As Forward Wayne County kicks off Main Street month, we thought is would be fitting to introduce Wayne County to its newest Main Street Group, Fountain City Forward. Rett Foster, with the group, shares that they are a community organization on a mission.
Fountain City, located in northeastern Wayne County, is a small town rich with history and a sense of community. It is often noted that Fountain City’s residents are a cohesive mixture of families that have lived in and around the area for generations, as well as new, young families looking for a solid community to raise their children.
About
Fountain City Forward (FCF) is an organization dedicated to bringing that historical and generational love forward into an era of growth and community commitment. The group’s vision is to maximize opportunities for historical preservation, technological advancement, and safety enhancements.
In a time when small towns are dwindling and struggling to find their sense of community and purpose, Fountain City Forward is leading the charge to ensure this doesn’t happen there. Through community events, historical preservation, partnerships with local businesses, and action teams, Fountain City is on the cusp of immense revitalization.
The board of Fountain City Forward comprises lifelong and returning residents, professionals, local school graduates, and business leaders. In just a short time, the board has filed for non-profit status, created a website, set up additional social media communication tools, cast a vision, opened lines of communication between the residents and city officials, created and hosted events, held informational meetings, and supported local businesses.
Momentum
Fountain City Forward is gaining momentum through partnerships such as Northeastern Schools. Both local artists and elementary students were encouraged to submit artwork for an art show. The show, held at the Lion’s Club building, brought together artists, both young and old, using a variety of mediums to showcase their talent. Judges from the Richmond Art Museum and Earlham College were present to select artists whose pieces stood out for recognition. The community highly appreciated this new event, resulting in creative spirits coming together.
Another exciting event Fountain City Forward helped orchestrate was in connection with the total eclipse that was celebrated countywide. FCF held its first annual 5k and dog walk. They partnered with several local businesses and Northeastern High School to bring athletes and their families from far and wide to the small city. Participants came from as far as South Dakota and Florida!
As part of FCF’s vision, history plays a significant role in planning. Intentionally, FCF created the 5k route to have walkers and runners work their way past several historical buildings in Fountain City, giving people outside the community a chance to see places they may want to visit. It also showed the participants the historical value of the town.
Along those lines, FCF wants to reignite the sense of family by creating a community cookbook. In a time where recipes are often found online, FCF reminds people near and far that recipes originate at home. Launching a collection of family recipes from local residents puts that sense of family right in their hands. The cookbook will also feature recipes and biographical information about prominent historical people. This project aims for the recipients to treasure the recipes passed from generation to generation and pass them on to the next.
Sense of Community
Fountain City Forward also fostered a sense of community when it held its first-ever block party. The Levi Coffin House, Lion’s Club, Fountain City Fire Department and Police, Reid Ambulance, and Thurston Farms joined us. This was a chance for friends and family to spend time together at a local landmark, Fountain City Park. There were games and a bounce house for the whole family. The community is looking forward to this annual event next year!
Recently, Fountain City Forward held its first Small Business Pop-in! Martin’s Country Mart hosted the pop-in for Derek Callahan, a realtor and owner of DC Painting & Pressure Washing. People could stop by for a free soda sponsored by Derek. It was a great opportunity for the community to support local businesses and see new and familiar faces throughout the event.
With the hustle and bustle of life today, Fountain City Forward wants to provide a chance to slow down and spend some time with your family and neighbors. Christmas is just around the corner! They are hosting an event on December 7, 2024, in the Fountain City Park. Residents can bring an ornament to hang on the newly planted tree in the park. There will also be a tree-lighting ceremony, where a special guest in red might make an appearance!
Volunteer
Fountain City Forward has worked diligently to create open lines of communication with city officials, community organizations, and local businesses. One way they have achieved this is by holding monthly meetings for interested residents to participate in developing future events and partnerships. Join us and volunteer.
There are many facets that make Fountain City great. There are many ways to give back to the community that helped raise and shape thousands of people in our area. Fountain City Forward looks FORWARD to continued revitalization and a renewed sense of community.
For more information, please find Fountain City Forward on Facebook, Instagram (@fountaincityforward), and TikTok (fountain.city.for). Our website is fountaincityforward.org. Find upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, donation links, local business links, and even merch! You can reach them at fountaincityforward@gmail.com.
