Clawson team that won the “Spirit of Main Street” Award for their video “Levels Up.” Theresa Doan representing award sponsor of $2,000 from Genisys Credit Union (far left).

Clawson won the Spirit of Main Street Award and $2,000 prize for the creative “Levels Up” video.
Farmington was recognized as a 2026 Great American Main Street Award winner.
Keego Harbor was welcomed as the 30th community in the Main Street Oakland County program.

Pontiac, Mich. — Downtown Clawson received the prestigious Spirit of Main Street Award during Main Street Oakland County’s (MSOC’s) annual Main Event awards celebration Thursday evening at The Roxy Rochester theater in downtown Rochester, while Ortonville and Highland shone by winning in multiple categories.

The Spirit of Main Street Award — the evening’s highest honor — recognizes exceptional achievement in downtown revitalization and community engagement. Downtown Clawson earned the award and a $2,000 cash prize sponsored by Genisys Credit Union for its innovative video, “Levels Up.”

The video transforms downtown Clawson into a video game-inspired world where local business owners, volunteers, board members and visitors become characters who level up through everyday experiences that showcase the district’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community spirit.

Downtowns are the heart of our communities, and the creativity and collaboration demonstrated by this year’s award winners are helping Oakland County remain one of the best places to live and visit,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for their dedication to strengthening our downtowns.”

The Main Event recognized outstanding achievements across MSOC’s network of downtowns and commercial corridors. Forty-two nominations were submitted from 16 of the program’s 29 participating communities.

Other award recipients included:

Achievement in Community Character or Historic Preservation: Ortonville DDA for Ortonville Historical Audio Walking Tour — Preserving the Past Through Storytelling and Innovation
Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Ortonville DDA for Mistletoe Marketplace — A Community-Driven Retail Innovation Fueling Downtown Ortonville’s Economic Vitality
Community Event of the Year: Ortonville DDA for Vegucation Station Adventurers’ Club<

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