Blog

To the Moms Who Make Our Community Feel Like Home

By Tasha Weaver | May 9, 2026

There’s something special about a community built by people who care deeply about where they live. In Tipp City, so much of that heart comes from moms.

As Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to pause and say thank you.

Thank you to the moms volunteering behind the scenes at community events, stuffing eggs late at night, decorating tables, directing traffic, selling raffle tickets, hanging flyers, planning meetings, and somehow still making it home in time to help with homework, sports practices, bedtime stories, and everything in between.

Thank you to the moms who choose to invest in the Downtown Tipp City Partnership because they believe in preserving the kind of community where memories are made. Many of our Friends of Downtown members are moms who want their children and grandchildren to experience the same small-town magic they grew up with. The parades. The festivals. The familiar faces downtown. The feeling of belonging.

Thank you to the moms running businesses while also running households. The moms opening storefronts each morning after already packing lunches and answering a dozen questions before 8 AM. The moms serving customers with a smile while quietly carrying the weight of family schedules, grocery lists, school events, and community commitments.

And thank you to the moms who continue showing up for this community even when life is busy, exhausting, and overwhelming.

When we look around downtown during an event, we see more than crowds. We see generations of memories being created because of the people willing to give their time and energy to make this community special. So often, those people are moms.

They are the reason children grow up remembering tree lightings, shop hops, parades, festivals, baseball games, community nights, and summer evenings downtown. They are the reason our community continues to feel warm, welcoming, and connected.

Motherhood doesn’t just shape families. It shapes communities.

We are incredibly lucky to live in a place filled with women who care so deeply about others. Women who lead with kindness, strength, creativity, resilience, and generosity. Women who volunteer, support local businesses, mentor others, and continue building a community worth coming home to.

This Mother’s Day, we hope every mom in our community feels appreciated for all the ways they make Tipp City better, brighter, and more connected.

From all of us at the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, thank you for the love you pour into your families, your businesses, your friendships, and your community every single day.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Building the Moments That Bring Tipp City Together

By Tasha Weaver | May 9, 2026

There is something special about a downtown curated to make the best memories together.

Kids laughing while playing games in the street. Families gathering for traditions they look forward to every year. Neighbors stopping to talk on the sidewalks. Local businesses and organizations working together to create experiences that make a community feel connected.

At the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, we believe those moments matter most.

As we look ahead to summer 2026, we are excited about the events, traditions, and new ideas still to come, and we are inviting the community to help us bring them to life.

This summer, downtown Tipp City will celebrate America 250 with a weekend focused on old-fashioned fun, hometown traditions, and bringing people together.

On July 3, South 2nd Street will fill with life size games, community activities, local businesses, and organizations helping create a festive downtown atmosphere. We are inviting downtown businesses and Friends of Downtown to join the celebration by setting up booths, games, giveaways, or family-friendly activities.

Then on July 5, the community will gather for a free picnic while cheering on the Canal Jumpers as they play vintage 1840s style base ball. Thanks to community support and grant funding, we are working to create an afternoon filled with food, fun, and memories that feel timeless.This free downtown mini golf experience transforms local businesses and organizations into a community-wide putt putt course. Families explore downtown together while businesses create interactive holes and memorable experiences throughout the evening. This year we are keeping the event free for families and are currently looking for sponsors to help provide complimentary Kona Ice and family treats during the event.

We are also inviting Friends of Downtown and downtown businesses to set up along South 2nd Street to help add even more energy and activity to the night.

Fore the Love of Downtown will be DTCP’s very first community fundraiser golf scramble, designed to be approachable, welcoming, and fun for everyone. Whether you golf every weekend or have never participated in a scramble before, this event is about more than golf. It is about creating another opportunity for people to gather, connect, and support downtown Tipp City. Participants can register individually, as teams, or as sponsors, and we are currently looking for businesses and organizations that want to help make this first-year event a success.

What makes all of these events possible are the people standing behind them. The businesses that sponsor. The volunteers who give their time. The organizations that show up. The families that participate. The Friends of Downtown members who believe in the future of Tipp City.

At DTCP, we believe preserving, promoting, and enhancing downtown is really about creating experiences that make people feel connected to this community and proud to call Tipp City home. Every sponsorship helps create opportunities. Every volunteer helps build memories. Every event helps tell the story of our town. And for that, we are incredibly thankful.

If you are interested in sponsoring, volunteering, participating, or learning more about upcoming events, we would love to connect with you. Together, we are building the moments that make Tipp City feel like home.

Schedule a Meeting with Tasha

From Tulsa to Tipp City: A Story We’re Just Beginning to Tell

By Tasha Weaver | April 29, 2026

There are moments when you can feel something shift. Not because someone told you it would, but because you are in it. You feel it. You know things are not going to look the same when you go home.

For us, that moment happened in Tulsa.

We recently had the opportunity to attend the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma through support from the impACT Award and the Community Leadership and Education Development Grant. We are incredibly thankful for that investment in our team and in the future of Tipp City.

But what mattered most was what happened next.

After our first full day at the conference, our team ended up back together at the hotel. There was no agenda and no plan, just a conversation that none of us were ready to walk away from. We sat there for two hours talking about what we had heard, what it meant, and what it could look like in Tipp City. We realized that our success is not about doing more events or adding more projects. We already know how to do that. What we have the opportunity to do now is build something that lasts, something that creates momentum instead of starting over each time.

We did not leave that conversation with just ideas. We left with a plan. That night, we committed to bringing our board and committees together this fall for a retreat where we can really dig in and map out the next two years for Downtown Tipp City.

And that is where this becomes even more exciting. Because this should not be a conversation that happens behind closed doors. Do you want to be part of it? If you are someone who cares about this community, we would love to hear from you. Whether that looks like sharing ideas, getting involved with a committee, or simply following along and staying connected, there is a place for you in what comes next.

What made this moment even more meaningful is that it was not a brand new idea. It confirmed something we had already started to see. Last fall, during our strategic planning meeting, we began asking bigger questions. We started to recognize that if we want real, lasting impact, we have to think differently about how we do the work. Being in Tulsa did not change that direction. It strengthened it. It gave us a clearer picture of what is possible when a community builds with intention.

At the same time, we have been doing important work right here at home over the past year. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to serve on the city’s comprehensive planning steering committee, helping gather feedback directly from the community. Through surveys and conversations, residents have shared what they want to see in downtown Tipp City.

We brought those insights back to the board and took the time to go through them together, not quickly and not just to check a box, but to truly listen. Those voices are now helping shape how we move forward. We are listening, learning, and adjusting our strategy to reflect what our community is asking for. Because of that, the work ahead feels aligned. It feels intentional. It feels like something we are building together.

We did not come home and wait. We started having conversations right away, including with the City of Tipp City about how we communicate. We heard clearly that people want to know what is going on, and together, we can do a better job sharing that. Beginning in May, the first Wednesday of each month on The Downtown Lowdown will include a city update directly from city employees, creating a more consistent and connected way to share what is happening across our community.

That is what this experience gave us. Not just ideas and not just inspiration, but clarity. Clarity about what matters, clarity about where we are going, and clarity about how we get there together.

Downtown Tipp City has always been a place where people come together. It is where memories are made, where connections happen, and where community shows up in the best ways. What we are building now is simply the next chapter of that story.

There is a place for you in it.

Maybe that looks like attending an event and experiencing downtown in a new way. Maybe it is volunteering your time and being part of what makes it all happen. Maybe it is becoming a Friend of Downtown and helping support this work year round. Or maybe it is simply choosing to spend your time here, supporting the businesses and the people that make this community what it is.

It all matters.

Because this is not just the work of an organization. It is the story of a community.

And we are just getting started.

Downtown Tipp City Partnership Invites Community to Explore Unique Underground Creative Space at Upcoming Happy Hour

By Tasha Weaver | April 23, 2026

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) is inviting the community to experience something a little different with an upcoming Happy Hour event hosted in collaboration with Tippecanoe Gazette/Clock Tower Media.

The event will take place on May 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 320 N. Fourth St., Tipp City, OH, inside the transformed underground level of the historic Dolly Packaging Plant building.

Guests will enjoy snacks and drinks, guided tours of the space, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at a creative environment that many in the community have not yet experienced. The venue is home to photography, videography, music, storytelling, and the recording studio for DTCP’s Downtown Lowdown podcast!

As part of the experience, Friends of Downtown will have the opportunity to receive complimentary headshots courtesy of Andrea Molina Photography and Storytelling.

Events like this are designed to create meaningful experiences that draw people in, strengthen community connections, and encourage continued exploration of Tipp City, both downtown and beyond. To learn more about Tippecanoe Gazette/Clock Tower Media and the creative work happening in this space, visit their websites. Clock Tower Media Tippecanoe Gazette

The event is open to the public, and no RSVP is required. Guests are encouraged to stop by during event hours and make a full evening of it by visiting downtown before or after.

For more information about this event and other upcoming happenings, follow the Downtown Tipp City Partnership or visit their website. The Downtown Tipp City Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing, preserving, and promoting Tipp City by honoring our past and building our future.

Downtown Tipp City Partnership First Quarter Event Report | 2026

By Tasha Weaver | April 20, 2026

The first quarter of 2026 has been a powerful start for the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, demonstrating what is possible when a community comes together with purpose.

This season, DTCP hosted three fundraising events that activated downtown, supported local businesses, and strengthened connections across Tipp City and beyond. Each event offered a different experience, but all shared the same goal of creating meaningful moments while reinvesting in the future of our downtown.

Just as important as the experiences themselves is what those events make possible.

Proceeds from the Annual Meeting and Celebration of Excellence directly support the Promotions Committee, which is currently working to create a new dining and shopping guide for downtown Tipp City. This guide will serve as a tool to better tell the story of our businesses and help both residents and visitors explore everything downtown has to offer.

The Bourbon and Chocolate Experience supports the Operations Committee, which ensures that DTCP continues to run as a sustainable and well-organized nonprofit. Thanks to the success of this event, DTCP generated enough funding to cover rent for 2026, an important step toward long term stability and responsible stewardship.

The St. Paddy’s Day Beer Crawl supports the Economic Development Committee, which is actively working to establish a permanent endowment fund with the Tipp City Foundation. The goal of this fund is to create a sustainable Small Business Grant Program that will support downtown businesses with improvements, growth opportunities, and long term success for years to come.

One of the most visible highlights this quarter was the St. Paddy’s Day Beer Crawl, which brought a sold out crowd into downtown on the first Saturday of March. Guests explored shops, gathered with friends, and experienced Tipp City in a new way. About two thirds of attendees were local residents, while more than a third traveled in from surrounding communities, reinforcing downtown Tipp City’s growing reputation as a destination.

Equally impactful was the Bourbon and Chocolate Experience, where connection took center stage. While guests enjoyed curated stops throughout downtown, the true value of the evening was seen in the conversations happening inside those spaces, from mentorship moments to new relationships being formed. Notably, 80 percent of attendees came from outside Tipp City, bringing new energy and economic activity during a typically slower winter season.

The quarter also began with the Annual Meeting and Celebration of Excellence, a night dedicated to recognizing the people, businesses, and volunteers who make downtown Tipp City what it is today. More than awards, the evening reflected the relationships and shared commitment that continue to drive downtown forward.

2026 Cheers to Excellence Award Winners
Coldwater Café – Downtown Restaurant of the Year
Bodega Market – Downtown Business of the Year
Harrison’s Restaurant – Best Downtown Libations Spot
Living Simply Soap – Best Downtown Shopping Spot
Tanya Brown – Heart of Downtown Award
The Hair Barre – Best Downtown Salon
Seven Sisters Apothecary & Art – New Downtown Business of the Year
Yoga Barre & Co. – Service Excellence Award
Tipp City Public Library – Nonprofit of the Year
Joanna Pittinger – Volunteer of the Year

Beyond fundraising events, DTCP continued its role as a community connector by partnering with local organizations to create accessible and engaging experiences. In collaboration with the Tipp City Public Library, DTCP offered free photos with the Easter Bunny, giving families a simple and meaningful way to celebrate together. During Eggsplore Downtown, Topsy Turvy Toys contributed a raffle basket, adding excitement and encouraging families to explore downtown businesses.

DTCP also supported a broader community fundraising effort for the future Miami County Animal Shelter. A series of collaborative events brought the community together in creative ways, including a Music Bingo night hosted at the Tipp City Eagles’ newly renovated upstairs event space with entertainment by Inferno Productions. The Tipp City Methodist Church partnered to provide a lasagna dinner, creating a welcoming and family friendly environment. In addition, Executive Director Tasha Weaver spent an afternoon scooping ice cream at Bodega Market, all in support of the Sync for the Shelter initiative.

These efforts reflect the full scope of DTCP’s work.

DTCP is not just an event organization. It is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening downtown through strategic programming, partnerships, and volunteer driven initiatives. Behind every event are committees focused on economic development, design, promotions, and operations, working together to enhance the appearance of downtown, support small businesses, tell the story of Tipp City, and create sustainable growth.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

These events would not be possible without the support of businesses and organizations that choose to invest in downtown Tipp City.

The St. Paddy’s Day Beer Crawl was made possible by presenting sponsor Pathways Wealth Management, along with event sponsors American Air Care, Abbey Credit Union, Taft Law, Bashfoo, Mauk Cabinets by Design, and Main Street Financial Group Thrivent.

The Bourbon and Chocolate Experience was supported by presenting sponsor Koverman Staley Dickerson Insurance, along with Mauk Cabinets by Design, Tony’s Bada Bings, Tipp City Eagles, VFW Post 4615, RD Holder Oil, Coldwell Banker Heritage Brian Bensman, Bodega Market, RE/MAX Reed Spencer, Hawk Homes, and Eat Sweets and Treats.

The Annual Meeting and Celebration of Excellence was made possible through the support of DTCP 2026 Community Event Sponsors, Mauk Cabinets by Design and Main Street Financial Group-Thrivent.

Events like those held this quarter do more than bring people together. They generate economic activity, introduce new visitors to local businesses, and create opportunities that support long term community growth.

Most importantly, they create connection.

When people gather downtown, whether for a fundraiser, a family event, or a night out, they are contributing to something bigger. They are supporting local businesses, investing in their community, and helping shape the future of Tipp City.

Be Part of What Happens Next

If you believe in what is happening in downtown Tipp City, there is a place for you in it.

Becoming a Friend of Downtown is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support this work. Your support helps fund events, programs, and initiatives that keep downtown vibrant, welcoming, and growing.

And this is just the beginning.

As we move into April, DTCP kicks off a season of free, community friendly programming designed to bring people together and activate downtown in new ways. From family experiences to opportunities to gather with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

That is what DTCP does.

And when our community shows up, downtown comes alive.

Love Letter to Tipp City: AeCha Cafe

By Andrea Molina | April 15, 2026

This is a series of Love Letters to Tipp City that celebrate the nostalgic magic here.

Follow along for the people, places, and details that make this town so special.

By: Andrea Molina

Today I’m highlighting AeCha Cafe, our cozy cafe that serves bubble tea, coffee, and desserts. Everyone is welcome.

AeCha Cafe

29 East Main Street

Tipp City, OH 45371

For many of us, 29 East Main invokes memories of bakery boxes filled with delicious pastries. When renovations began in the familiar blue tile building, there was a quiet curiosity about what would come next. To our excitement, AeCha Cafe opened in June of 2025, and quickly became our downtown sweet spot.

Founded by sisters Siriporn “Aoy” Atkins and Warassata “Eve” Rodriguez, AeCha is a family-built cafe rooted in intention, culture, and connection. Originally from Bangkok, Aoy has called Tipp City home for nearly fifteen years and envisioned creating a space where people could gather, slow down, and enjoy drink combinations with fresh, quality ingredients.

“AeCha Cafe is more than just a café— it’s a labor of love and family. The name itself carries deep meaning: AeCha combines the initials of the sisters— Aoy, Eve, and Aeh —with the Thai word Cha, meaning tea. In Korean, Aecha translates to “loving daughter,” a heartfelt tribute to their parents, who inspired their journey.”

– Tippecanoe Gazette, Ribbon cutting celebrates AeCha Cafe grand opening, July 17, 2025

This thoughtful detail in their name speaks to the heart behind the space and how every decision is made with intention.

Aoy, Eve, and their mom, Rujira “Tim” Naorm, work together to offer creative drink combinations with fresh ingredients. If you’ve never ordered bubble tea, they have helpful signage and can walk you through the process to ensure you create a drink you love or you can order classics like Chai & espresso. Three drinks that we are highlighting are (from left to right):

Tiger Milk Tea with Tapioca

Strawberry Espresso

Taro Matcha Latte

Inside, the cafe is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re new to bubble tea or already have a favorite, the space invites you to relax, with seating designed for conversation, quiet work, or a simple pause in your day.

What stands out most isn’t just the menu, but the feeling of being in this welcoming space. Aoy describes Tipp City as offering a “slow life,” where people show up for one another. It’s something she’s experienced firsthand through the support of the community. AeCha Café feels like an extension of that spirit.

Andrea Molina is a Tipp City-based photographer and storyteller. Read more about AeCha Cafe on her site or view Andrea’s photography at website at Andrea-Molina.com.

Love Letter to Tipp City: 2026 St. Paddy’s Beer Crawl

By Andrea Molina | April 15, 2026

This is a series of Love Letters to Tipp City that celebrate the nostalgic magic here.

Follow along for the people, places, and details that make this town so special.

By: Andrea Molina

Today I’m highlighting an event that signals that winter is ending:

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership’s St. Paddy’s Beer Crawl

March 7, 2026

Tipp City, OH 45371

On a moody March Saturday, we enjoyed a window between rain & snow for the annual St. Paddy’s Beer Crawl. Participants explored downtown at their own pace, enjoying tastings of beer, cider, and seltzers at local businesses. Each stop offered something a little different, from thoughtfully curated drinks to warm food and welcoming spaces.

I loved the speakeasy vibe inside of the Royal Crest Agency Insurance (above). It was my first time attending the event, and everything tasted as good as it looked! The event started with check-in at Mauk Cabinet by Design. While it is a “go at your own pace” event, I highly recommend arriving at the beginning of the event. They offer a beautiful spread of snacks, baked goods, vegetables, fruit, and more.

From there, the experience unfolded as a choose your own next adventure as participants followed their event passport throughout downtown. Each person was given a passport with participating locations. As a DORA community, participants could meander through historic downtown and enjoy visiting shops like Bloomora Botanicals and Thunder Forge while enjoying beverages. Events like this create a sense of community connection that Tipp City is known for.

Some shops also offered snacks and Living Simply Soap had a spread of chili dogs & Reuben hot dogs (the one I chose!).

While it might seem like downtown Tipp City events magically appear, we actually don’t outsource to leprechauns. There are a number of dedicated volunteers, merchants, and sponsors that make them happen. The Downtown Tipp City Partnership is a nonprofit that exists to “enhance, preserve, and promote our downtown.” Their work often extends to reach all of Tipp City & people outside of our community often attend events. For those who want to stay connected, the DTCP regularly shares updates on upcoming events, and their weekly podcast, The Downtown Lowdown, offers a deeper look into the people and stories behind the storefronts.

And if you missed this one, it’s worth keeping an eye on what comes next. The event sold out this year, so I recommend taking advantage of early bird discounts for tickets in 2027! When purchasing tickets, there was an option for designated drivers to participate in the event without buying a beer passport. Thanks to Fox & Feather Trading Co. for the beautiful sweatshirt and t-shirt design!

If this felt like something you would’ve enjoyed, keep an eye on what’s coming next on DTCP’s Facebook & Instagram! 🍀

Andrea Molina is a Tipp City-based photographer and storyteller, and you can view her website at Andrea-Molina.com

New Mural Coming to Downtown Tipp City

By Tasha Weaver | April 10, 2026

Something exciting is happening in downtown Tipp City.

We’ve received approval to install a new mural in downtown Tipp City, and now we’re working to bring this public art project to life with the help of our community.

Over the past few years, murals have become part of the charm of downtown Tipp City. Public art adds color, creates places for photos, and helps tell the story of who we are. Whether you’ve stopped to take a picture or simply enjoyed the murals while walking through downtown, you’ve seen the impact they can have.

Now we have the opportunity to add another mural to Tipp City. This mural was designed by local artist Logan Rogers, adding a personal and meaningful touch to this next piece of public art in downtown Tipp City.

We’re working to raise the final funds needed to complete this downtown Tipp City mural project, and we truly believe this is something our community can accomplish together.

We’re inviting our community to be part of bringing this mural to life. If you feel inspired to give, contributions of any amount are welcome. Every donation helps us move this public art project forward. All donors will be recognized on the Downtown Tipp City Partnership website and in our official press release as part of this project.

This is one of those moments where something simple can turn into something lasting. A space that becomes a photo spot. A backdrop for memories. A small detail that adds to what makes Tipp City feel like home.

If you’ve ever enjoyed downtown Tipp City or believe in what we’re building here, this is your chance to be part of it.

Click here to donate and help bring the next mural to life:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-us-add-the-next-mural-to-downtown-tipp-city

We can’t wait to share this with you.

Bodega Market Now Offering Fresh, Restaurant-Quality Meats by the Pound

By Tasha Weaver | March 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bodega Market Now Offering Fresh, Restaurant-Quality Meats by the Pound

Tipp City, Ohio — Bodega Market in downtown Tipp City has introduced a new offering for home cooks: fresh meats available by the pound, including the same high-quality meats served at Coldwater Cafe.

The market case now features selections such as chicken thighs, locally raised Gerber Amish Farm chicken breasts, Certified Angus Beef filet mignon, and other rotating options sourced from trusted suppliers.

The addition allows customers to bring restaurant-quality ingredients home and cook with the same starting point used by professional chefs.

“We’ve been striving for a while to offer fresh meat and seafood, and feeling proud about what we are serving to our customers, community, and area is so important to me. I value quality, and I can confidently say we deliver it. Now it’s right here in your backyard – quick, convenient, and something everyone can enjoy,” said Chef Katy Evans of Coldwater Cafe.

The expansion reflects Bodega’s continued focus on providing convenient, high-quality food options for the community, whether customers are stopping in for prepared meals, wine, or ingredients for dinner at home.

“We’ve always believed Bodega should be a place where people can find something special to eat, whether that means picking up items from our deli, one of our Brown Bag Meals, or cooking something themselves,” said Nick Hoover, owner of Coldwater Cafe and Bodega Market. “This new Market Case is another way for us to share the quality products we love with our customers.”

Located in the heart of downtown Tipp City, Bodega Market & Wine Shop offers prepared foods, house-made deli items, specialty groceries, wine, and now fresh meats sourced from premium suppliers.

Selections in the market case will rotate throughout the week.

Customers are encouraged to stop in and see what is currently available.

Andrea Hoover

Coldwater Cafe / Bodega Market

Tipp City, Ohio

Downtown Tipp City Partnership Celebrates 2025 Excellence Awards and the Heart of Downtown

By Tasha Weaver | February 12, 2026

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership gathered February 9 at the Tipp Center for its Annual Meeting and 2025 Excellence Awards. The evening reflected what downtown Tipp City is truly about. People who love their community, serve generously, and support one another’s dreams.
Past President Lisa Santucci emceed the evening, and DTCP expressed gratitude for her leadership and dedication. Mayor Logan Rogers opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation from Rob Brown of Main Street Financial Group–Thrivent.
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Throughout the night, one theme was clear. Downtown success is built on relationships.
One of the evening’s special recognitions highlighted a project that began with a simple idea and grew into something meaningful. After noticing city pride stickers at a Heritage Ohio training, Executive Director Tasha Weaver brought the idea home to Tipp City. Promotions Committee member Liz Robbins suggested involving local students. Tipp City Middle School art teacher Heather Combs incorporated the project into her classroom.
Students created original designs representing Tipp City through the themes Past, Present, and Future. Weaver visited the classroom to share DTCP’s mission and brand. Submissions were reviewed anonymously to ensure fairness. Winning artists Makayla Utz and Bryce Westfall, with Bryce earning recognition for two designs, were honored at the annual dinner and will appear on the Downtown Lowdown podcast. The stickers were produced locally by Repacorp and will be distributed at downtown events and in teacher reward boxes. What began as inspiration became a collaboration connecting students, educators, and downtown leadership. It honors the past while building the future.

DTCP shared measurable results from the past year:
• 35,000+ people attended downtown events
• $700,000+ estimated economic impact
• 2,965 volunteer hours valued at $96,125
• $23,000 returned directly to the community
“These numbers represent people,” said Executive Director Tasha Weaver. “They represent volunteers, business owners, and a community that continues to show up.”

Awards throughout the evening were presented by community leaders including Reed Spencer, Jessica Echols, Mike McDermott, Carli Amlin, Logan Rogers, Kayla Buehrer, Andrea Hoover, Corey Vaughn, and Amanda Carl, each sharing personal reflections about those being honored.
Two milestone recognitions were presented:
Midwest Memories, celebrating 25 years in business
Monroe Federal Savings & Loan, celebrating 150 years in Tipp City

DTCP then presented its 2025 Cheers to Excellence Awards.
Downtown Restaurant of the Year was awarded to Coldwater Café. Owner Nick Hoover spoke about the strength of his team and the support of the community. Downtown Business of the Year was presented to Bodega Market. Hoover reflected on how the business has evolved over time and how community support has shaped that journey. Best Downtown Libations Spot was awarded to Harrison’s Restaurant, recognized for its strong participation during downtown events and positive community feedback. Best Downtown Shopping Spot was awarded to Living Simply Soap. Owner Tanya Brown also received the Heart of Downtown Award, one of two write in honors. Nominations described her shop as welcoming, joyful, and community focused. In her remarks, she thanked DTCP for giving her confidence early on through the downtown farmers market in 2009. Best Downtown Salon was awarded to The Hair Barre. Owner Hillary Ellingson shared gratitude for a community that supported her decision to build her business downtown. New Downtown Business of the Year was presented to Seven Sisters Apothecary & Art. Owner Angela Smith reflected on growing up in Tipp City and returning to open a store serving the community she loves. The Cheers to Service Excellence Award was presented to Yoga Barre & Co.. Owner Sarah Gillenwater spoke about growing up locally and learning the value of service from her father. The Nonprofit of the Year Award was presented to the Tipp City Public Library, with Dee Bair accepting after 22 years of service. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Joanna Pittinger for her steady commitment to serving the community. In addition to receiving her award, she reminded attendees she was raising funds for the new Miami County Animal Shelter, reinforcing that service continues beyond recognition. DTCP also donated $500 to the Tipp City High School Softball Team in appreciation of their volunteer support during the event.

DTCP’s work is driven by four active committees made up entirely of volunteers. The Promotions Committee tells the story of downtown through media, storytelling, and the Downtown Lowdown podcast. The Design Committee enhances downtown’s appearance through beautification, facade improvements, and public space initiatives. The Economic Development Committee is building a sustainable Small Business Grant program funded through Tippopoly proceeds. The Operations Committee provides the planning and structure that supports every event and initiative.
Together, these committees represent thousands of volunteer hours and a shared commitment to strengthening downtown Tipp City.
DTCP expressed gratitude to its 2025 Community Event Sponsors and Presenting Sponsors, including Troy Country Club, Monroe Federal Savings & Loan, Main Street Financial Group–Thrivent, Sibcy Cline Realtors, Abbey Credit Union, and Mauk Cabinets by Design
Along with Vision Partners such as the Tipp City Foundation impACT, and the City of Tipp City.
The evening closed with a reminder of DTCP’s mission: To enhance, preserve and promote Tipp City by honoring our past and building our future.
More than awards, the night celebrated something deeper. A downtown built by people who followed a dream, and a community that chose to support them.