Main to Main Trade Days brought more than bargain hunters to Webster Parish November 6-8. The annual event also provided a boost to local businesses, with several downtown Minden retailers reporting their best Main to Main weekend yet.
The three-day event stretched 50 miles from Springhill to Sibley, drawing shoppers and vendors to communities throughout the parish. While the crowds and vendor booths were the most visible signs of success, Webster Parish Tourism Executive Director Amie Poladian emphasized that the event’s benefits extend well beyond the merchandise sold along the route.
“What I love most about Main to Main Trade Days is that its impact reaches far beyond the sales themselves. Every visitor who fills up their gas tank, stops for lunch, shops at a local business, or spends the night in one of our communities is contributing to our local economy. When you consider that activity happening across 50 miles of Webster Parish over three days, the potential economic impact is tremendous. This event is a perfect example of how tourism supports our small towns and creates opportunities for local businesses and residents,” Poladian said.
Downtown Minden was particularly busy throughout the weekend, with white vendor tents lining the streets and shoppers moving between booths, restaurants, and established businesses. The annual Jambin’ on Main Jambalaya Cookoff on Saturday added to the crowds, while pleasant fall weather encouraged visitors to spend time outdoors.
Several Minden retail business owners described this year’s event as their most successful Main to Main yet, reporting especially strong customer traffic and sales.
“Webster Parish was buzzing with excitement this weekend as Main to Main Trade Days brought shoppers, vendors, and treasure hunters together for three incredible days! From Springhill to Sibley, our communities were filled with people searching for one-of-a-kind finds, enjoying local restaurants, and discovering everything that makes Webster Parish such a special place to visit,” Poladian said.
She also credited the cooperation of communities and organizations throughout the parish for the event’s success.
“The success of Main to Main Trade Days is a testament to the people who make it happen. We’re incredibly thankful for our municipalities, Main Street organizations, vendors, volunteers, local businesses, and community partners who worked together to welcome visitors and create a memorable experience.”
Although the turnout appeared strong, organizers are now working to gather information that will help them better understand the event’s economic impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
Visit Webster Parish has launched two post-event surveys, one for shoppers and another for vendors. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, including what worked well and what could be improved for future events.
“As we celebrate another year of Main to Main Trade Days, we’re also looking ahead to making the event even better. Visit Webster Parish has launched post-event surveys for both shoppers and vendors, and we encourage everyone who participated to share their experiences. Your feedback helps us understand the event’s economic impact, identify opportunities for improvement, and continue growing Main to Main Trade Days into an even stronger tourism tradition for Webster Parish,” Poladian said.
Those who attended Main to Main Trade Days can complete the appropriate survey online:
- Shopper survey: https://forms.gle/xx9AmjfdErzECk238
- Vendor survey: https://forms.gle/ukBnnnK78AgWnFTt5
The surveys are intended to help tourism officials evaluate the event and plan for continued growth.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the future of this event and the opportunities it brings to our communities!” Poladian said.
Next year’s Main to Main Trade Days is scheduled for November 5-7, 2027.