Spotlight on Olde Town Covington

Love signage in Olde Town Covington, Va.

We sat down with Kester Dingus, Executive Director of Olde Town Covington, Inc. to discuss the organization’s work, exciting updates and upcoming events and what’s ahead for Downtown Covington in 2026 and beyond. Read on to learn more!

“Olde Town Covington, Inc. is a local non-profit organization which seeks to promote the revitalization and economic development of downtown Covington, which in turn should enhance growth for the entire business community of the Alleghany Highlands. Olde Town Covington, Inc. sponsors events and activities which provide entertainment, social interaction, education experiences and tourism opportunities throughout the region. All of these contribute to the local economy. Olde Town Covington, Inc. is exclusively dedicated to the renovation, revitalization and improvement of the downtown area of Covington, VA.

Our vision is to create a thriving, welcoming, and resilient historical district in Covington where businesses, residents and visitors come together to celebrate our unique heritage, foster economic vitality, and build a vibrant future for generations to come. We want to lay the foundation for a vibrant community with the assistance of local businesses, volunteers and sponsors who want to be essential components as we continue to revitalize our downtown.

Olde Town Covington, Inc. is a 2025 Main Street America Affiliate and follows the Main Street Approach which is centered around transformation strategies. A transformation strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing on strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy.”

When asked about the exciting future of Downtown Covington, Kester shared the following:

  1. Downtown Covington had some new businesses open in the last year and more in the works. 
  2. Downtown businesses have come together to help plan downtown events and are working great together. We need to keep up the momentum!
  3. Olde Town Covington, Inc. will complete the Main Street America accreditation process in January 2026. We are very confident that we will become a fully accredited Advancing Main Street Community.
  4. Multiple grant opportunities are available through Main Street America for downtown businesses. Olde Town Covington, Inc. will assist businesses to pursue these grants to improve the downtown and make businesses more vibrant.
  5. More events will be planned for 2026.
  6. Farmers Market will look at expanding days and/or hours of operation.
  7. Olde Town Covington, Inc. is in discussions with various organizations to add to and expand events and to assist with marketing and advertising. Much more information to come at the beginning of 2026.

Olde Town Covington, Inc. has also been selected by American Express as a Shop Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion! Shop small and support local Alleghany Highlands businesses on Saturday, November 29! Some other upcoming events include An Olde Town Christmas & a New Year Eve’s Celebration (more details below). 

Wondering how you can get involved? Olde Town Covington, Inc. utilizes volunteers to assist with fundraising, planning and helping with events. Find more information and to submit a volunteer application, visit their website.