A program aimed at spurring downtown development is recruiting in Lynchburg.

The Downtown Lynchburg Association is gearing up to publish Hill City Eats: A Downtown Lynchburg Cookbook.

As Hurricane Ian heads closer to our region, several local weekend events have been called off.

On Monday, the Downtown Lynchburg Association announced that Get Downtown will be held on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

Four floors feature patterns designed by staff members at the Downtown Lynchburg Association.

A colorful mural is going up on the Midtown parking deck on 10th and Commerce Streets.

Ten winners will be announced Dec. 1. You need to take a photo of your stamped card and upload it online.

Art Alley will transform the end of 11th Street between Commerce Street and the Bluffwalk into a colorful, art-filled alleyway for locals and visitors to enjoy

The colorful display takes place at 9:15pm Friday, July 2nd.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – One year into the pandemic, and like everywhere else, the Hill City has seen its fair share of struggle. The Downtown Lynchburg Association released their 2020 annual report to show the impact. Kathy Shaw, owner of Beeswax Candle Co., relies heavily on online sales and says revenue jumped 50 percent at the start of the pandemic. When it comes to online sales, Ben Noyes can’t say the same. “A lot of it was people working from home instead of coming downtown to work,” said Noyes.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – What should you do if you ordered a gift from a small business, but the package doesn’t arrive in time for Christmas? The Downtown Lynchburg Association says you can still give the gift, but in a creative way. “Print out a photo of the item you bought and still give that as a gift. Tell them that it’s on the way and tell them that you shopped small and supported local,” said Ford. He says small businesses may not be able to guarantee on-time delivery because it’s up to shipping companies once the item leaves their business.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Another event will not be taking place in this year due to the coronavirus. The Downtown Lynchburg Association has canceled Get Downtown 2020. The event, which was scheduled to take place on Sept. 11, will not go on due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions surrounding large gatherings. Get Downtown is Lynchburgs signature community street festival, and although we are heartbroken, we are already looking forward to a fantastic event in 2021.To replace the event this year, DLA is asking for the communitys support on July 30 during Downtown-a-Thon, a 12-hour livestream event to benefit the Downtown Recovery Initiative. The initiative includes projects and programs aimed at supporting Lynchburgs small businesses as they recover from the impacts of coronavirus restrictions, including the Downtown Lynchburg Gift Card program public art installations, marketing and promotion, and more.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Charlottesville brewing company has decided to call downtown Lynchburg home to its newest location. According to the Downtown Lynchburg Association, Champion Brewing is set to open late spring or early summer. The new location will be located on Main Street next to Benny Scarpetta’s.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Get Downtown Lynchburg is back. For the 11th year, city officials will shut down Main Street, where thousands of people are expected to gather. Organizers of "Get Downtown" say patrons can expect to see some new options for food, a beach karaoke party, and a beer garden. We have an ax-throwing trailer. So, if you want to come throw some axes," Ashley Kershner, the executive director of Downtown Lynchburg Association, said.