The Dresden Community Association (DCA) has been working to promote the village of Dresden through their Destination Dresden website, preserve Dresden’s history, and advance its growth. The organization’s leaders are looking forward, ready to build upon the progress made over the last few years.
The DCA’s mission statement reads, “To lead the Dresden Community Association and the DCA businesses into increased prosperity and actively assist in improving the quality of life in our Dresden community.” The organization has been taking those words to heart, especially during the last couple of years which have been ones of definite progress for the DCA. The very important step of being re-established as a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization was made. This opened many doors for them including being eligible for grant funds that are beneficial to marketing and improving Dresden. In 2022 and 2023 the DCA received grant funding to plant flowers on Main Street, one of the annual projects the organization volunteers to do to help beautify the village. The DCA also received two Business Funds Awards from Mayor’s Partnership for Progress to work on strategic planning with Small Nation, a group that specializes in revitalizing small towns. Additionally, a grant from The Muskingum County Community Foundation (MCCF) was awarded to the DCA and was used to host the American Basket Fest event last year as well as to redesign the Destination Dresden website. A boost to rebranding and marketing the DCA has been a huge push in recent years including but not limited to a new website (as formerly mentioned), a revamped Destination Dresden logo, a “Welcome to Dresden” sign where Dave Longaberger and Main Street intersect, new rack cards, and an increased social media presence that also emphasizes promoting member businesses. In 2023 the DCA also worked with City & Regional Planning Studio at Ohio State University to discuss and plan several possible village improvements including wayfinding signage in the village and large signs directed at highway traffic, expanding the bike trail into the village’s shopping district, building a maker’s space and business incubator, and creating a Main Street Plaza proposed for the old IGA lot on Main Street as a commercial and civic hub for the community.
The DCA hosts several events each year. America’s Basket Festival, Ladies Night Out, Oktoberfest, monthly Third Thursday Backyard Markets, and the much-loved Coming Home for the Holidays Parade were all very successful in 2023. Four events have been confirmed so far for 2024 including America’s Basket Festival which will take place alongside the 2024 Dresden Homecoming July 10 through 13, Ladies Night Out held November 16, and Coming Home for the Holidays Parade on December 7. The group also assists with the Dresden Melon Festival each year. This year’s Melon Festival is planned for August 3.
As with many organizations, January is a time of reflection and goal-setting for the new year. The DCA has established several goals they would like to work toward in 2024. Some of these include increasing bus tours and visitors to Dresden, working with the surrounding communities such as Coshocton County and Roscoe Village, Guernsey County, and Berlin (Amish Country), to continue to work with Small Nation and incorporate them into the revitalization plans for Dresden, update wayfinding signage in and around Dresden, to continue and amplify efforts to beautify Dresden making it more inviting for visitors and pleasing for residents.
The DCA is hoping to increase their membership numbers and invite all businesses to participate at some level. Memberships are open to all who believe in the DCA’s mission, not just those who own a business. “When you join the DCA you are investing in personal, business, and community success. Our members benefit from the promotion of featured events, tourism, and the village’s recreational activities,” said DCA President, Darron Delancey.
An important Revitalization Meeting, open to the public, is planned for Monday, January 29 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Warehouse Restaurant, 16 East 9th Street. This meeting gives the public an opportunity to share their ideas as to what projects they would like to see accomplished in Dresden. If you plan to attend or can’t attend but want to share your ideas please email info@destinationdresden.com. RSVP by email with your name and the names of anyone who plans to join you. “The DCA is excited to identify and work on projects in 2024 that follow our mission of assisting in improving the quality of life in Dresden,” stated Delancey.
Monthly meetings are also open to the public to attend as a visitor. Meeting times vary, so please contact the DCA to check on upcoming meeting times.
For questions, information on becoming a member, or suggestions email info@destinationdresden.com or send a letter to PO Box 707, Dresden OH, 43821. You can learn more about the DCA by visiting their website www.destinationdresden.com. Follow them on Facebook for the latest event information, and updates.