As the summer rolls through, Ty Wilson – with a passion for community engagement and economic revitalization – is excited to lead the charge as executive director of MainStreet Hammonton.
Wilson came to MainStreet Hammonton after being appointed in January. He’s not new to the area.
“As someone who grew up just outside of Hammonton, I have always felt a deep connection to this town and its downtown community,” he said. “I was able to attend Folsom Elementary and graduate from Hammonton High School. Soon after I began living and working in the area, which only deepened my immense love for this town. I’m truly honored to step into this role and contribute to the continued development of this incredible community.
“My goal is to help nurture the pride Hammonton has in its downtown and the greater Hammonton area, and to support its growth and success for years to come.”
Wilson has 10 years of experience in hospitality, marketing, sales, design, and event management.
“Ty impressed us with his vision for downtown Hammonton, his commitment to collaboration, and his innovative approach to community building and small business support,” said Christina Birchler, vice president of the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation (HRC), the entity that operates MainStreet Hammonton, when Wilson was appointed.
“We are confident that Ty’s leadership will strengthen our organization and further our mission,” she said.
In his role, Wilson oversees strategic, economic development, partnership building, events, and grant management while working closely with local businesses, community members, and stakeholders to enhance the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Hammonton.
Here is what to expect in Downtown Hammonton this summer:
Hammonton Pride x Art Club Hammonton Chalk The Walk
Saturday, June 21 – A colorful, family-friendly celebration of art and community, where participants decorate sidewalks with chalk and enjoy crafts, music, and activities.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 326 Bellevue Ave.
39th Annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival
Sunday, June 29 – The Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival is a family-fun event for the blueberry connoisseur, a family looking for a fun summer day, or a classic-car enthusiast held at Hammonton High School.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Hammonton High School
4th of July Parade
Friday, July 4 – The Hammonton Independence Day Parade is an annual celebration featuring a bike decorating contest, family-friendly activities, and patriotic festivities throughout Downtown Hammonton.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Downtown Hammonton.
150th Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Society Festival Italian Fest
Friday, July 14–19 – The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival marks its 150th anniversary with a historic Papal Coronation, live music, fireworks, a traditional procession, and family-friendly festivities.
July 13 – Eve of Festival events – Spaghetti Dinner from 1-7 p.m., second annual “Running the sandwiches” at 4 p.m., drone show at 8:30 p.m. at Hammonton High School with a background of fireworks.
July 16, 19 – Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
9th Annual Pinelands Summer Short Course at Kramer Hall
Friday, July 18 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – A day-long event featuring outdoor adventures and indoor lectures that explore the unique history, ecology, and culture of the Pinelands.
Touch-a-Truck in Downtown Hammonton
August – exact date TBD – Touch A Truck event in Downtown Hammonton offers a free, family-friendly day featuring hands-on experiences with tons of trucks and equipment, games, music, prizes, and local food.
Don’t forget the summer Green Markets, Wilson said. On the Fourth Fridays through September, the Community Market features vendors with handmade, homemade, eco-friendly crafts and wares and provides an important opportunity to showcase local small farmers who grow with organic, sustainable or regenerative practices held in the parking lot behind Casciano’s, 212 Bellevue Ave. – on Second and Vine streets.
In addition to the many vendors, the market will feature live music, family/kids crafts, free seeds from the mobile Hammonton Seed Library, and more!
- Friday, June 27
- Friday, July 25
- Friday, August 22
- Friday, September 26
For more information visit https://hammontongreencommittee.com/hammonton-green-market/
In his free time, Wilson enjoys woodworking, drumming, golfing, and collecting board and trading card games—he’s always up for a game! During off hours, you can find him at any of the many breweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants in and around Hammonton. He also cherishes time with his wife, son, and their dog, Luigi, attending local events and exploring the downtown area.
MainStreet Hammonton is a nationally accredited Main Street organization committed to preserving the unique character of downtown Hammonton while driving its economic vitality. Through partnerships, events, and initiatives, the organization works to make downtown Hammonton a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
For more information about MainStreet Hammonton and its upcoming initiatives, visit downtownhammonton.com or follow them on their social media platforms.
