Skip to content

Facebook
Instagram
What's Up Downtown (Blog)

Home
About Us
Explore Downtown
Get Involved
Our Events
Resources
Contact Us
Donate

Home
About Us
Explore Downtown
Get Involved
Our Events
Resources
Contact Us
Donate

Faith Based

First Congregational Church “The Big Red Church”

311 2nd Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
815-625-5112

First Presbyterian Church

410 2nd Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
815-625-0452

Explore Downtown

Arts & Entertainment
Eat & Drink
Financial
Health & Wellness
Salons & Spas
Faith Based
Retail & Shopping
Services
Shoppes at Grandon Plaza
The Murals
Historic Architecture

Arts & Entertainment
Eat & Drink
Financial
Health & Wellness
Salons & Spas
Faith Based
Retail & Shopping
Services
Shoppes at Grandon Plaza
The Murals
Historic Architecture

Thank you to our 2026 Partners! Contact us to learn more on how you can Partner with Sterling Main Street and invest in your community!

Working together for the betterment of the community at large

Contact Us

15 E 3rd St
Sterling, IL 61081
815-626-8610
info@sterlingmainstreet.org

Upcoming Events

Hear From Us

Get Text Alerts

Newsletter Signup

Email Address

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Sterling Main Street is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Instagram

The Sterling Main Street office is closed today in

The Sterling Main Street office is closed today in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day—and we’re taking a little time to recharge after a fantastic Hops on the Rock! 🍂🍻
Thanks to everyone who made it such a success. We’ll see you back bright and early Tuesday morning!

👋 You’ve met our board… could you be next? Throug

👋 You’ve met our board… could you be next?
Throughout September, we’ve introduced you to the people who volunteer their time, ideas and talents to help guide Sterling Main Street and support the work happening throughout our downtown.
As we look ahead to 2027, we’ll also be looking to grow our Board of Directors — and you don’t have to wait until then to get involved!
Joining one of our committees is a great way to get to know Sterling Main Street, lend your skills and perspective, and help shape projects and initiatives that make a difference downtown. Whether your interests are events and promotions, beautification and public art, supporting small businesses, or simply finding ways to strengthen our organization, there’s a place to get involved.
You don’t have to own a downtown business. You just need an interest in our community, a willingness to get involved, and a desire to help make good things happen.
Could you be one of the next faces around our table?
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message or reach out to the Sterling Main Street office to learn more about committee involvement and future board opportunities.

Our final introduction is also one of the newer fa

Our final introduction is also one of the newer faces around our board table, Tygen Bausman officially joined the Sterling Main Street Board in 2025 — but her involvement with Main Street started before that through our Economic Vitality Committee, where she has been an active part of conversations around supporting businesses and strengthening our downtown.
A Sterling native, Tygen works at Sauk Valley Bank and brings both a business perspective and a personal connection to the community she calls home.
Why does she choose to serve?
“As a Sterling native and board member, I enjoy supporting local businesses and helping make our downtown a place where businesses can grow and succeed. I’m proud to help create a welcoming community that attracts new opportunities while supporting the strong local businesses we already have.
I also enjoy being involved in organizing family-friendly events that bring people together and make Sterling a great place to live and visit.”
From economic vitality to community events, Tygen has jumped right in, bringing her time, ideas and enthusiasm to the work we do. We’re glad to have her perspective and commitment as part of Sterling Main Street!

If there’s work to be done, chances are Jodie Gaff

If there’s work to be done, chances are Jodie Gaffey is willing to jump in and help!
Jodie joined the Sterling Main Street Board in 2022 and works at CGH Medical Center. She brings a very practical, hands-on approach to serving on our board — less “What should someone do?” and more “What can I do?”
Over the years, that has meant everything from joining us for Team Up 2 Clean Up, to working registration at events, to helping recruit donors for our downtown flower baskets. And often, it’s simply being willing to lend a hand when one is needed.
Jodie is a great example of something we value about our volunteer board: serving isn’t only about attending meetings. Sometimes it’s showing up, pitching in and helping get the job done.
We’re lucky to have Jodie as one of those people we know we can count on. Thanks for all you do for Sterling Main Street and Downtown Sterling, Jodie!

Long before Robin Duncan officially joined the Ste

Long before Robin Duncan officially joined the Sterling Main Street Board, she was already a familiar face behind the scenes!
Robin and her husband, Dan, have been dedicated Main Street volunteers for over a decade, first getting involved with Blues Fest and later becoming instrumental during the Music Fest years. They were also among the driving forces behind the launch of our annual Car Show in 2014 and the addition of the Cruise Night series that followed.
Professionally, Robin, along with her sister, are the fifth-generation owners of Scholl Insurance in Polo. While her family business has deep roots in Polo, Sterling is home — and she has spent many years giving her time and talents back to the community where she lives.
Robin brought that commitment to the Sterling Main Street Board in 2020 and today serves as our Board President. She recently began her third and final three-year term.
From countless event days to planning meetings and everything in between, Robin has seen Main Street evolve over the years and continues to step up wherever she’s needed.
We’re grateful to have her experience, dedication and many years of volunteer service helping guide Sterling Main Street!

As our current board vice-president, Brian just be

As our current board vice-president, Brian just began his 2nd three-year term on the Main Street Board.
"I enjoy helping shape activities, events and programs as a board member. Seeing downtown buildings come back to life, growing turnout at events and new businesses activate in our downtown is truly a rewarding experience! I’m excited about many of our changes and new events this year and energized for what the future holds."

CALLING ALL VENDORS! The Sights & Sounds Christma

CALLING ALL VENDORS!
The Sights & Sounds Christmas Walk returns to Downtown Sterling on Friday, December 4 from 5–8 PM — and vendor applications are now OPEN!
This year's theme is Wander • Wonder • Whimsy, and we're looking for makers, artists, small businesses and other unique vendors to add even more for visitors to discover throughout downtown.
The evening will feature the Lighted Holiday Parade, tree lighting, Santa's Workshop, trolley rides, shopping, dining, family activities and plenty of holiday fun.
Ready to join us and Bring on the Whimsy?
Apply here: https://forms.gle/1LCXFN8YL97eWQbGA

Something new is brewing at Hops on the Rock 2026

Something new is brewing at Hops on the Rock 2026 this year…
We’re excited to welcome several homebrewers and homebrewing groups to this year’s tasting lineup! We love our favorite locals, Zebra Brewing, but we've got FIVE - yes 5 - Homebrewers this year!
These folks take their brewing seriously — experimenting with styles, flavors and recipes and creating beers you probably won’t find anywhere else.
Join us October 10th and see what they’re pouring.
Regional breweries. Local favorites. Homebrewed creations.
There’s going to be a lot to taste at Hops on the Rock.
Get Tickets -->> https://givebutter.com/hops-on-the-rock-2026-xed1zb

Follow on Instagram

Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility Statement
Site Map

Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility Statement
Site Map

©2026 Stahr Media. All Rights Reserved.

Skip to content

Accessibility Tools

Increase Text
Decrease Text
Grayscale
High Contrast
Negative Contrast
Light Background
Links Underline
Readable Font
Reset