Great Falls Earns Honors from Montana Department of Commerce

Through the summer in downtown Great Falls, you might have noticed some of the more colorful planters along Central Avenue or admired the beauty of flowers in front of the Civic Center.

via GIPHY

Those beautifications are funded in part by the state of Montana.  The program is called the Montana Main Street (MMS) project, and the Montana Department of Commerce has recognized our city in not just one, but two categories in the best of show awards.

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More About the Montana Main Street Program and the National Organization

Through MMS, available grants "fosters economic vitality, preserves historic resources and promotes cultural heritage" in each of the downtown areas in 38 different Montana cities across the state.  Funding for the program comes from Montana Senate Bill 540.

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The program began in 2001, and is part of the larger Main Street America program, which fosters the idea that "leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide" according to their website.

Great Falls Downtown Scores to Awards in Best of Show Categories for Flowers

New in 2026, the Montana Department of Commerce initiated the Best of Show Flower Competition for members of the MMS.  Two categories were selected including hanging flower basket and flower planter.

a bunch of flowers that are in a vase

This year's inaugural winner for best hanging was awarded to Livingston, with Great Falls coming in second and Bozeman in 3rd place.  Great Falls walked away a winner for best flower planter, with Cut Bank and Roundup communities following.