Ignore the calendar — it’s officially summer!

There are countless activities right here in Wilmington and Clinton County for you and your family to choose from, and Main Street Wilmington hopes you will include us as part of your “Summer Must-Do” calendar.

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, you can be part of the flower-watering brigade that will be hitting the downtown streets very soon. This project, sponsored by the DWCIC, allows our downtown streets to be full of color for the summer months with numerous flower baskets.

Keeping those flowers beautiful takes the work of volunteers. The commitment is three times a week for one week of the summer. Watering will take about one-and-a-half hours each day — Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So if you have a few hours to spare to make our downtown bright and beautiful, visit our website and click the Volunteer link.

The first Mural Party of the year is scheduled for June 16. We are so excited to announce a new band and a convenient way to pay for beverages!

Dirty Water Dog from Lebanon, Ohio will take the Mural Stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16. The lot and concession stand opens at 6 p.m. so there’s plenty of time to get there after work.

For your convenience, credit cards and cash will be accepted for concession stand purchases. Beer will now be sold by the ticket. We anticipate less waiting in line with this new system.

Speaking of new, there are two new downtown businesses slated for opening this summer. Main Street welcomes Papsy’s Place Sweets and Treats located at 115 W. Main St. and Athena at 31 W. Main St. These two family-run businesses will be great additions to the downtown area.

Papsy’s Place will feature self-serve soft yogurt with six different flavors daily including gluten/dairy free options. With an outdoor seating area and evening hours, it can be a new after-dinner destination for the family.

If you prefer more than yogurt, homemade cookies and other baked goods will be part of the menu. If you were a fan of the delicious sugar cookies baked for the Clinton County Red Cross Valentine’s fundraisers, Papsy’s is sure to be your guilty pleasure!

Slated to open at the end of July, Athena is a novel concept for Downtown Wilmington retail. Located in the former RMR Auction location, Athena will offer custom-built furniture at affordable prices.

Using new wood, reclaimed barn wood, glass and metals, Athena can build furniture specifically for you.

In addition, the shop will stock already made furniture, jewelry, craft pieces, purses, hand towels, candles and more with an emphasis on keeping prices affordable for every budget.

Athena is also welcoming local artisans to add their specialty creations to the store’s inventory. Anyone interested, please email [email protected] for more information.

And don’t forget about the Art and Soul Fest on Sept. 15. We are taking artists/vendor applications now!

Downtown will be amped up with sidewalk sales, studio tours, food trucks, live music and artists on the courthouse lawn. Don’t miss this standout event!

Our website has all the details — check out mainstreetwilmington.com/wilmington-art-soul-fest/

You don’t have to travel far for fun this summer. There’s plenty going on right in your downtown!