El Reno Main Street to Rebrand and Relaunch in 2026
- Heather Brothers
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Organization to engage community in shaping the future of downtown revitalization
El Reno, OK — The El Reno Main Street Board of Directors has voted unanimously to begin a comprehensive rebranding and restructuring process in 2026. This next chapter will focus on listening, learning, and rebuilding, ensuring that the organization reflects the needs, values, and goals of the El Reno community.
“Downtown El Reno is the heart of our city, and our organization’s work has always been about keeping that heart beating strong,” said Board President, Casey Trejo. “As we look ahead, our goal is to build something that continues that mission with renewed focus, flexibility, and community input.”
Over the next several months, the board will work closely with local residents, business owners, and civic leaders to assess community priorities and determine how the program can most effectively serve El Reno’s historic core. This will include public surveys, stakeholder discussions, and strategic planning sessions designed to shape a refreshed organizational model and vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
Community First: The restructuring will be guided by information obtained from the people who live, work, and invest in El Reno. Input from residents and stakeholders will help define future goals, initiatives, and partnerships.
Preservation & Progress: The organization remains committed to preserving the charm and history that make downtown special, while embracing opportunities for growth, entrepreneurship, and revitalization.
Burger Day’s Future
The Fried Onion Burger Day Festival has been a cornerstone of El Reno’s identity for nearly four decades, an event that has brought tens of thousands of visitors downtown and stands as a testament to the city’s creativity and community pride. It is, without question, one of El Reno’s greatest traditions.
However, as the festival has grown, it has also come to overshadow the broader purpose of the organization: revitalization, preservation, and economic development. Burger Day remains an important piece of the puzzle, but it cannot be the only measure of success.
“We want to be very clear, Burger Day matters to us,” said Trejo. “It’s a source of pride for the entire community and a celebration we hope to continue. But our mission is bigger than a single weekend. We’re here to strengthen downtown year-round, not just one day a year. That requires partnership, shared investment, and a long-term vision for El Reno’s future.”
Moving forward with Burger Day will require collaboration and support from the City of El Reno, along with a shared understanding that the festival is one part of a much larger effort to keep downtown thriving.
While some aspects of the organization may evolve, the mission remains steadfast: to strengthen and celebrate downtown El Reno as the heart of the community, honoring its history while embracing its future.
The board expresses sincere gratitude to the many volunteers, business owners, and citizens who have dedicated their time, energy, and financial support over the years. Their continued engagement will be vital as the organization embarks on this new phase of growth, collaboration, and community building.
For additional information, please contact:
El Reno Main Street
📞 405-262-8888