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Shopping Guide News Wednesday, October 22, 2025
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Rochester Downtown Partnership Gala Text and Photos By LIBBY HUBBARD Staff Writer The Rochester Downtown Partnership held its first-ever public gala on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Times Theater, drawing residents to celebrate downtown achievements and preview upcoming projects. The evening combined live music, community recognition, and an overview of RDP’s ongoing efforts to
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BAND — Davey & The Midnights perform their original song, “Road Dog,” alongside other classic rock favorites during the Gala.
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preserve and enhance Rochester’s historic district. The event opened with a performance by local band Davey & The Midnights, followed by presentations from RDP board members outlining past accomplishments and plans. Gayle Harris, chair of the Promotion Design Committee, welcomed attendees on behalf of the board, which included President Chad Heisey, new member Josh Zehner, and director Julie Shambarger. Harris emphasized the importance of community support in driving RDP’s initiatives. “Our work starts with an idea and the passion to push it forward,” Harris said. “We couldn’t do this without you, and we thank every one of you for being here tonight.” RDP’s presentation, led by Harry
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Webb, detailed the organization’s mission to stimulate economic development, enhance quality of life and support the preservation of downtown Rochester. An Indiana Main Street organization, RDP operates through four committees: Design, Promotions, Economic Vitality and Organizational. Webb described the committees’ roles as a three-legged stool, with the Organizational Committee providing oversight and sustainability for the programs. The Design Committee, chaired by Heisey, focuses on maintaining the aesthetic appeal of downtown. Recent projects include installation of benches and bike racks, creation of public murals in collaboration with Full Tilt Art, and placement of way-finding signage around Rochester.
The murals pay tribute to the area’s Native American history, including depictions of local plants and the Trail of Death. The Promotions Committee organizes events that showcase downtown as a center for culture and commerce. Annual events include the Nickel Plate Art and Music Festival, which drew an estimated 5,000-6,000 attendees this year, Boo Fest with approximately 2,000 trick-or-treaters expected to make their way down Continued on page 3
DIRECTOR — Julie Shambarger stands in front of the presentation screen during the RDP Gala at the Times Theater.
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