FRIENDS OF MAIN STREET
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      • 25th Fall Foliage Festival
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Let's Eat! It's Winsted Restaurant Week!

3/5/2025

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Picture– David Sartirana, Northwest CT Realty “Exciting to see Winsted’s first Restaurant Week getting such great coverage! A big shout-out to Noujaim’s Bistro and all the participating restaurants for making this event special. Looking forward to trying some amazing dishes! #WinstedRestaurantWeek”
🎉 Get ready for Winsted’s very first Winsted Restaurant Week! From breakfast to dinner, indulge in fantastic cuisine for nine whole days! 
Dive into our vibrant dining scene and discover special offers and delicious menus! Don’t forget to bookmark and share the excitement with your friends and family! Check back often to stay updated on all the menus and prize packages!

This inaugural event is a collaboration among the Winchester Economic Development Commission, Friends of Main Street Winsted, and Litchfield.co.

Participating restaurants include: 2nd Home Lounge, ABC Pizza, Asa's Place, Beata Cottage Bakery, China Delight, Gilson Cafe & Cinema, Little Red Barn Brewers, Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, Mario's Tuscany Grill and Bar, McGrane's On The Green, @monacosristorante, Noujaim's Bistro, @northwestsoupandsandwich, Padre's, Papa’s Market, Railway Cafe, Rooted Market, @rowleygrill, @shahshalalfood, Sophia's Pizza Restaurant and The Tributary Restaurant.

​Sponsored by Northwest Community Bank, Northwest CT Realty, Western CT Coalition, Park Place Hardware, Cadco, CT State Northwestern, Northwestern Community College Foundation, and The Marina at Highland Lake.

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Winter Wonderland Window-Decorating Contest

12/11/2024

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Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland as the holiday season arrives. Streetlights are decorated with garlands and large red bows, while illuminated trees create a magical atmosphere that invites pedestrians to explore. Each shop features unique displays that capture the joyful spirit of the season, encouraging passersby to step inside and discover unique gifts for friends and loved ones.
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Join Friends of Main Street in voting for your favorite Winter Wonderland Windows while shopping downtown this holiday season! Vote from December 5th to December 10th for the Most Traditional, Most Creative, and Most Festive. 

We received more than 70 votes! This year's Main Street windows were EXTRAORDINARY - we could not award only one for each category - so we awarded two!

The Results are in:
  • Most Traditional:  F & G Richards Jewelers 
  • Most Traditional:  Home & Cake
  • Most Creative:  Edge Works Axe House
  • Most Creative:  Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant/Papa Bopa
  • Most Festive:  Cura Café
  • Most Festive:  Annie Q Simard

Our favorite Winter Wonderland Windows of 2024:
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Edge Works Axe House, Little Red Barn Brewery, Railway Cafe, F & G Richards Jewelers, Annie Q. Simard KW Realtor, Peacock & Lilacs Thrifty Boutique, Home & Cake, JB Interiors, Andy's Attic, Little Fox Portraits, Friends of Main Street, The Curious Cat Bookshop, Monaco's Ristorante, Winsted Winter Express, Gilson Cafe & Cinema, Papa's Market, True Value Hardware, Papa Bopa, Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, Jessica's Barbershop, Asa's Diner, Toby's Peruvian Restaurant, Northwest Community Bank, Cura Café, L.I.V.E., Park Place Hardware, and McGranes on the Green.

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A Winsted-Winchester Christmas

12/10/2024

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December 1, 7/8, 2024
​

Enjoy this Year's Holiday Events!
It's the most enchanting time of the year! Children can imagine themselves aboard the magical Winsted Winter Express, embarking on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole – plus plenty of shopping!
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​Get into the holiday spirit starting
 Sunday, December 1, in Winchester Center! At 4:30 pm, go to the Winchester Center Congregational Church for the annual tree lighting and caroling.

On Saturday, December 7, join us in downtown Winsted to explore Main, Rowley, Lake, and Whiting Streets for exciting holiday shopping and fun! 

You won't want to miss taking pictures at the North Pole in front of our 75 ft mural – The Winsted Winter Express – located at 372 Main Street, honoring the trains that journeyed to Winsted.  At 1:00 pm, Friends of Main Street and Northwest Community Bank will have a ribbon cutting for a unique ice carving by Joe Almeida, an ice sculptor for MGM Studios in Springfield, Mass.  The ice carving was unveiled before the festive holiday mural by artist Michael Genovese, sponsored by Friends of Main Street.  The mural and ice sculpture honors the trains that once arrived in Winsted. Gather with friends and family for photos and create lasting holiday memories.​
After the ribbon-cutting, head to Winchester Recreation Department activities at Rowley Playground Building at 2 pm and then to East End Park for S'mores, Caroling, and Tree Lighting at 4:30 pm. Cap off the day at A Sandra Boynton Christmas at the AMP at 7:00 pm. Enjoy visiting the American Museum of Tort Law, the American Mural Project, and the Holiday Open Studios Weekend at Whiting Mills –​ rounding out Christmas in Winsted-Winchester!
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Spooky Windows on Main Street Winners!

11/6/2024

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On the morning of Saturday, October 26, sidewalks were filled with K-6 Winchester students creating frightening displays of ghosts and goblins along Main Street for the 42nd Halloween Window Painting Contest! Check out their spooky windows!
A total of 54 downtown windows were painted by 48 teams of two and seven "solo" painters – 101 young artists – making more memories for everyone this Halloween!
Friends of Main Street is excited to announce the  2024 Halloween Window Painting  winners by grade!
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  • Kindergarten:  Sophie Stambaugh
  • First:  Cody Thompson and Ryder Horvay
  • Second:  Faith Linkovich and Aubryel Castilo
  • Third:  Dylan Moodie-Kalman and Tuelce Quatch
  • Fourth:  Hannah Dean and Cambria Trujillo
  • Fifth:  Charlotte Ruzbasan and Chloe Heche
  • Sixth:  Maci Gagnon and Olivia Guenther

 A big howl out to the Winsted Fire Department who cleans the windows each year!

We could not have such fun without our participating businesses:  McGrane's On The Green, Park Place Hardware, Northwest Realty, Northwest Community Bank, Cura di sé Nutrition, ABC Pizza, Mama Pho, True Value of Winchester, The Gilson Cafe and Theater, The Curious Cat Bookshop, Be Under Par Performance, Friends of Main Street, Rooted Market, Total Mortgage, Winsted News, Andy's Attic, Noujaim's Bistro, JB Appliance, Mad River Music, 2nd Home Lounge, F & G Richards Jewelers and Railway Cafe.

​And we thank our judges Andy Jones, Pam Dean, and Mark Lampognana 
  🎃 ​
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From a rich history to a scenic landscape Winsted is a charming town with a lot to offer

10/17/2024

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​News 12 photojournalist Lori Golias explores Winsted in this week's Road Trip Close to Home. Lori Golias
Oct 17, 2024 | Nestled in Litchfield County, in the foothills of the Berkshires, Winsted is rich in history.
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One site to see while visiting is the Soldier's Monument in Winsted, designed by Robert W. Hill and sculpted by the notable George E. Bissel.

Learn about Tort law -- the law of wrongful injuries -- at the nationally acclaimed American Museum of Tort Law founded by Ralph Nader.

Then, spend the day on walkable Main Street, enjoying food, fun, antiquing and more.
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24th Annual Fall Foliage Festival

8/13/2024

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Have You Marked Your Calendars?

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Join us on Main Street (Rte. 44 - from Town Hall to High Street) on Saturday, September 28th, for the 24th Annual Fall Foliage Festival. Discover Winsted/Winchester – the perfect place to live, work, and play, offering the best of town and country. With over seventy crafters, artisans, vendors, local businesses, and organizations present, there's plenty to see and do, including kids' activities and live entertainment. And when hunger strikes, there's no shortage of options, with everything from food trucks to local restaurants offering delicious treats.

Rev Up Your Engines! We have added a spectacular Car & Motorcycle Show! There promises to be an exciting mix of classic muscle cars, sports cars, and motorcycles, with various awards up for grabs. ​

                     It's just "good old-fashioned" family fun for all ages.​

🔸 VENDOR application: crafters, artisans, local businesses,
      organizations, commercial
​      
https://www.fomswinsted.org/vendors.html
🔸 ABOUT THE EVENT: and last year's pictures:  
      
https://www.fomswinsted.org/fallfoliagefestival2024.html
🔸 SPONSOR Opportunities:
  
    https://www.fomswinsted.org/sponsoropportunities.html

Be sure to sign up and join our mailing list: https://www.fomswinsted.org/weeklyupdates.html.

Free admission, Free Parking, Free shuttle, ADA accessible -- Two parking lots - Rec. Dept. Building/Forest View Cemetery (180 Rowley Street) to The American Museum of Tort Law (654 Main Street) with 2 drop-off stops - Case Avenue and High Street. Looping from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free Parking at The American Museum of Tort Law and walk to the Car/Motorcycle show starting at Railway Cafe!

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We Have a New Friend!

8/1/2024

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You have a new HVAC Vendor!  Win-Win
​
We are thrilled to welcome Ash Family Heating & Cooling to Winsted!  They just joined Friends of Main Street as a 'Friend' sponsor, so you will see them highlighted at the bottom of every newsletter and on www.fomswinsted.org as one of our sponsors. 


Who is Ash Family Heating & Cooling, and why Winsted/Winchester? ​
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https://www.ash-hvac.com | Tel: 860-238-7212 | Email: [email protected] | Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm
❛❛ My family and I moved to Winsted in June 2022 and have spent every day of the last two-plus years falling more and more in love with this beautiful town and its amazing small businesses. I grew up in Woodbury, and my husband, Steve, grew up in Naugatuck. We lived in Watertown before moving and found our perfect home on Highland Lake.

​"
Although we are a new business, Steve has been in the HVAC industry for over 25 years.  He has done and seen it all, from service to installation to oil to gas conversions.  He prides himself on mastering every aspect of the trade.  About a year ago, he switched from residential to commercial work to spend more time with our family, but ultimately decided it wasn't for him.  He missed the daily interaction with customers and the problem-solving challenges of residential work.  So, in June, I told him to open his own company, which has been his dream for as long as I can remember.

So now, it's all hands on deck at the Ash household.  I am working on scheduling, the books, and marketing.  The kids are leaning in to help with promotion and social media, and even the dogs hang out for a little emotional support when everyone is exhausted, but they must keep going.  Our family loves to work together and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the amazing people that make up this amazing town.   

We are elated to be supporting Friends of Main Street and can't wait for future events!
❜❜  -- Erica 
​


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We're Back!

7/28/2024

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Friends of Main Street's Facebook page was recently hacked. We felt terrible that we were not able to share all of our local businesses' updates for a couple of days, but we are back and did not lose information on our upcoming events, etc. ​

We are committed to supporting our local businesses on Main Street and community events through our active Facebook page and detailed weekly newsletters. This provides a comprehensive daily resource for information about our local shops, eateries, and entertainment venues.  Check out our FOOD, BREW, FOOD & NECESSITIES listings on our website www.fomswinsted.org.

​​​​It was a great reminder of how you as a friend and neighbor can also help to support local businesses.

What Can You Do to Support Local Businesses Without Breaking the Bank?

Small businesses are an essential part of Winsted/Winchester's charm. While shopping at small businesses is the best way to show support, there are many other ways to support them without spending a lot of money. Who's ready to support all of our community events? They are! Remember, you have the power to significantly promote these businesses. Here are some ways you can help:

  1. Leave a positive review on Google, Yelp, Open Table, etc. 
  2. Word-of-mouth marketing matters! Tell your friends and family about the businesses you love. 
  3. Sign up for the newsletter of your favorite businesses. (You'll get the best deals by staying in the know!)
  4. Attend area events to help promote your community - there are lots of free events organized and shared by Friends of Main Street and more on the Town's website under Community Events 
  5. Follow your favorite businesses on social media. Like their page!
  6. Comment on the social posts of your favorite businesses.
  7. Tag your friends and family in the business's social posts.
  8. DM your friends and family social posts made by your favorite businesses.
  9. Re-post a business' social posts, or make your own (make sure you tag the business!).
  10. Be patient when a new business opens. Give them a chance to work the kinks out of a new store/restaurant. 
  11. Make a list of things you can buy locally instead of at big box stores or online. For example, you can buy products in our hardware stores, one-of-a-kind gifts, clothing, etc., on Main Street or at a Farmer's Market.
  12. Volunteer your time at places that could use extra help, such as local Thrift Shops or Food Banks when advertised. Become a volunteer firefighter for your community.

Make memories and build your community!  Winsted Has It!


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A Winsted Christmas

12/1/2022

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It's the most wonderful time of the year! Get in the Holiday Spirit on December 3rd starting at 7 am with a Christmas Breakfast, Fairs, a Bazaar and Stuff-A-Cruiser. Then on to Whiting Street for shopping and a tour at AMP or the American Museum of Tort Law. Next pictures with Santa, a Horse Drawn Wagon Ride, Hot Cocoa; Kids Crafting and Face Painting at the YMCA; more Shopping down Main Street — to East End Park for S’mores, a Dance Performance and the Tree Lighting at 4 pm !  
 
Tis the season for giving! 🥫🧅🥦🥕 Please bring a donation or food items with you for The Salvation Army to Little Fox Studios, 434 Main Street to get your FREE Pictures with Santa. Your support helps them serve our neighbors in need, right here in Winchester!

Activities:
  • Christmas Breakfast (7 am tp 11 am) at Winsted Fire Station 2 at 187 Prospect St
  • 1st Annual Holiday Fair (8 am to 4 pm) & Kids Crafts and Face Painting (1-3 pm) at Northwest CT YMCA
  • 101st Christmas Fair (8 am to 3 pm) at First Church of Winsted 
  • Christmas Bazaar (9 am to 2 pm) at St. Joseph Church 
  • Stuff-A-Cruiser (9 am to 6 pm) at CVS, 47 Main Street, Winchester Police Dept.
  • Mural Tours (10 am to 5 pm) at American Mural Project - kids & students free!
  • Holiday Open House (11 am to 1 pm) at Beardsley Library
  • Holiday Open House (11 am to 4 pm) American Museum of Tort Law, 654 Main St
  • Holiday Open Studios Weekend December 3 & 4, (11 am to 5 pm) at Whiting Mills 
  • ​Pictures with Santa (1 pm to 3:30 pm) at Little Fox Portraits at 424 Main Street - bring food donations with you for free pictures!​
  • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides (1 pm to 3 pm weather permitting), sponsored by Northwest Community Bank, with pick up on Elm Street/390 Main Street corner.  Also, hot chocolate from Friends of Main Street. 
  • S'mores (2:30 to 4 pm) at East End Park sponsored by Winsted Fire Department
  • Dance Performance (2:45 to 4 pm) at East End Park by the Center for Dance Arts
  • Tree Lighting (4 pm) at East End Park sponsored by the Winsted Recreation Department ​
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Spooky Windows on Main Street Winners!

11/7/2022

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Early Saturday morning on October 22, sidewalks filled with teams of K-6 Winchester students brewing up frightening displays of ghosts and goblins all along Main Street for the 40th Halloween Window Painting Contest!

A total of 69 downtown windows were painted by 52 teams of two and 11 "solo" painters – 115 young artists –  making more memories for everyone this Halloween!
 
Friends of Main Street is excited to announce the 2022 Halloween Window Painting winners by grade!
  • Kindergarten:  Olivia Melycher & Lily Gagnon (2nd Grade) 
  • First:  Dylan Moodie-Kalman & Amelia Schuldt
  • Second:  Nathan Grillo & Mason Pond
  • Third:  Aubrielle Miner & Kaylee Ransom
  • Fourth:  Iris O'Connor & Destiny Farr
  • Fifth:  Kayleigh Gurtowsky & Makayla Whitener (1st Grade)
  • Sixth:  Jaime Lindau & Corinne Lindau (3rd Grade) 

​A big howl out to our judge Amy Gifford, and these participating businesses:  McGrane's On The Green, Cura di sé Nutrition, ABC Pizza, Mama Pho, Wonderland Nail Studio, Laurel Lanes, True Value of Winchester, Padre's, The Gilson Cafe and Theater, Community Health & Wellness (former IGA storefront), Be Under Par Performance, Friends of Main Street, Rooted Market, Little Fox Portraits, Noujaim's Bistro, Keefe Land Surveying, JB Appliance, and F & G Richards Jewelers. And our thanks to the Winsted Fire Department, who generously clean the windows each year 🎃
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© 2025 Friends of Main Street Winsted-Winchester, Inc., PO Box 18, 398 Main Street, Winsted, CT 06098
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Mission, Location & Hours
    • What We Do
    • Work, Play, Day Tripping: Winchester
    • Board of Directors
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate & Volunteer
    • Sponsors
  • EVENTS
    • Bubble & Truffles 2025
    • Restaurant Week
    • Earth Day Cleanup
    • Flowers on Main Street
    • Summer Concert Series
    • Fall Foliage Festival >
      • 25th Fall Foliage Festival
      • Sponsor Opportunities
      • Vendor Application
    • Fall River Cleanup
    • Halloween Window Painting
    • A Winsted-Winchester Christmas
  • CALENDAR
    • Community Calendar & THE WEEKLY Newsletter
    • Blog
  • FOOD, BREW, FUN & NECESSITIES
    • Antiques
    • Attractions
    • Food, Brew & Catering
    • Necessities
    • Recreation & Exercise
    • Salons & Personal Services
    • Shopping
  • CONTACT