By THADEAN THOMAS
Photo Credit: Thadean Thomas
For the first time in over 40 years, The Laurel Board of Trade is no longer based on Main Street. Though its new location on C St. is only four minutes away from its former offices, the move marks a significant shift for the organization that supports many local businesses.
The organization’s members include business and nonprofit organizations throughout the greater Laurel area, as well as community members who are deeply connected to the Laurel community.
“When you think of businesses, you may think of Wall Street, but we are more Main Street,” Marilyn Johnson, president of the organization, said.
The move was necessary due to turnover of ownership of the board’s previous home.The new space required significant renovations, including fresh paint, new carpeting and, as Johnson said, “a lot of spackling.” Johnson noted that the organization’s brand colors — light blue and green — are incorporated throughout the space.
The new space includes a conference room that the board can use without disrupting day-to-day operations. Members may also reserve the meeting room for their own meetings.
“No more meetings next door at Ragamuffins,” Johnson said with a laugh.
The board is in high gear, putting the finishing touches on plans for the annual Main Street Festival, which will take place May 10. Johnson said that the event offers “priority placement and pricing” to Main Street businesses eager for high visibility.
Nadol Hishmeh, a member of the organization who is on the planning committee, is excited to showcase his restaurant, Olive on Main. 2025 marks his 11th year in a row participating in the event. “I think it’s a great thing for the street because even though we’ve been here for 11 years, we still get people who walk by and never realized that we were here,” Hishmeh said.
More than 200 vendors from across Maryland, as well as from Virginia and Pennsylvania, are participating in the festival this year. The number of vendors participating has steadily grown over the past few years. Johnson, who also serves as a festival chairman, estimates up to 300 vendors will participate within a few years.
Activities for this year’s festival include an escape room, a DJ., a kids’ zone with moon bounces, arts and crafts, and cartoon mascots and face painting. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
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The Main Street Festival May 10 features a parade, vendors, music and more. Parade starts at 9 a.m. and the festival continues until 4 p.m.
