Rebuilding Social Fabric Through Music on Main Street

For over 40 years, communities across the United States have worked to revitalize town centers impacted by shifting economic development. The nonprofit https://www.mainstreet.org/homeMain Street America supports towns nationwide in bringing people together and stimulating business growth.

One such town is Versailles, where local charity Main Street Versailles focuses on drawing positive attention to the downtown square by creating activities and events that foster community connection. Founded nearly a decade ago, the organization has helped reintroduce life and energy to the town center - now home to Percussion Play’s outdoor musical instruments.

A Small Town with a Big Vision for Community

With a population of fewer than 2,000 people, Versailles had seen businesses gradually move away from its center, leaving behind a lack of economic and social activity. Main Street Versailles, led by President Holly Wehr, Director of Community Development for the Town of Versailles, began spearheading community-funded initiatives to reconnect residents with their downtown.

Activities such as farmers’ markets and running events helped spark renewed interest, but a broader vision for revitalization soon followed.

Listening First - Community-Led Placemaking

Engagement gathered momentum through the ‘I wish this was’ campaign, inviting residents to share what they hoped vacant buildings and spaces could become. Feedback highlighted a desire for public restrooms, live music, splash pads, playground equipment, green space, benches, and picnic tables.

In response, a development plan was created, and town officials agreed to develop a Pocket Park beside the town hall. Fundraising efforts began in May 2022 with a crowdfunding campaign, supported by the Creating Places program, which offered to match funds raised up to $50,000.

Honoring Music and Expanding the Soundscape

The first goal was to create a pavilion dedicated to live music. Holly Wehr explains, “We aimed to create a pavilion where we could host live music and name it in honor of two music teachers who taught in the local school for 32 years. These teachers were beloved by the community, and we were delighted to raise the amount we needed within one month!”

With the Holdsworth Entertainment Pavilion funded, Main Street Versailles set its sights on raising an additional $10,000 to expand musical opportunities throughout the square.

Inclusive Musical Instruments for All Ages

Inspired by a roadside park in Laurel, Mississippi, the team discovered Percussion Play instruments and recognized their potential as inclusive, intergenerational features that would invite both children and adults to play together.

Two sets of Freechimes, a large Babel Drum, a Cajon Drum Circle, and Cadenza, are now installed in Versailles, drawing people of all ages to the town centre to create music and enjoy the space together.

Holly says, “I walk around the square, and kids are out there playing the chimes. The sound of the instruments is really pretty and has a lovely tone. I also love how the instruments are aesthetically pleasing.” She continues, “We recently had a concert on the pavilion, and following the event, the keyboardist was playing the Cadenza and making beautiful music.”

Music as a Catalyst for Reconnection

Since installation, the square has seen a measurable increase in intergenerational play and social interaction, with residents sharing images and stories on local Facebook groups.

Percussion Play’s instruments form part of a wider movement across the United States to rebuild social fabric - something Versailles is now achieving as music once again brings people together at the heart of the community.