Authentic Willimantic- Getting to Know Main Street

Описание: Get ready to explore Authentic Willimantic, a youth-led celebration of the people, stories, and small businesses that give Willimantic and Windham, Connecticut their unique creative heartbeat. Produced by the young creators of the Youth Promise Arts, Communication, & Media Entrepreneurs (YP ACME) program at the Project Imo Idea Forge Creator’s Space, this campaign is a ground-up exploration of community identity through the lenses, microphones, and imaginations of local youth.

From early concepts to running camera, audio, lighting, interviews, editing, and final production, this project is shaped by youth. Their goal: to capture the energy, connection, and authenticity that make Willimantic a rising hub for arts, dining, culture, and small-business entrepreneurship in southern New England’s Quiet Corner.

Filmed in part during the 3rd Thursday Street Fests, Blocktoberfest, and other downtown events hosted by Willimantic Renaissance Inc., these videos showcase the vibrant mix of makers, shop owners, artisans, performers, and community leaders who make our Main Street come alive. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering a place you call home, Authentic Willimantic invites you to experience the town through a youth-powered lens — honest, energetic, and deeply local.

As we enter the holiday season and prepare for Small Business Saturday, this project serves as both storytelling and call-to-action:

Shop. Eat. Explore. Experience Willimantic — authentically.

Join us as we get to know some of the people, places, and experiences that you'll meet along the way.

Pat Griffin – Trigo Wood Fired Pizza
Harvest-to-hearth pies served from 744 Main Street, bringing warm flavor and community to downtown.
Website: https://www.trigokitchen.com/

Rhonda Twiss – Copperhead Exchange & Willimantic Brewing Company
A powerful advocate for small business in Willimantic, Rhonda brings together artisan craft, community commerce, and local flavor through both Copperhead Exchange at Bliss Marketplace and the iconic Willimantic Brewing Company.
IG:   / drlb9fveusv  
Website: https://willimanticbrewingcompany.com/

Lt. Joshua Clark – Willimantic Police Department
Sharing perspectives on safety, connection, and what community engagement looks like during downtown festivals.
Website: https://www.windhamct.gov/179/Police-...

Elliot Tellado- NAFI CT
NAFI CT supports youth and families through community-based behavioral health services that promote stability such as their Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in Willimantic, while also connecting them to NAFI’s broader network of statewide program
Website: https://www.nafict.org/

Leigh Duffy- CLiCK, Commercially Licensed Community Kitchen, Inc.
CLiCK Willimantic is a community kitchen and shared culinary workspace that supports local food entrepreneurs, strengthens regional agriculture, and brings people together around healthy, community-grown food.
Website: https://www.clickwillimantic.com/


Jenny Miao – Jenny Made These
Handmade jewelry, art, and creative expression that bring color and authenticity to Main Street.
IG:   / jennymadethese  

Damaris Gonzalez – Willi Scoops
A local favorite delivering joyful desserts and festival treats to Willimantic families.
IG:   / 61575272507304  

Daniela DeSousa – Spiral Arts Gallery / Spiral Arts Studio and The River Room
A Main Street arts hub celebrating creativity, youth artists, and community imagination.
Website: https://www.spiralartsstudio.com/

Chris Beaudry – The River Room / Willimantic Renaissance Inc.
The River Room is a downtown Willimantic performance venue and creative gathering space known for intimate live music, community events, and a growing arts-driven atmosphere.
Website: https://riverroomwilli.com/

Serita Lopaz and Gaye Touma- Jewels Verne Jewelers
One of downtown’s longest-standing shops, Jewels Verne blends creativity, custom design, and community connection to keep Willimantic central to arts and culture.
Website: https://www.jewelsvernejewelers.com/

Stay Connected

Follow Project Imo, our Idea Forge Creator’s Space, and Youth Promise ACME for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
https://projectimo.org/
  / projectimoinc  
  / project_imo  
#AuthenticWillimantic #WillimanticCT #SmallBusinessSaturday #YPACME #IdeaForgeCreates