Our Town Coshocton gears up for 2026 with preservation projects, Shop Hop and volunteer opportunities

Our Town Coshocton is a community-driven, nonprofit Main Street organization dedicated to restoring, promoting and energizing Coshocton’s historic district. Through events, restoration efforts, business support and volunteer-driven initiatives, we work to ensure our historic district remains a vibrant, welcoming and economically strong destination for residents and visitors alike.

As I continue settling into my role as executive director of Our Town Coshocton, I’ve been grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from so many of you. Each week brings new conversations, new introductions and new stories about what makes this community special. The more people I meet, the more excited I become about the year ahead and all 2026 promises for Coshocton’s historic district.

Before we turn the page to a new year, we have one more event to wrap up our 2025 season — the annual Jingle Bell Shop Hop, taking place Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This festive tradition is a wonderful way to explore our charming downtown and Roscoe Village while supporting the small businesses that keep our community thriving.

This year’s participating shops are Marilyn’s Natural Foods, Indian Bear Cork & Coffee, Canal Cargo Co., Of Old Of New, The Tollhouse Coshocton Art Guild, SoLace Brigade, Bexley Ann’s Boutique, Our Nest on Main, Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats, Lynnie Lou’s Boutique, House of G.A. Fisher Jewelers, Dean's Jewelry and Good Boy Bakery.

These businesses and many others are family-owned, and many of them are long-standing pillars of the community upholding the heart of our local economy. Shopping locally this holiday season isn’t just a gesture of support; it’s an investment in the place we call home. Every gift purchased, every cup of locally brewed coffee, every visit to a boutique or bakery helps sustain the community we all cherish.

Looking ahead, Our Town Coshocton is already hard at work preparing for our 2026 preservation projects. These efforts are crucial to maintaining the historic character and charm that draw visitors and residents alike. As we fundraise for the year ahead, we warmly welcome support from both individuals and businesses. Any contribution — large or small — moves us one step closer to protecting and enhancing the district for generations to come. Your generosity truly makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for every partner who believes in this mission.

We also are seeking volunteers who would like to take a more hands-on role in shaping Coshocton’s future. Our four committees — promotion, organization, design and economic vitality — offer meaningful opportunities to get involved, meet new people and contribute to exciting community projects. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a long-term way to engage, we would love to welcome you into the Our Town Coshocton family.

If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering, email ourtownexecdirector@gmail.com, call 220-777-6012 or visit www.ourtowncoshocton.org.

Thank you for the kindness, encouragement and enthusiasm you’ve shown me in these first months. I look forward to the year ahead and to working together to make 2026 a truly remarkable chapter in Coshocton’s story.

Follow Our Town Coshocton on Facebook for updates on events and general information.

This column was written by Hailey Helter, executive director of Our Town Coshocton.