Downtown Tipp City Partnership First Quarter Event Report | 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.
