Anniston and Oxford, AL – Two Calhoun County communities received recognition during Main Street Alabama’s 13th annual Awards of Excellence events, with honors going to downtown programs and community contributors in both Anniston and Oxford.
Patrick “Wig” Wigley was selected as Main Street Anniston’s 2026 Main Street Hero, while Historic Main Street Oxford received an Award of Excellence for its Downtown Oxford Zoning Overlay Project. Oxford High School’s Ambassadors Program was also recognized as Historic Main Street Oxford’s Main Street Hero.
Wigley was honored during Main Street Alabama’s Toast to Heroes Reception in Enterprise, held prior to the organization’s annual Awards of Excellence Banquet. Each participating local program selects a Main Street Hero who has made an outstanding contribution to its downtown district and community.
Main Street Anniston Director Karla Eden said Wigley’s recognition reflects his years of involvement in downtown Anniston and the cycling community.
“Patrick ‘Wig’ Wigley represents exactly what the Main Street Hero Award is meant to celebrate,” Eden said. “His love for downtown Anniston isn’t something he simply talks about—it’s something he has demonstrated through years of service, investment, and a genuine commitment to Main Street and the cycling community.”
Eden said Wigley has remained involved in downtown revitalization efforts through multiple seasons of the district’s development and credited his willingness to participate and invest in the community.
In Oxford, Historic Main Street Oxford received statewide recognition with an Award of Excellence in the Public-Private Partnership category for the Downtown Oxford Zoning Overlay Project.
According to Historic Main Street Oxford, the zoning overlay was the result of five years of planning and collaboration with the Oxford Building Services Department. The project is intended to encourage new investment while protecting the character of downtown Oxford.
“We are honored to receive this Award of Excellence and proud of the work that went into making the Downtown Zoning Overlay a reality,” Historic Main Street Oxford Director of Economic Development and Main Street Hunter Gentry said. “After five years of planning and collaboration with the Oxford Building Services Department, we now have an important tool that encourages new investment while protecting the character that makes downtown Oxford unique.”
Oxford High School’s Ambassadors Program was also selected as Historic Main Street Oxford’s Main Street Hero for its work and positive impact on the downtown program and community. The Ambassadors were recognized alongside other Main Street Heroes during the Toast to Heroes Reception.
Main Street Alabama works with communities across the state through public-private partnerships, community engagement and strategies aimed at encouraging investment, attracting visitors, creating jobs and strengthening historic commercial districts.
The recognitions highlighted efforts in both Anniston and Oxford to support their downtown districts through community involvement, partnerships and revitalization projects.
