The Annual Uptown Theatre Honors will recognize five upstanding citizens who have made a difference: Fred Burke, Sue Coleman, Kristi Keast, Tim Kelley, and Jackie Martin. These amazing people have made a difference, brought recognition, helped our young people and overall improved the quality of life for those of us who live and work in these communities. The honors gala will include tribute speeches, live musical numbers, a photo opportunity and much more.

Tickets will be available for $10 at the door.

The annual Uptown Theatre Honors, Mount Vernon’s version of the Kennedy Center Honors, began through the fundraising team the A-Go-Gos. The 8-person fundraising group is responsible for raising $17,000 for the First Street Community Center Uptown Theatre through the 2013 “Frank Benesh Memorial Uptown Theatre Telethon A-Go-Go!” The group also organized 2014’s “Las Vegas Karaoke Bingo A-Go-Go” and 2015’s “Frank Benesh Memorial Save the Traver Tapes Telethon A-Go-Go!”

About the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG)

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, is a 501c6 nonprofit with a mission “to promote and develop the business community, including but not limited to the Main Street District, and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.” The CDG exists to improve the social and economic well-being of Mount Vernon and Lisbon by capitalizing on their unique identity, assets and character. Mount Vernon was selected as a Main Street community in 2008, and practices economic development within the context of historic preservation. In 2019, CDG and its 503 registered volunteers received the Spirit of Main Street Award from the Governor of Iowa.