SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Springfield on the Move (SOM) has several initiatives designed to bring more activity, businesses, events, and visitors to downtown Springfield, with Director Vanessa Rebentisch leading the effort.
SOM has partnered with the Town of Springfield, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Regional Development Corporation, and local residents with the goal of revitalizing downtown, including Main Street and the 100 River Street building. Rebentisch is working on multiple projects that she said “stretch from working with private property owners, to tenants, to entrepreneur workshops.” She explained, “We try to elevate the community by focusing a lot on community pride.”
SOM has also partnered with the Town of Springfield for the Springfield Incubator Program, a strategic initiative aimed at stimulating economic development in downtown Springfield. The plan aims to utilize 27 Main Street and offer space for lease to vendors, including weekly food vendor spotlights, and arts and craft vendors. Each week, one food vendor will have the opportunity to sell their culinary creations, and alongside them will be other vendors showcasing their handmade goods.
The Incubator Program will help to revitalize downtown Springfield, enhance the shopping experience, and support the local economy. If you have a product to share, this is your opportunity to apply by submitting the online form at www.springfieldonthemove.com/incubator-program.
You’re invited to join Springfield on the Move at its Annual Meeting on Aug. 25, at 5 p.m., at the Great Hall, 100 River Street. The Annual Meeting is open to the community, who can see what’s new and learn about next year’s plans and new initiatives, and engage with community members to share ideas. The meeting will be catered by Springfield Co-op.
The Great Hall is located inside the 100 River Street building. Rebentisch said, “We have been focusing on revitalizing this building, because it is enormous, it’s weatherproof, and it’s a huge asset to this community.” The plan is to utilize the space for a variety of businesses or related centers, where residents and visitors can go to spend some time and be immersed in the experience. Plans are in the works for a wellness center downstairs, and to bring the Great Hall up to code for full-scale retail. Also, the Springfield Telescope Makers have partnered with the Springfield Historical Society to open a new joint-effort museum in the space.
Scheduled events to be held at the Great Hall include upcoming quarterly art shows; The Festival of Lights, planned for Nov. 20; and a Christmas market, scheduled for Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Additionally, Fourth Fridays Music in the Park is held the fourth Friday of every month through October, from 5-8 p.m., at Comtu Cascade Park on Main Street. Attendees can experience a downtown area filled with local vendors, fantastic live music in the park, and plenty of activities for everyone. Mark your calendar for upcoming 2026 Fourth Fridays, scheduled for Aug. 28, Sept. 25, and Oct. 23.
For more information on Springfield on the Move, visit Instagram, Facebook, or www.springfieldonthemove.com; or call Rebentisch at 802-885-1527.