbye to the busy summer season with barbecue-inspired food, live music and some tasty craft beer. This year we have partnered with RPS ISG International and RAR Brewing to make this the best year ever.

Cambridge Main Street volunteers don't just work at events like Taste of Cambridge and Summer Send-Off. They also serve on organizational committees making a lasting impact on our downtown commercial district.

Cambridge Main Street is currently looking for volunteer members of its four core committees, and we think you may have what it takes to help us continue the revitalization of downtown Cambridge.

The Cambridge Wheels Car Show will kick off its third year with what it hopes will be its biggest year yet. This event is a fundraiser for Pleasant Day Adult Daycare, raising money to send its senior citizens on an Ocean City bus trip to enjoy the boardwalk and the beach. Last year this event was able to fund 11 buses for the trip, and its added live music and a raffle for crabs to see if it can do even more.

To celebrate National Farmers' Market Week (Aug. 2-8), Cambridge Main Street has partnered with Beat the Rush delivery service to provide home delivery of everything sold at the Cambridge Farmers' Market, which is held every Thursday at Long Wharf from 3-6 p.m. Get your orders in by Wednesday, Aug 5, and you will receive 20% off the delivery charge.

Water's Edge Grill earned a sweep by claiming both Peoples' and Judges Choice awards in the 11th Annual Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off with its crab cake.

Cambridge Eateries had a trio of restaurants recognized and one category was decided by only two votes. 

 Ten restaurants competed in the 2015 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off, but Water's Edge Grill took the top prize with its crab cake. Thousands of visitors and locals flooded downtown for the free street festival, and 900 ticket buyers cast ballots for their favorite dish. We'd like to thank everyone who participated, sponsored, or came out to enjoy themselves on Saturday.

 Cambridge Main Street has partnered with EcoTensil in an effort to eliminate the ecological impact of Taste of Cambridge, which takes place Saturday, July 11 from 5-10 p.m. The EcoTensil Mid is a tasting spoon made of biodegradable, recycled material and will replace some plastic flatware used during the event.

Cambridge Main Street has released Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off ticket sales to three physical locations heading up to the big event on July 11.

We've got five world-class judges and their Best In Show selection will qualify for the World Food Championships in Kissimmee, FL. later this year.

Grab your tickets today for $25, and you can also be a judge. There will be a seperate group of Peoples' Choice winners announced after the event.

The Cambridge Farmers' Market offers a wide variety of ingredients, from herbs, lettuce and other vegetables, to bison, lamb, beef and honey. We want to see what you make with all of these awesome ingredients, so we've created a weekly receipe contest to challenge you. The rules are easy...

 Don't miss out on your opportunity to take part in Cambridge Main Street's marquis event on July 11. This street party brings thousands to downtown Cambridge, and has sold out each of the past two years. Get your advance tickets for $25.

Cambridge Main Street and the Dorchester Early Childhood Advisory Council are working together to celebrate April as the "Month of the Young Child" with a family-oriented event in Cannery Way to promote early childhood development and childhood literacy. The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. this Saturday and is meant to show families how easy it is to engage young people and promote learning in fun and creative ways.

Not to be outdone, four local businesses have offered to give away free children's books to those who attend the event.

Chef Patrick Fanning and Cambridge Eateries is proud to present its newest member of the family - Black Water Coffee House - at 429 Race Street. The official opening will be March 1. They will still be serving Night Kitchen Coffees, brewed right here on Cambridge Main Street, but it will also feature made-to-order donuts, gourmet ice cream and more. 

Get your sweetheart a gift certificate to be redeemed in more than 30 downtown Cambridge businesses. Give them the option of how they want to use it. Buy on-line by clicking below...

When the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Key Club contacted Cambridge Main Street, a strong partnership started. Find out how the Key Club contributed last weekend, and what it has on tap for Small Business Saturday.

The Shops at Magnolia Grove is holding its grand opening this Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. and you are invited. Come downtown to enjoy all of Small Business Saturday.

Cambridge Main Street and merchants in the downtown commercial district are looking for people interested in being a part of an ongoing focus group aimed at getting some strong constructive criticism to strengthen businesses in the heart of town.

Participants will be given a quick set of guidelines, a possible opportunity to be a mystery shopper in a target business and an initial survey to rate the experience. After compiling the information, a focus group will be selected to share critical opinions and suggestions with Cambridge Main Street, which will act as an impartial third party gathering the information and feeding it back to the target business. To continue reading, click "more."

It’s amazing how the downtown community has come together to remember and honor artist Geoff Goodman -- and to help his wife, April Dean Goodman, owner of Bliss Jewelry. Geoff died in a boating accident on Oct. 4. He created the beautiful sailboat sculptures and jewelry that were sold at Bliss. We will miss seeing him sitting outside on the corner of Poplar and Gay Streets creating his art, as well as his kindness and his generosity and willingness to always help others. Our prayers and thoughts go out to April and to all of Geoff’s family and friends. Click "more" to continue reading.

In order to be organized for the holiday season, Cambridge Main Street is working with local business owners and volunteers to coordinate some winter programing to highlight its downtown commercial district. The group has come up with some great ideas, but is on the lookout for even more.

“I want this holiday season to be a continual string of events that make people want to come downtown,” said Cambridge Main Street Executive Director Brandon Hesson. “We have a lot of great ideas, and a lot of great people to work on them, but I want to hear more from the community to see what kinds of things they would like to see.” Ideas can be sent to Hesson via email at [email protected]. Click "more" to continue reading.

The 2014 Cambridge Main Street Christmas ornament has arrived and is available in select downtown locations starting Saturday, September 13.

The skipjack design has been described as being the best design yet in the three-year history of the ornament. You can buy this year's ornament, as well as select quantities of the 2012 and 2013 ornament, in Bliss Jewelry, Sunnyside Shop, Craig's Drug Store and A Few of My Favorite Things Gourmet and Gifts.

In 2012, a fire ravaged 507 Race Street. In 2013, a series of storms severely damaged the Hearn Building at 509-511 Race Street. Both sites have stood vacant since those two devastating events, but the future for the 500 block of Race Street is looking brighter, according the Brandon Hesson, Cambridge Main Street Executive Director. Click "more" to keep reading.

Downtown's newest shop, Liv Again opened in August. The shop features an eclectic mix of higher-end consignment and new furniture, home decor, art, and more, as well as interior design services and special event rental. The owners are Adrian Holmes and Cambridge native Jermaine Anderson. Liv Again is located at 317 High Street, inside a beautifully restored building. Join the Liv Again Facebook page. Click "more" to conitn

Talk about making an entrance! Craniums at the Beach, soon to be up and running in the old Point Break Bar location, wowed with a slam dunk sneak preview during last month’s Taste of Cambridge, winning coveted “Best in Show” honors for its mouth-watering crab nachos and a shot at the World Food Championship competition slated for Las Vegas this November. (Read on by clicking "more.")

Katie Mae Smith’s dream has come true with the opening of Katie Mae’s Country Shoppe in the former Pet Threadz location downtown.

“As a teenager and young adult I became very interested in the Amish lifestyle—their loyalty, strong faith, and work ethic are inspiring!  I had a dream to open a store to keep their inspirations going and to help others feel the warmth, comfort and peace that the Amish bring to me,” Smith said.
(Read on by clicking "more.")

Cambridge Main Street has announced the People's Choice winners in the 2014 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off! The 800 Crab Cook-Off tickets were completely sold out at the event on July 12, and ticket holders tasted samples of 16 crab dishes prepared by 14 restaurants. They then voted for their favorites in six categories, plus Best in Show. The Best in Show winner now qualifies to compete in the World Food Championships in Las Vegas in November! This was the first year that the Taste was an official qualifying event for the high-stakes chmpionships.

Congratulations to the 2014 Crab Cook-Off People's Choice winners... (Click "more")

As Cambridge Main Street prepares for its Annual Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-off and Festival on July 12, the Board of Directors appointed Brandon Hesson of Cambridge as its new executive director. Hesson brings a diverse set of skills to the position, including a decade of non-profit leadership and a track record of successful business development. Read on by clicking "more."

Have you seen downtown's brand-new streetlight banners? We think they look terrific, especially paired with the lovely flowers in the hanging baskets. Both the banners and the flowers are thanks to all of those who supported "Fund a Need" during this year's Cambridge Main Street Spring Fling. These kinds of downtown improvements go a long way in adding color and making our downtown look its best. Thanks to all of our generous donors for making it possible! Thanks also to Main Street Board President Tom Hutchinson for giving his time to hang the banners.
 

The 2014 votes are in, and readers have ranked five downtown Cambridge establishments best on the Eastern Shore! Kudos to the following favorites for achieving well deserved recognition:  Stoked, for Best Wings; Bistro Poplar (whose fantastic flounder graced the magazine’s cover), for Best Tapas (Sunday nights only) plus Best French; The High Spot Gastropub for Best Happy Hour and Best Craft Beer Selection; Leaky Pete’s Oyster and Wine Bar for Best Bar Food; and Sunnyside Shop for Best Unique Gifts. Beyond Main Street, Cambridge was also well represented with the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay winning for Best Hotel and Plaza Tapatia for Best Mexican food.  Discover what the well-deserved buzz is about and treat yourself, Dad, or a special grad to a memorable celebratory meal. To help you find the perfect gift, Sunnyside Shop (and other downtown shops and galleries) will be open extended hours on June 14 (Second Saturday!)

It’s official: Elliott's Baking Company opened on Second Saturday, May 10, in downtown Cambridge! Owner Bernie Elliott is serving up an array of artisan breads, baked goods, scrumptious desserts, gourmet coffees, lattes, cappuccinos--and more. A Baltimore native, Elliott moved to Cambridge five years ago with her husband, Mark. After a successful 25-year career in the medical field, she began to focus on her lifelong love of baking, starting by making her specialty cheesecakes for local restaurants. She then met building owner and Cambridge Main Street board member Brett Summers and crafted a plan to open Elliott's Baking Company. "Growing up, I remember the smells of fresh baked breads and the sights of sweet baked goods on display in the numerous neighborhood bakeries. I am so thrilled to have worked with Brett Summers in developing a down-home bakery that will support our downtown's continued growth.” Stop by at 429 Race Street in Cambridge, MD.

Cambridge was named one of the "Top 12 Places to Visit" in the Small Town America Travel Guide by Viral Travel! And the only one in the Mid-Atlantic! Viral Travel writes that Cambridge is "one of the oldest colonial cities in not just the state, but the country – that’s widely visited for its crab cook offs, waterfront settings and historic downtown streets... So just what else makes the waterfront community of Cambridge such a charming place to visit? Well consider it’s brick-paved streets that wind through the historic district, the shopping and art districts that help define the town, its plethora of bed and breakfasts, resorts and lodging, its golf courses, spas and dining. Then, of course, there are the intangibles – the sunsets over the water and the strolls down the Choptank River." Read more.

Are you energetic, passionate about downtown revitalization, and looking for a new challenge? Cambridge Main Street, a nonprofit volunteer organization that brings businesses, jobs, customers, and entertainment to the core of the downtown business district of Cambridge, Maryland, is seeking a full-time Executive Director.  This position is responsible for creating and managing programs, projects, and events that meet the objectives of the organization. Click "more" to see the job description.

Interested individuals must submit a resume and cover letter with salary requirements along with three references by May 24, 2014, to Search Committee, Cambridge Main Street, 505 Poplar Street, Suite 300, Cambridge, MD  21613 or [email protected].

Mari Stanley announced her resignation as the Executive Director of Cambridge Main Street to the Board of Directors on Monday, April 7, 2014.  Mari will remain in her post through June 30, 2014 while the organization initiates a search for a new executive director and conducts an orderly transition.

Mari has served as the Executive Director since January 2012.  During her tenure Cambridge Main Street has successfully continued to fulfill its to mission to bring businesses, jobs, customers, and entertainment to the core of our community while staying true to our town's rich history. Click "more" to keep reading.

The Marjorie S. Lednum Annual Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to Cambridge Main Street was awarded for the first time this year to recognize extraordinary volunteer contributions to Cambridge Main Street’s goal of revitalizing historic downtown Cambridge.  The award is named in honor of Marjorie S. Lednum, who was the first president and a tireless supporter of Cambridge Main Street. She passed away in December 2013.  Jill Jasuta and Jim Duffy of Cambridge were the first recipients of the award. The award was presented during Cambridge Main Street's annual Spring Fling benefit -- which drew a record crowd -- on March 29. Read the full story below.

So you think you can write?  Love your Cambridge community?  Share your passion with more than 3000 people across the region by volunteering your talents to help out Cambridge Main Street. We are a volunteer organization working to revitalize our historic downtown and there is lots going on!

We are looking for a volunteer who can help us put together our monthly newsletter, post on Facebook, and update web site stories.  You will work with a team of two others who collect lots of great information about our community and design the layout.  If you think you can help, and have a few hours a week to help us, please contact Mari Stanley at [email protected] or 443.477.0843.

Cambridge Main Street welcomes Alison Penn as its new Farmers’ Market Manager. “Alison is a great addition to the Cambridge Main Street community. With a strong background in program planning and organization, she brings enthusiasm and many wonderful ideas to the position,” says Mari Stanley, Executive Director of Cambridge Main Street. To learn more about Alison and the market, click "More."

We're very sad to be saying farewell to Lednum's Jewelers, a downtown tradition for 76 years. Chip Lednum has decided to retire after his wife Margie passed away in December. The shop was opened by Chip's parents in 1937, and has been an instiution in downtown Cambridge ever since -- the place where many locals bought their class rings, engagement and wedding rings, and special gifts. Margie Lednum was the first-ever board president of Cambridge Main Street, and we are all so grateful for all of her hard work, optimism, and good advice.

Stop by to give your best to everyone at Lednum's, and stay for their big sale with savings of up to 70% off. (Furniture, fixtures, and building are also for sale.)

Downtown Cambridge's newest business is now open! Cambridge resident Amy Taylor opened Slick's Barber Shop in Feb. 11 at 432 Race Street, the space previously occupied by Crabi Gras, which is now located out on Route 50. Keep up with news and the haircuts by joining Slick's Facebook page.
 

The possibilities for the arts in Cambridge have just gotten more exciting with the opening of the new performance hall at the Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA). The second-floor space, which hosted its first event on Jan. 30, will provide an expanded setting for performances such as concerts and theatrical presentations. It will also serve as a special event venue for parties, receptions, weddings, conferences, and other gatherings, with space for 200 people seated or 300 theater-style.

Stop by for a look at 321 High Street in downtown Cambridge, or find out more by calling the DCA at 410.228.7782.

Doug and Denise Kyle, new new owners of the old Doris Mae's building at 400 Race Street, have won a $120,000 state tax credit that will help them complete a planned historic rehabilitation of the building located in the heart of downtown Cambridge. The building previously housed a local institution, Doris Mae's grill. Just 10 projects around the state won the Sustainable Community Tax Credit awards. Three of those 10 were on the Eastern Shore. Here is a link to the entire list of winners.

Downtown’s newest business, Squoze, is now open! This juice and smoothie eatery  offers up good-for-you tastes to eat in or carry out; fresh soups, salads, and wraps are also available.  Squoze also has a retail section full of healthy foods from bamboo rice to dried apricots to farro. Conceived by Chef Patrick Fanning of Stoked and the High Spot, Squoze is located at 315 Gay Street, right next to Bliss Jewelry. Keep up with their news by joining Squoze on Facebook.

The children's boutique Sur Jeudi is now open at 511 Poplar Street in downtown Cambridge. Pronounced "sore zshaDAY," French for "on Thursday," the shop features children's clothing, toys, and accessories. Congratulations to shopkeepers Ashley Banks Washington and Jamaal Washington! Keep up with their news on the Sur Jeudi Facebook page or check out the Sur Jeudi website.

Welcome to downtown Cambridge's newest business — The Heart of Dorchester Antiques! Now open at 420 Race Street (the space attached to Canvasback Restaurant). The shop offers furniture, art, decoys and oyster cans, glassware, books, jewelry, and more. Congratulations to Debbie Jackson and Deborah Benisch on the new venture. Join their Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/theheartofdorchesterantiques

Cambridge is featured in USA Today's story, "10 quintessential fall weekend trips." While the story highlights Maryland's Eastern Shore as a destination, Cambridge gets most of the (digital) ink. The writer calls Cambridge "a resurgent small town with a burgeoning artsy vibe." Right on! Read the story.

Realerevival Brewing opened its doors at 504-506 Poplar Street in downtown Cambridge on August 6. Cambridge natives JT Merryweather and Chris Brohawn transformed the old pool hall into a beautiful craft brewery with 1,500-square-foot taproom. Realerevival's craft brews include: Nanticoke Nectar, Bucktown Brown, 3870 Belgian Dark, Minelayer Saison, and Big Liz Harvest Ale. (All the names come from local locales and lore.) Realerevival is also offering pub fare for happy hour and dinner, Thursday through Monday, through a partnership with the award-winning Bistro Poplar. Keep up with their news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Realerevival and on Twitter at twitter.com/reale_talk.

Cambridge has just been named one of the Top 10 Best Small Towns in America for 2013 by Livability! We are thrilled! In the profile of Cambridge, Livability notes, "Eastern Shore traditions endure in Cambridge, MD, where the biggest party of the year is the annual Crab Cook-Off (which happens to be coming up July 13), and watermen still pull up to the docks at J.M. Clayton Co. to sell their catch of the day." Read more. Find out how Livability decided on their top 10 choices here.

As volunteers working with the nonprofit Cambridge Main Street finished tallying ballots on Tuesday, the organization announced the winners of the “People’s Choice” balloting at last weekend’s Taste of Cambridge, which drew the largest crowd in its nine-year history with a total sell-out of tickets. "People's Choice" awards are separate from the "Judge's Choice" winners, which were announced the night of Taste on July 13 and were determined by a panel of three out-of-town food experts who get blind tastings.

The event showcases Dorchester County restaurants in a competition to see who makes the best crab dishes in six different categories: Cream of Crab Soup, Maryland Vegetable Crab Soup, Crab Dip, Crab Cake, Specialty Soup with Crab, and Crab Specialty dish.

The general ticket-buying public casts ballots to decide the “People’s Choice” after tasting all 14 entries. Click "more" for this year’s “People’s Choice” and "Judge's Choice" winners!

Local businesses and individuals stepped up to show great support for this year's sold-out Taste of Cambridge event. This year's event drew the highest level of sponsorship support in the nine-year history of the Taste, the biggest annual event in downtown Cambridge. Please click below to see the complete list of this year's sponsors, and if you'd like information about sponsoring Main Street events going forward, please call 443.477.0843.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out for Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off and Festival on July 13! Thanks also to all our hard-working Taste volunteers, the restaurants, the vendors, the entertainers, and our judges! The Judges' Choice winners were announced at the event, and you can see which chefs and restaurants won at our Taste Winners Page. The People's Choice winners are there as well--they were announced on Tuesday, after our volunteers had a chance to count all the ballots from the sold-out event. You can also check out the Taste photo album.

Five businesses in downtown Cambridge picked up a total of six Best of the Eastern Shore honors for 2013! Customers are the ones who decide the awards--they are decided by voting through the regional magazine What's Up Eastern Shore. This year's winners are Bistro Poplar, Dragonfly Boutique, The High Spot, Leaky Pete's Oyster & Wine Bar, and Sunnyside.

"Once again, our shops and restaurants had an outstanding showing in Best of the Eastern Shore voting," said Mari Stanley, executive director of Cambridge Main Street, a nonprofit group that supports the downtown district. "We've got great businesspeople investing in this town, and the word is getting out far and wide about the great work they're doing."

Click below to find out which businesses won which awards!

Benjamin Moore is going to repaint 20 main streets in U.S. and Canada. Help downtown Cambridge be one of them! Vote every day through June 30 with just a few clicks. Start here:  www.paintwhatmatters.com, then click on Maryland. As Benjamin Moore explains on its website: "Main Street is a part of all our histories, which is why we should all take care of them, preserve them, and work to keep their businesses thriving. That’s why Benjamin Moore is committed to repainting 20 main streets across the U.S. and Canada- a program we call 'Main Street Matters.' We’ll be completing all of the projects over the next year with the help of local Benjamin Moore retailers and painting contractors." (P.S. Brad Pitt is lending his voice to this effort!) Find out more at www.paintwhatmatters.com. Thanks for helping!

Stop in to welcome owner Felicia Lewis to the downtown community. Her shop, Another Place Another Time Consignment Boutique at 518 Poplar St., offers consignment clothing and shoes by such top names at Michael Kors, Coach, J.Jill, Nicole Miller, Tori Burch, Kate Spade, and more. Felicia is now accepting consignments; call 443.225.6783 for info. Check out the shop's website. And be sure to like Another Place Another Time on Facebook.

Now that the Choptank River Lighthouse is open for its first full season (open daily, 9am-6pm, free admission), you can find Choptank River Lighthouse-themed items, from original art to mugs to hot sauce, in several downtown businesses. Click below for the full list.

Downtown Cambridge's newest restaurant is now open! Stoked is a wood-fired eatery with great pizza, pastas, and more, plus interesting cocktails (cardamom old-fashioned or blood orange margarita, anyone?). The restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated space that features original tin ceiling tiles as decoration, architectural scaffolding repurposed into tables, and more. Stoked is the latest venture of Chef Patrick Fanning of the High Spot, the wildly successful gastropub that's also downtown. Fanning is now executive chef at both restaurants. Reservations strongly suggested. Stoked: 413 Muir Street, Cambridge; 443.477.6040. Join Stoked on Facebook.

Magnolia Grove Consignment Boutique has opened its doors at 447 Race Street, right next to the Main Street Gallery. This women's boutique features fashions by top designers at fabulous consignment prices—in a beautiful restored building. Offering  casual to formal clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes and other accessories. Magnolia Grove: 447 Race Street, 410.330.5959. Join Magnolia Grove on Facebook. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm.

Congratulations to Bistro Poplar, Jimmie & Sook's, and Joie de Vivre Gallery. All three downtown Cambridge businesses were ranked among "The Free State's Finest" for 2013, as judged by Maryland Life Magazine.

The statewide magazine based on the Western Shore presents the awards annually to top small business in various categories. They put Cambridge in the "Lower Shore" region so our businesses are competing against others in Salisbury, Berlin, Ocean City, Princess Anne, and elsewhere. There is only one winner in the whole region for each category.

• Bistro Poplar won the Best Fine Dining award.

• Jimmie & Sook's won the Best Family Restaurant award.

• Joie de Vivre Gallery won the Finest Art Gallery award.

"For several years running downtown Cambridge has had multiple winners in the 'Free State's Finest' awards," said Mari Stanley of the nonprofit group Cambridge Main Street. "It's yet another sign that resurgence we're seeing in Cambridge is really taking hold and the word about our great businesses is getting out." 

As spring of 2013 arrives, downtown Cambridge is springing into action! A new restaurant, a new craft brewery, and three new fashion boutiques are planning to open up shop in the coming months.

"This flurry of activity builds on years of work by business owners, city leaders, and a whole lot of generous community volunteers," says Mari Stanley, executive director of Cambridge Main Street. The nonprofit organization leverages the power of community volunteers in advancing the revitalization of the historic downtown district. Contact Mari at 443.477.0843 and office@cambrigemainstreet to learn more about business opportunities and volunteer activities in our downtown.

WMDT-TV News recently did a story featuring some of these business owners. You can watch it here. And click below for more detailed information about the coming businesses.

Cambridge celebrated the once-in-a-century event of the date 2/16/13 matching our Zip code 21613! As part of Zip Code Day, we decided to take a big community photo, inviting everyone to take part. Here's the photo taken by cinematographer and Cambridge native Roy Heisler (thanks, Roy!). Thanks also to Eastern Tree Service for the bucket truck.

To order a 8" x 12" print, stop in person at Bliss Jewelry downtown at 500 Poplar Street. (Prints cost $10 each; proceeds go to Main Street.) For those of you who already ordered a print, they'll be arriving soon for pick-up at Bliss. Watch for news here and in the Bliss storefront windows.

The Zip Code Day postcards, which were sold out Saturday morning, are being reprinted and should arrive for purchase at Just Yesterday soon. (The postcards will be marked with a 2/16/13 postmark.)

Thanks again to all our volunteers for making this happen, to our merchants for offering Zip Code Day specials, and to WMDT-TV, WBOC-TV, the Banner, and the Dorchester Star for covering the event!

Interested in opening a retail business in downtown Cambridge? Now may be just the time to do it, thanks to the new Cambridge Venture Capital Fund I, LLC, which is offering entrepreneurs up to $50,000 each in assistance. The $250,000 fund has been established by local business people who want to invest in the core of downtown Cambridge.
"We want to give entrepreneurs some powerful incentives to open in Cambridge, Maryland," said Brett Summers, Cambridge resident and developer of several downtown buildings, who spearheaded the creation of the venture capital fund. "If you have time, talent, and desire — but not capital—this is a great opportunity."
Mari Stanley, executive director of Cambridge Main Street, applauds the new venture capital fund. "I think it's brilliant that business people right here in our community have come together to invest in our downtown in this way," she said. "Downtown already has great momentum. If the venture capital fund helps launch five retail businesses in a short timeframe, think what a difference it could make." Find out more.

Be sure to stop in our newest shop during your travels downtown in the days to come. Maggie's Hatbox (510 Poplar Street, 410.901.1200) offers up an array of antiques, collectibles, decorative arts, and eclectic treasures. Best of luck to owner Penelope Archibald! Keep up with their news on the Maggie's Hatbox Facebook page.

The Choptank River Lighthouse, a full-size replica of a light that guided mariners along the Choptank River for generations, was officially dedicated in September, and is now open to the public by appointment. To make an appointment for a free tour, call 410.330.8016. The lighthouse will be open regular hours April–October. The six-sided, screwpile lighthouse stands at the end of Pier A at the Cambridge Marina at Long Wharf Park in Cambridge, Maryland. Look for the Choptank River Lighthouse holiday ornament and other lighthouse memorabilia in downtown shops. Learn more about the lighthouse.

More new shops and eateries are planning to open in Downtown Cambridge in the coming months, including....

• Nose 2 Tail, a barbecue restaurant and butchershop at 433 Race Street.

• Elliott's Baking Company, next door at 429 Race Street, with coffee, baked goods, and more.

• As Time Goes By, with antiques and collectibles, at 400 Race Street. Now open!

• Now open! Maggie's Hatbox with antiques, collectibles, decorative arts, and eclectic treasures at 510 Poplar Street.

• Now open! Choptank Charlie's Emporium is offering tuxedo and wedding suit rentals plus home decor, collectibles and locally made jewelry and artworks, at 516 Poplar Street.

Click "More" for details.

As volunteers working with the nonprofit Cambridge Main Street finished tallying ballots, the organization announced the winners of the “People’s Choice” awards at the Taste of Cambridge on Saturday, July 14. The 2012 edition of the event drew the largest crowd in its eight-year history.

The Taste showcases Dorchester County restaurants as they compete to see who makes the best crab dishes in five different categories: cream of crab soup, other crab soup, crab dip, crab cake, and crab specialty dish. The general ticket-buying public casts ballots to decide the “People’s Choice” winners after tasting all 14 entries. Click below to see this year's results!

Congratulations to the winners of the Judges' Choice awards in the 2012 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off! Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill won two awards—cream of crab soup and crab specialty (mango crab salad). Water's Edge Grill at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort won for crab cakes. Leaky Pete's Oyster & Wine Bar won for crab soup (Maryland vegetable crab soup). And Bistro Poplar won for crab dip. The Crab Cook-Off had chefs from 10 Dorchester County restaurants compete for honors on the crab dishes. Decisions were made by a panel of celebrity judges. People's Choice awards -- as voted by the Crab Cook-Off ticket holders who tasted 14 different crab dishes -- will be announced later this week. See all the fun in the Taste of Cambridge photo album!

Downtown Cambridge now has its first-ever taqueria -- taco joint! The new Don Chuy Taqeria opened its doors in June. Located in the former home of Pizza Ziya, they specialize in fresh tacos filled with choices from fish to chicken to  Mexican sausage (and if you're feeling adventurous, tongue!). Plus burritos. It's a simple menu with great prices. Open daily (although they tell us they're not sure about Tuesdays yet). 411 Academy Street, 410.228.2969.

When Lednum's Jewelers got started in downtown Cambridge, Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House and gas cost 10 cents a gallon. This year, Lednum's marks a milestone--75 years in business--and they'll be celebrating this Taste of Cambridge weekend.

Just in time for summer, Amanda Bramble of Jimmie and Sook’s has opened Gina’s Ice Cream and Sweet Shoppe at 531 Poplar Street! The grand opening happened Second Saturday, June 9. Gina's offers Hershey's ice cream, frozen yogurt, and "childhood favorites" such as brownies, cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats. The hours are Monday-Thursday, 12-9pm; Friday and Saturday, 12-10pm; and Sunday, 12-7pm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gina’s Ice Cream Store to downtown. Cambridge continues to attract businesses and visitors alike as our downtown is recognized across the region as exciting and vibrant,” said Mari Stanley, Main Street director.

 Two downtown Cambridge restauarants received the 2012 "Free State's Finest" awards given annually by Maryland Life Magazine. Bistro Poplar was honored in the "Fine Dining" category, while Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar & Grill was honored in the "Family Dining" category.

The banner that went up in the window recently at 429 Race Street made it official: Elliott's Baking Company is coming to Downtown Cambridge! Owner Bernie Elliott hopes to open in September, serving up an array of artisan breads, baked goods, scrumptious desserts, gourmet coffees, lattes, cappuccinos--and more. Click below to read more...

 Two downtown restaurants were ranked among the “Free State’s Finest” in the annual “best of” awards issued by Maryland Life. The magazine also honored the Cambridge Historic District, which includes much of downtown. The awards appear in the magazine's April issue, which was distributed to newsstands on March 20.

• Jimmie & Sook’s was listed among eight “Best Family Restaurants” statewide.

• Bistro Poplar was listed among eight “Best Fine Dining Restaurants” statewide.

• The Cambridge Historic District was listed among eight "Best Historic Districts" statewide.

These honors represent only the latest recognition for these two award-winning restaurants. Click below for more.

Chef Patrick Fanning of the High Spot has been named one of five finalists for Chef of the Year by the Maryland Association of Maryland. He was the only chef on the Eastern Shore to be nominated for the statewide honor. The awards honor the Maryland hospitality industry’s best. You can cast your vote for Chef Patrick before March 9 on the Restaurant Association of Maryland website. Winners will be announced April 16. Chef Patrick was also named one of the 2012 People to Watch by What's Up Eastern Shore magazine. Go, Patrick! By the way, last year another Cambridge chef—Ian Campbell of Bistro Poplar—was named one of the five finalists for the same Chef of the Year honor. Seems like downtown Cambridge is the place to eat!

Congratulations to the winners—and all the competitors—in the High Heel Race in downtown Cambridge on Feb. 11! The cold, windy, snowy conditions didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Check out the YouTube video and the photo album! Big thanks to Cherie Koontz, owner of Dragonfly Boutique, who organized the race as a benefit for breast cancer research.

You may know by now that Cambridge Main Street has a new executive director, Mari Stanley. But since she's just moved to Cambridge, you might not have met her yet. We sat down with Mari to find out how a worldwide search for a new home led her to Cambridge -- and why you might want to think twice before going head-to-head with her on the dance floor. Click below for more.

Downtown Cambridge's newest business, The Race Street Gallery, is now open in the back space of Joie de Vivre Gallery at 410 Race Street.  Works by 20 different juried artists are featured, along with information about how customers can see more of the artists’ work online. This is the latest venture for Joie de Vivre owner Joy Staniforth, who last year added four artist studios above Joie de Vivre Gallery in a second-floor project modeled on the famed Torpedo Factory.

2011 brought 13 new businesses, lots of building improvements, several awards, and some record-breaking achievements to downtown Cambridge. Click below for the full list! Thanks to everyone who's played a part in downtown's continuing progress—Main Street donors and volunteers, merchants, local foundations and businesses, and the community at large that supports downtown.

There’ll be a new Main Street manager on the job early next year, and Mari Stanley is eager to step into that role. “The more I learn about the position, the more excited I am,” Stanley said. “I’m thrilled by the prospect of working with the great folks involved in Main Street.”

Stanley’s hiring was announced to the Main Street Board of Directors earlier this week by President Phil Feldman. Feldman told the board that a five-person search committee felt that Stanley possessed the perfect mix of passion, people skills, and professional expertise for the position. Click below to read more.
 

The Fresh Coat Cambridge project organized this past spring by Cambridge Main Street was honored with a statewide award Oct. 31 from a network of nearly 100 nonprofit organizations around the state. The group, the Maryland ABCD Network, cited the Fresh Coat project as a model of community collaboration.

More than 120 community volunteers turned out for the event on Saturday, June 4. The event was something akin to an old-fashioned barn raising, with volunteers making physical improvements to 18 different downtown buildings in a single day. The volunteers painted entire buildings, replace cedar shingles on building facades, and conducted all manner of other repairs. “Our community really came together for Fresh Coat,” said Jim Duffy of Cambridge Main Street. “It was a truly inspiring show of love and support for our beautiful old downtown and its great businesses.”

Check out the newest additions to downtown Cambridge! The two winners of Cambridge Main Street's 2011 Pop-Up Contest are now open. The contest is helping two entrepreneurs set up new shops this holiday season through a competition in which contestants submitted business concepts to win rent-free storefronts to test out their ideas in November and December.  Bliss Jewelry & Gifts, with affordable jewelry, scarves, handbags, and more, is at 501 Poplar Street. This is a second location for the popular Bliss store in St. Michaels. A second winner, Pet Threadz,  specializes in pet products—healthy foods, unique treats, custom-made clothes, bowls, toys, and more—at 315 Gay Street, between Bliss and Bob’s Barber Shop.

Cambridge Main Street is launching a search for a new executive director ready to advance the organization’s work revitalizing the city’s historic downtown. “This is a great opportunity for a community-minded individual with the right mix of business smarts and leadership skills,” said Phil Feldman, the president of Main Street’s board of directors. “Our future is bright.  The right person will be in a great position to make a difference for our city.” Cambridge Main Street has won three statewide awards in the past two years, including commendations for its work bringing new businesses to Cambridge and for its efforts to become a stronger, more effective organization. So far this year, more than 250 community volunteers have participated in the organization’s events and initiatives.

Current director Jim Duffy will be leaving his position once the search is complete and a new director is in place. A former magazine editor, Duffy said he plans to pursue work as a self-employed writer and editor. He also hopes to stay involved with Main Street going forward in advisory and volunteer capacities. Continued....

If you were at Summer Send-Off on Sept. 17, you couldn't miss The Pig -- an 8-foot tall colorful wooden cart that carried a life-size pig made of fiberglass. It was Cambridge Main Street's brand-new pig, created by local artist and Main Street volunteer Dave Gibbons (pictured here). We asked folks to "Feed the Pig" with donations to help us continue to put on free events like Summer Send-Off. Thanks to everyone who fed the pig, posed with the pig, and kissed the pig! Thanks also to our pig cart carriers, Frank Stout, Abby Messick, Brian Roche, and Brian Snow. See more photos of the Pig in action in our Summer Send-Off photo album!

From the cowboys and the horse and buggy rides to the big end-of-summer sales and the great artwork, people turned out for a fun Second Saturday and Annie Oakley Festival Aug. 13. Thanks to all who came out, and to our volunteers who helped make it happen. Check out our Facebook photo album.

The customer is always right. That familiar old motto from the world of retail shopping is at the heart of the latest project undertaken by community volunteers working with the nonprofit Cambridge Main Street. Launched in mid-July, the Retail Focus Group aims to gather input and ideas from a volunteer group of savvy shoppers who have agreed to spend some extra time in shops and galleries during the coming weeks before re-convening for a wide-ranging discussion about the shopping experience in downtown Cambridge.

A total of 15 participants—all women—attended orientation sessions held at Cambridge Main Street’s downtown office on July 21 and July 23. The sessions were led by project leader Emily Cranwell, a teacher at The Country School in Easton, and discussion facilitator Lynne Breil, a business communications expert who operates a consulting firm, The Professional Edge (pictured here).

The votes have been counted, and we are ready to announce the People's Choice winners of the 2011 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off! Ten restaurants competed, preparing 15 crab dishes. Everyone who bought a ticket to the Crab Cook-Off was invited to cast their votes for their favorite dishes. Here are the results:

Cream of Crab Soup:
    1st Place: Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar & Grill
    2nd Place: Portside Restaurant

Other Crab Soup:
    1st Place: Clearview at Horn's Point
    2nd Place: Bistro Poplar

Crab Dip:
    1st Place: Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar & Grill
    2nd Place: Portside Restaurant

Crab Cake:
    1st Place: Blue Point Provision Company at the Hyatt
    2nd Place: Kay's at the Airport

Crab Specialty:
    1st Place: Ocean Odyssey (Crab Claw Meat & Corn Nacho Bites)
    2nd Place: Water's Edge (Blue Crab Banger)

2011 Best in Show (new this year to showcase the single best dish across all categories):

    Blue Point Provision Company at the Hyatt, Crab Cakes

Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to all the restaurants for serving up wonderful crab dishes! Don't miss all the Taste photos in our Facebook photo album (you can see them even if you're not on Facebook). For a list of the Judge's Choice winners and contest winners, click "more."

We had a record crowd at Saturday's Taste of Cambridge! And we had some close competition in the Crab Cook-Off. The Judge's Choice Winners in the Crab Cook-Off are:

Cream of Crab Soup: Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill

Crab Soup (Non-Cream-of-Crab): Clearview at Horn's Point (manager Jim Heister pictured above)

Crab Cake: Blue Point Provision Company at the Hyatt

Crab Dip: Kay's at the Airport

Crab Specialty: Water's Edge Grill at the Hyatt  Blue Crab Banger)

Congratulations to the winners -- and to all the participating restaurants for creating such delicious dishes. The People's Choice winners will be announced this Tuesday. (It takes hours to tally all those ballots!) And we'll be posting photos as soon as we can on our Facebook page.Thanks to everyone for coming out!
 

More than 120 volunteers turned out to roll up their sleeves and paint, repair, weed, clean, and more as part of  Fresh Coat Cambridge on June 4. The community-wide project organized by Cambridge Main Street to show the community's dedication to the revitalization of historic downtown Cambridge. It was an amazing turn-out.

In all, 17 buildings saw improvement projects, ranging from cleaning windows to painting entire three-story buildings. Building owners invested in supplies and prep work, and the Main Street volunteers took the jobs to the finish line. Cambridge Main Street is sending out a huge thank you to all those who volunteered, donated time and expertise and money. For the full list of donors, click "more" below. See who was there on our Fresh Coat photo album on Facebook!

Congratulations to our four downtown merchants who won “best of” honors from the readers’ poll by What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine! And the winners are...
 
• Joie de Vivre Gallery won 'Best Artisan Jewelry' (for the second year in a row)
 
• Bistro Poplar won 'Best French restaurant' (for the second year in a row)
 
• Dragonfly Boutique won 'Best Women's Clothing Boutique'
 
• Dorchester Center for the Arts won 'Best Art Gallery Representing Regional and National Artists.'
 
• Also, one of our regular Farmers' Market vendors, Bay Country Bakery, won 'Best Cakes.'

For the third time in the last 18 months, Cambridge Main Street has received a statewide award for its outstanding work. The Department of Housing & Community Development honored our Holiday Pop-Up Project (H-PUP)  as the top business-development project of the year among the state’s 23 Main Street communities. H-PUP was a partnership between Cambridge Main Street and property owner Bill Harrington that aimed to create more  excitement downtown for the 2010 holiday season by adding temporary “pop-up” businesses for November and December. During an awards presentation in Annapolis on May 19, Tim Murphy of DHCD’s Main Street Maryland office lauded the project as one that’s on its way to becoming a “national model.” In 2010, Cambridge Main Street also won a Main Street Maryland award for our fundraising approach, and another award from the Maryland Smart, Green, and Growing project for community activism. Details below.

People were out in force on May 14 to welcome four new businesses to our downtown! We enjoyed free rides with the new Delmarva Pedicab, a bicycle taxi service. We found great vintage advertising signs and all kinds of treasures at the new Country Store Gallery (412 Race Street). We were wowed by the vibrant colors and energy of the new Danny Doughty Gallery (437 Race Street) -- not to mention the floor that Danny installed from reclaimed wood. And we gave our taste buds a wake-up call with the spicy, full-flavored free samples at Crabi Gras (432 Race Street), which celebrated its official Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Congratulations to all! Check out the photos in our Second Saturday Facebook album!

Cambridge Main Street is sending out a big thank you to all who supported the Spring Fling on May 7. The event was a sell-out! The big highlight came when Amanda Bramble, owner of Jimmie & Sook's, spoke passionately about her love for downtown Cambridge -- and inspired guests to donate anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on the spot toward Main Street's Fresh Coat project coming up June 4. Mad Money was also a crowd favorite at Spring Fling. Each guest who paid $20 got to chose from an array of colorful envelopes. Inside was a gift certificate to a Cambridge business worth at least $20—with some up to $100. There was also a live auction, great music by the Greg Phillips Trio and Barton Bowser, great food by the Cambridge Yacht Club, dancing, and more. Funds raised at Spring Fling will go toward a wide range of volunteer-driven Main Street projects, such as Fresh Coat, downtown flowers, promotion, events, and more.

The Main Street Farmers’ Market is open for the season with fresh local produce, meats (including bison), herbs, plants and handmade jewelry. Every Thursday, 3-6pm, through October 13, near the corner of Academy and Muir Streets in downtown Cambridge. Early in the season, look for Butter Pot Farm, Harris Farm, S.B. Bison, Cedar Run Farm, Joan’s Gems, Catnap Gardens, Bay Country Bakery, and the Beasley Farm. Read what's happening this week at the market.

Cambridge Main Street’s amazing Green Team volunteers plan to be out in force every Second Saturday, May through October, to spruce up downtown. Come join in the fun, meet some new people, and help weed, mulch, plant, and make our downtown prettier. Bring your gloves, gardening tools, lawn bags, weed-eaters, and whatever else you think would help. 9am-noon. Meet at Cannery Way (the brick courtyard by the big clock in the 400 block of Race Street). A big THANK YOU to our hard-working Green Team! If you’d like to be added to the Green Team email list, drop a note to [email protected]. Also, if you can’t donate your time, the Green Team always welcomes donations to buy mulch and lawn bags and such. Donations to the downtown flowerpot fund also welcome!

Like so many of our readers, we loved the way our old newsletter looked and how it presented our downtown. Since changing the format, we’ve heard from a few folks who wish we could resurrect the old newsletter. Alas, we can’t do this, and we’d like to take a few minutes here to explain why we need to make this change. It’s about continuing to grow our marketing efforts and making sure our newsletter is a sustainable project in a volunteer-driven organization. Here are a few bullet points by way of explanation. Click below...

Cambridge Main Street reported to the community the outcome of its Façade, Signage & Lighting Program, which officially expired on Dec. 31, 2010 when the last dollars of the state funds awarded through a grant program supporting the Program were committed to projects either complete of under way in downtown Cambridge.

When all projects are completed, the $75,000 grant awarded to Main Street by the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development will have helped spur improvements at 28 different storefronts and offices in downtown Cambridge. The projects are expected to result in a total investment of more than $400,000 by building and business owners.

Congratulations to Chef Ian Campbell at Bistro Poplar! The Restaurant Industry of Maryland has nominated him as finalist for “Chef of the Year” in its prestigious statewide “Stars of the Industry” awards. He’s the only nominee from the Eastern Shore.“Last year, Bistro was nominated for Restaurant of the Year in this contest,” noted Jim Duffy of Main Street. “The spectacular work Ian and his team turn in night after night continues to garner regional recognition, shining a great spotlight on Cambridge and helping to brand our downtown as a rising-star dining destination.”The public gets a voice in deciding the Chef of the Year competition. You can cast your vote for Chef Ian at the Restaurant Association’s website. The winner will be announced at a big gala on May 16.

No, you’re not seeing double. There are two separate things called Crabi Gras in our downtown. One is the annual bash Jimmie & Sook’s will be throwing on April 9 to honor our waterman (see story below). The other is a great new retail shop at 432 Race Street. Owner Keith Graffius reports that his soft, unannounced opening in March beat all his expectations. He's now open six days a week, Monday-Saturday, 11ish-5:30ish. Featuring an amazing wall mural by artist Danny Doughty, the shop offers a fun array of hot sauces, drink mixes, T-shirts, and specialty food items. Don't miss the Slappin’ Fat Bacon Ketchup! Still in the works is a Chamber ribbon cutting in May, a new website, and a test kitchen where Crabi Gras will develop its own products and conduct tastings and demos. [email protected]; 410-228-0108.

The vibrant Danny Doughty Gallery has been a big hit since opening 18 months ago in the rear of Joie de Vivre Gallery. Now Danny is stepping out on his own and taking over the empty store at 437 Race Street. The relocated and enlarged Gallery will feature the work of this nationally known folk artist, and it’ll do so with Danny’s spectacular flair for space layout and colorful design. Also featured are three-dimensional sculptural pieces by the husband-and-wife team of Joyce and Bob Ritz. The Gallery is the second downtown business to come out of the “incubator” at the rear of Joie de Vivre. Bonnie Reed’s Fibre Café also started out at Joie before becoming part of Crabcatcher’s Scavenger Shop at 533 Poplar Street. Thanks to Joie owner Joy Staniforth for her support of fledgling downtown businesses! The new Danny Doughty Gallery isn’t finished yet;  stay tuned for news!

A big Main Street welcome to Lethal Injections, which celebrated its grand opening this past weekend at 512 Race Street. The owner is Easton resident Dave Heuer, who’s worked at tattoo shops in Salisbury, Elkton, and elsewhere. Heuer painted his business a shimmering blue, and his lobby features a fabulous 120-gallon fish tank. 443-225-5161;
[email protected].

Thanks to everyone who came out March 12 for the Give Back Second Saturday. Folks were out in full force to dine, shop, and enjoy while 17 merchants gave a portion of the day's proceeds to five local charities, including the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Sports Boosters, Dorchester Arts Center, Dorchester County YMCA, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and Cambridge Main Street. Thanks again for dining and shopping for a cause!

Owner Jeannie Weitzel has moved Jazzercise of Cambridge into the heart of downtown, renting a dance studio on the second floor above Canvasback Restaurant at 420 Race Street. Jazzercise offers about a dozen classes per week that mix dance-based cardio workouts with strength training and stretching. More information at 410-419-0879 and [email protected].

It’s official! Cambridge Main Street went two for two with its first-ever Holiday Pop-Up Project, in which prospective business owners submitted applications in hopes of winning a rent-free storefront in our downtown for November and December of last year. We are happy to report that both winning businesses— Malina Custom Leather and Whitecap Outdoor Consignments — have reached lease agreements with building owner Bill Harrington on moving forward. Thanks again to Mr. Harrington for signing on to the project!

A big Cambridge welcome to architect Tim Crosby and his team, who recently moved into new offices at 507 Court Lane (410.476.1133). Formerly based in Trappe, Crosby has worked on urban redevelopment projects and pharmaceutical industry projects in addition to more traditional residential and office work.

Despite the uncertain economy, 2010 saw some great progress in downtown Cambridge. New businesses opened. Merchants invested in their businesses with renovations and improvements. And new events were added to the calendar. We’re looking forward to more growth and excitement in 2011! A few highlights from 2010...

Open for business
11 new and relocated businesses:

• Bill Marr Studio
• Clayton’s Pharmacy
• Cut This
• Flooring Guys
• JFH Designs (relocation)
• Leaky Pete’s Oyster & Wine Bar
• Malina Custom Leather
• Maryland Healthy Ways
• Paul’s Subs
• United Family
• Restaurant
• Whitecap Outdoor Consignments

Fond farewells to Gigi’s Trattoria, Scoop Station, Pear Tree South, Trumpeter Swan Antiques, Colortyme, and Maris Elaine Gallery.
 

Facelifts
Renovations and expansions:

• Interior renovations at Gallery 447
• New signage, lighting, and more at
• Joie de Vivre Gallery
• Major makeover for Dragonfly Boutique
• New windows, signage, and lighting at A Few of My Favorite Things, plus a new Back Door Bath and Body section
• Major makeover for the Harriet Tubman Museum
• New stylists and services at Mirror Mirror Salon
• New awning, lighting, and window at Canvasback Restaurant
• New lighting along the mosaic mural on the side of Hunt Insurance

Click below to keep reading...
 

December 18, 2010—Downtown Cambridge’s newest business, Clayton’s Pharmacy, opened December 18 at  at 404 Washington Street (near the corner of Race Street). Congratulations to owner Dr. Lisa Brooks, East New Market resident and pharmacist. Clayton’s (named for her son, pictured here) offers prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, sports supplements, home health accessories, and more. Dr. Brooks, who is married to Clay Brooks III of J.M. Clayton’s seafood processing company in Cambridge, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 2005. The pharmacy offers free delivery in Cambridge, East New Market, Hurlock, Church Creek, Golden Hill, and select areas of Trappe. Join Clayton’s on Facebook. Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm. 404 Washington Street, 410.221.6400. www.claytonspharmacy.com, [email protected].

Updated December 13, 2010—Leaky Pete's Oyster & Wine Bar is now open! Owners Terry and Robyne Feehley (pictured here) have transformed the space at 404 Race Street (to the left of Dragonfly) into a bright, friendly spot with touches of maritime decor. They're serving up fresh oysters (Choptank Sweets from the Choptank Oyster Company), paninis, homemade soups, and more. Stop by and welcome them to downtown Cambridge! Leaky Pete's is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Find them on Facebook here. 404 Race Street, 410.228.2245.

November 16, 2010—As a boy, Dennis Napolitan loved to watch his mother make each careful stitch in her work as a seamstress and tailor. Then he stepped into a leather shop for the first time, and he fell in love–with the sights, the smell, the feel of the leather. Like his mother, his passion became stitch by stitch—only this time in leather. He went on to become an accomplished leather craftsman in New York City, creating custom instrument cases for the likes of musicians Frank Zappa and Paul Butterfield, and for retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Abercrombie & Fitch. Now he's brought his talents to downtown Cambridge as a winner in Cambridge Main Street's Holiday Pop-Up project, a contest that gave winners a rent-free storefront through the holiday season. Stop in Malina Custom Leather, where "every stitch is by hand,"  and see Dennis at work on his beautiful leather pieces. Malina, by the way, is named in honor of his mother. This is one of the only custom leather shops on the Eastern Shore. Malina also offers leather repair. 518 Poplar Street. Open Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday, 10am-9pm, Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 12:30-3pm.

November 16, 2010—Colin Edgell has always loved the outdoors. He spent a lot of his youth crabbing, hunting, fishing, sailing, and playing sports on the Eastern Shore. Now he's sharing his love of the outdoors with everyone through his new shop at 510 Poplar Street in downtown Cambridge. Realizing that there are few affordable places for outdoorsmen (and women) to shop, he's opened Whitecap Outdoor Consignments. Here you'll find a wide range of gently used and new boating and marine supplies, hunting gear, sports equipment, and more. Colin was a winner in Cambridge Main Street's Holiday Pop-Up project, which is giving him a storefront rent-free through the holiday season. Stop by and find some treasures. To consign, call Colin at 410.775.6697. Whitecap is open Tuesday–Thursday, 10am-6pm and Friday–Saturday, 10am-8pm. Join Whitecap on Facebook!

Cambridge Main Street was named the winner of the 2010 Smart, Green & Growing Award for Community Activism and Achievement by a multi-agency program of the state government. The judges concluded that our volunteers did an exemplary job of uniting our community behind the idea that a vibrant, revitalized downtown is critical to the future of Cambridge and Dorchester County. In doing so, we also encourage “efficient use of existing infrastructure and easing development pressure on surrounding greenfields”—both hallmarks of the smart growth principles the Smart, Green & Growing initiative was created to advance. This is the second statewide award our volunteers have picked up this year. In May, the Main Street Maryland award for exemplary performance in building a stronger organization went to the volunteers on what we call our O-Team, or Organization Team. A big thank you to all our hard-working volunteers!

September 19, 2010—The weather was perfect for Summer Send-Off: Blues, Brews & BBQ and downtown streets were filled with people. There was lots of great, free music, thanks to Blackwater, Jimmy Cole Band, Alan Girard and His Traveling Band, and Evan Button. Plus an amazing performanc by Elvis (aka Bilvis)! Congratulations to Bistro Poplar, winner of the BBQ contest with their pulled pork. More congratulations are in order for the winning Main Street Mile teams — Team Hyatt, which was the fastest, and the Baaarrrnacles, from Horn Point Lab, for best spirit! Last, a huge thanks to all our hard-working volunteers and the Summer Send-Off committee! Congrats to the winners of our volunteer raffle, Kevin O'Rourke (who won a gift card to GiGi's) and Chris Pete (who won a gift card to Ocean Odyssey). Check out photos on our Facebook page.

September 10, 2010—Congratulations to Avé Salon Spa, which was named “Best Relaxing Spa Experience” and “Best Salon for Coloring” in What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine’s Best of Beauty and Fitness Readers’ Poll. (The Hyatt also won for “Best Steam/Sauna Facilities.”) For the record, that makes five downtown Cambridge merchants earning 2010 “best of” honors from What’s Up. The others, announced in June, are Bistro Poplar (Best French Restaurant, Best Seasonally Inspired Menu), Jimmie & Sook’s Raw Bar and Grill (Best Raw Bar), Joie de Vivre Gallery (Best Artisan Jewelry), and Sunnyside (Best Women's Apparel).

Updated September 21, 2010—The Main Street Board of Directors has named Philip Feldman to serve as president and Lois Colaprete to serve as vice president. Their candidacies for a one-year term were presented to and approved by the organization’s general membership during the Main Street annual meeting on Sept. 20.

August 19, 2010—The Washington Post featured Cambridge two weeks in a row in its Weekend section. In the August 15 issue, Post writer Nancy Trejos wrote about her stay at the Mill Street Inn, owned by Jennie and Skip Rideout. Calling Cambridge "charming," she said the Rideouts "brought attentiveness to a new level." She mentioned the bed and breakfast's "scrumptious pecan waffles"  (with pecans picked from their own tree). Read the Mill Street Inn story here. Trejos wrote a separate story in the August 20 issue about Cambridge's ties to famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley. "I was paying homage to this symbol of late-19th, early-20th-century girl power on the 150th anniversary of the year she was born. And there was no better place to do it than in Cambridge, Md., the Eastern Shore town she called home from 1913 to 1915. The entire town is celebrating Oakley this year, with a two-day festival held earlier this month and a renewed sense of pride in the sort-of native daughter's accomplishments..." Getting mentions in the story are Amanda Bramble, owner of Jimmie & Sook's; Kevin Davidson, owner of Backfin Antiques; Carol Baker-Jones, owner of the house where Annie Oakley lived in Cambridge; and Capt. Phil Gootee of Gootee's Marine, who took Trejos out on a fishing charter.  Read the entire Annie Oakley story here.

Downtown is still alive and well while the Cambridge Creek drawbridge is closed for repairs and repainting for three months, from August through October. Plan to take Cedar St. to Race St. to get to downtown shops and restaurants. Boat traffic won’t be affected, since the 1938 drawbridge will remain in an upright, open position for most of the three months. Detour signs on Route 50 direct motorists to Cedar Street.

July 14, 2010—Here are the winners of the 2010 Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off! Remember, we have two categories of winners: Judge's Choice (determined by a panel of judges that included Elise Kolaja of  ChesapeakeFoodie.com, Suzanne Loudermilk of Baltimore magazine, and Ron “R.L.” Butler of Fat Tuesday’s N’awlins Saloon) and People's Choice (voted by Taste ticket holders).

JUDGE'S CHOICE WINNERS:

Cream of Crab Soup: Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill

Crab Soup: Clearview at Horn Point

Crab Dip: Kay's at the Airport

Crab Cake: Kay's at the Airport

Crab Specialty: Ocean Odyssey (for Oyster Crabafeller)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNERS:

Cream of Crab Soup
1st Place:  Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill
2nd Place: Paul's Subs

Crab Soup
1st Place: Blue Point Provision Company
2nd Place: Kay's at the Airport
3rd Place: Clearview at Horns Point

Crab Dip
1st Place: Jimmie & Sook's Raw Bar and Grill
2nd Place: Portside Seafood Restaurant
3rd Place: Kay's at the Airport

Crab Cake
1st Place: Bistro Poplar
2nd Place: Clearview at Horns Point
3rd Place: Kay's at the Airport


Crab Specialty
1st Place: Water's Edge (for spicy crab tacos)
2nd Place: Ocean Odyssey (for oyster crabafeller)

Congratulations to all the winners! The top winner of the professional crab-picking competition was Aouy Aone of Kool Ice Seafood. Second place went to Socorro Herrera of Lindy's Seafood. Thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of crab lovers, visitors, volunteers, restaurants, vendors, and others—who came out despite the soggy weather to make a terrific Taste of Cambridge! [Photo by Dave Harp.]

June 24, 2010—Stock up on fresh and local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and more — now on Tuesdays as well as Thursdays! That's right, the Main Street Farmers Market is growing! Starting Tuesday, June 29, stop by the market at Academy and Muir Streets, 8am-12pm. The market also continues on Thursdays, 3-6pm, in the same location.

June 14, 2010—Hundreds of people joined Cambridge native author John Barth on June 12 to unveil a historic marker in his honor. The marker, as well as a brochure with a walking tour of spots in Cambridge related to Barth's life, were developed by the Dorchester County Friends of Library. The marker is located on library grounds at 303 Gay Street in Cambridge. Winner of the National Book Award and F. Scott Fitzgerald Award for Outstanding Achievement in American Fiction, Barth was born and raised in Cambridge. The Barth sign is the first in Dorchester County to honor a literary figure. During the ceremony, Barth was also presented a key to the city of Cambridge by Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley. “Cambridge, the rivershore, and the great down county salt marshes were my life’s coordinates from birth through high school through college and my first efforts as a writer of fiction, and they remain as touchstones of my imagination," he told the crowd. Read more about Barth's life here on a page created by the Dorchester County Public Library.

June 14, 2010—More than 2,000 triathletes, along with their family and friends, descended on Cambridge this past weekend for the Eagleman Ironman 70.3 triathlon. The triathletes—and the 800 community volunteers who were on hand to make the event happen and keep the athletes safe—battled high heat and humidity throughout the day June 13. The athletes, who came from 41 states and eight countries, were a mix of professional athletes, everyday folks from teenagers to 70+, and those who have come back after cancer, car accidents, loss of limbs, and more. The winner in the men's division was Torenzo Bozzone from New Zealand; from women, it was Samantha Warriner, also from New Zealand. The race also saw several finishers from Cambridge, including Joe Brooks and David Brohawn of Cambridge Multi-Sport, shown here, posing for a photo right after crossing the finish line. Congratulations to all the finishers! For more on Eagleman, go to the Columbia Triathlon Association.

June 7, 2010—It takes a village, that’s how! The beautiful flowerpots and hanging baskets that showed up along Race and Poplar streets recently are the result of first-rate teamwork in our community. Cambridge Main Street is in the lead here. Our organization pays the biggest chunk of the bill (something we can do only because of our generous annual donors—thank you!), and our volunteers handle the logistics of soliciting flowerpot “sponsors” as partners. Those sponsors are a mix of downtown shops, galleries, restaurants, and offices—as well as everyday Cambridge citizens looking to do their part. Click for the full list of sponsors.

June 2, 2010—Four downtown Cambridge businesses were named "2010 Best of the Eastern Shore" by What's Up Eastern Shore magazine. Stop in and experience them for yourself! Congratulations to Bistro Poplar (for Best French Restaurant and Best Seasonally Inspired Menu), Jimmie & Sook’s Raw Bar and Grill (Best Raw Bar), Sunnyside (Best Women’s Clothing Boutique) and Joie de Vivre Gallery (Best Artisan Jewelry). 

May 21, 2010—Actress Cicely Tyson helped celebrate the dedication of the newly renovated Harriet Tubman Educational Center and Museum on May 20. Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley presented her with a ceremonial key to the city of Cambridge. Tyson and others ate a lunch provided by Jimmie & Sook's. Tyson, who played Harriet Tubman in the 1978 NBC television movie, A Woman Called Moses, was able to meet some of Tubman's descendants who live in Cambridge. The Tubman Museum is located at 424 Race Street and recently finished a building renovation.

Updated May 19, 2010—Gallery 447 re-opened May 15 after several months of renovation. The new space is beautiful—airy, open, light-filled. Even more impressive is the art in the spring show, "The Marks of Six Painters." These painters—Deborah Kahn, Jo Smail, Steven Cushner, Tom Green, William Willis, and W.C. Richardson—have had solo shows in galleries in New York, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other big cities. Their work is part of collections at such places as the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Guggenheim, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Gallery of South Africa. And their work has been reviewed in publications including Artforum, Art in America, the Washington Post, and others. The  panel discussion with the artists originally scheduled for May 22 has been rescheduled for 7pm, Saturday, June 19. The gallery is located at 447 Race Street, second floor.

May 14, 2010—And the winner is . . . Amy Craig! Volunteers Sally Jellett and Lisa Hochreiner pulled Amy's name out of the bucket as the winner of the Mother's Night Out Second Saturday drawing for $100 in Retail Therapy at cool shops in downtown Cambridge. Have fun shopping, Amy!

Updated May 8, 2010—The Main Street Farmers Market is back, bringing local farmers into our downtown every Thursday afternoon through October from 3 to 6 pm. Please note: That’s half an hour earlier than previous years! At this time of year, look for spinach, lettuces, asparagus, beets, turnip, kale, and more. A mix of familiar and new vendors will be at the market this year, and manager Beth Ann Lynch is planning a number of special twists, from occasional music to crafts displays and events and other surprises. Keep up to date by checking the Farmers Market page and on the Main Street Facebook page. Or send an e-mail to [email protected] to get on the list to receive a weekly e-mail about market highlights.

April 4, 2010—Whether you’ve got guests visiting or just want to learn more about historic Cambridge, join a Colonial-costumed guide for a walking tour of beautiful, historic High Street. The walking tours started again for the season in early April. They continue every Saturday at 11am through October. Meet at Long Wharf at the end of High Street. $8 for adults; 12 and under free. Reserve at 410.901.1000.

April 3, 2010—A great big Cambridge welcome to Paul’s Subs, which opened for business April 1 and promptly drew a slew of customers on day one. Located near the drawbridge where El Torito used to be, the shop is the work of Cambridge resident Paul Baiers, who ran a similar shop a while back when he lived in the DC suburbs. eaturing cold and hot subs, burgers, specialty clubs, sandwiches, soups and salads, wings, and more. Delivery available. Stop in soon and try it out! Open daily. 400 Academy St., 410.901.1004 (phone), 410.901.1139 (fax).

February 17, 2010—Are the businesses in historic downtowns worth extra loyalty from customers? A new study of the recovery in New Orleans says yes. Two groups, the Urban Conservancy and Civic Economics, compared stores in an old downtown area with chain stores in shopping malls. This is what they found:

• Small, locally owned shops generated twice the annual sales per square foot.

• Local shops recirculated revenue within the community at twice the rate.

• Local shops had 4 times more local economic impact in wages, profits, procurement of goods, charitable giving, and other categories.

• Plus, the researchers estimated that if consumers in the study area shifted just 10 percent of their spending from chains to locals, they’d put $60 million into the local economy that otherwise disappears and goes elsewhere.

February 15, 2010—Thanks to everyone who came out to the Visionary Valentine event at the Main Street Gallery Feb. 13. This second annual event, a fundraiser for the nonprofit Main Street Gallery, featured champagne, desserts, and a silent auction of artworks created especially for the event. There was also a lively performance by professional Elvis impersonator Bilvis, shown here in a photo by Dave Harp. Thanks also to all our volunteers and to everyone who donated their talents or items.

January 22, 2010—Tom Brokaw's hourlong documentary on Route 50, which opens with a segment on Cambridge, is now viewable online through the USA Network. The documentary premiered on Jan. 18. That's also when a huge crowd gathered at Jimmie & Sook's, which is featured in the program, to watch the documentary and to celebrate the restaurant's first anniversary. In the documentary, Tom Brokaw says of Jimmie & Sook's owner Amanda Bramble (pictured here with her mother): "Her fight is indicative of a kind of American spirit that seems alive and well in Cambridge." Watch the documentary here.

January 7, 2010—Gov. Martin O'Malley popped into our downtown today and brought news of up to $1 million headed this way. During a "Business Roundtable" with business owners from around the region, he made the announcement that funds through three different grant applications submitted by the city would be available in the near future to (1) build new green, energy-efficient houses; (2) help homeowners weatherize and improve older houses; and (3) fix up some streets and gutters.
 

January 7, 2010—Three Cambridge residents—all involved in one way or another with making downtown a better place—were named "People to Watch" by What's Up Eastern Shore magazine. Congratulations to Ian Campbell, chef at Bistro Poplar; Jermaine Anderson, co-chair of the Cambridge Lives! revitalization program; and Amanda Fenstermaker, director of Dorchester County Tourism. They are three of nine people under 40 across the Eastern Shore selected as people who are making a difference in the January issue of the magazine. Congrats to all!

December 16, 2009—Welcome to the newest retail shop in downtown Cambridge! Race Beauty Supply, which opened just before Christmas at 620 Race St., is the work of Sue and Kim Yong (pictured here). The Yongs have another successful store on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and Kim says the two often scouted locations while en route up the Eastern Shore to trade shows in Baltimore. Stop in to check out the shop’s extensive array of hair products and beauty supplies—including wigs, soaps, hair coloring, and much more.

December 13, 2009—The Danny Doughty Gallery had its grand opening on Dec. 12. Dozens of visitors stopped by to step into another time and place at this gallery, which features the work of folk artist Danny Doughty. (Note how he's transformed the usual starkness of a gallery from floor to ceiling!) Stop by the gallery at 410 Race St. (in the back of Joie de Vivre Gallery). The evening included a drawing for one of Doughty's paintings, which he donated to be raffled off as a benefit for the Dorchester Humane Society. Congratulations to Lex Lowe, who won the painting, Cat of Many Colors.

December 13, 2009—Wave of the Future, a dramatic piece of public sculpture created to mark Cambridge's 325th anniversary, was unveiled and officially presented to the city during the Christmas on the Choptank celebration Dec. 11. The 6-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture was designed by artist Marty Hughes and fabricated by welders at Cambridge International. The final site for the sculpture has not yet been finalized.

December 13, 2009—The enormously popular Art-cessories Holiday Show at the Main Street Gallery has been the gallery's most successful show this year.  The exhibit  features a special installation of wearable and functional artworks, from jewelry to objets d’art, from feathers to furniture, from the fine to the funky. Prices range from $15 to $3,000. The display continues through the end of December. The gallery is open extended hours this month: daily 12-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm, closed Tuesday.

November 8, 2009—The Cambridge Lives! project took a major step forward on Nov. 6-7, when more than 50 community residents, stakeholders, and leaders gathered over two days to discuss ways to spark a revitalization process along Pine and nearby streets.

October 18, 2009—Dedicated Cambridge Main Street volunteers braved rain and soggy conditions to plant 22 trees downtown. The trees will provide more shade and complement the existing street trees. Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for grant funds to get this project done. Trees were planted on Race, Poplar, High, and Gay Streets. See a map showing where the trees have been planted.

October 15, 2009—We’re guessing that if you do line dancing, you’ve never danced surrounded by beautiful works of art. Now you can. The Main Street Gallery, 413 Muir Street, is the site for Phoenix Line Dance, new line dancing classes for experienced dancers. Word has it that the floor is amazing to dance on.