First and Main

Latest Episodes:

First and Main: Christmas Tree Lighting Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

Brandii speaks with Katie Gore from Marketing and Communications, and Keith Finch from Vegetation Management about this year’s Christmas tree lighting in Corpening Plaza downtown on December 6th.

Find out everything that goes into getting this 1200 pound tree put up, lit, and prepared for our holiday celebration!

Read more on our city calendar:

https://www.cityofws.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=5937

SUBSCRIBE to the city of Winston-Salem’s Podcast, First and Main

https://cityofws.org/3607/First-and-Main-Podcast

Want to learn more about what’s happening in the city? CONNECT with us on Social Media

http://x.com/CityofWS

https://instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem

https://facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

Hashtags:

#WinstonSalemChristmas

#WinstonSalemTreeLighting

#ChristmasTreeLighting

#HolidayMagic

#ChristmasSpirit

#TreeLightingCeremony

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Historic Resources Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Host Brandii Little sits down with Isabel Coletti of the city’s Planning and Development Department to talk about how she and her team help preserve our city’s cultural heritage, including through the Historic Resources Commission, the Heritage Neighborhoods Program, and those fascinating historic markers you see around town.

Apply for an Historic Marker!

https://www.cityofws.org/1366/Historic-Recognition-Committee

Find great research resources for a marker:

https://www.digitalnc.org/ (digital archives and newspapers)

https://ncarchitects.lib.ncsu.edu/ (about builders and architects)

https://www.forsyth.cc/library/nccollection.aspx (library resources - some used on site only)

Learn more about the Historic Resources Commission or contact its staff:

https://www.cityofws.org/1430/Historic-Resources-Commission

SUBSCRIBE to the city of Winston-Salem’s Podcast, First and Main

https://cityofws.org/3607/First-and-Main-Podcast

Want to learn more about what’s happening in the city? CONNECT with us on Social Media

http://x.com/CityofWS

https://instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem

https://facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Economic Development Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Guest Host Serena Mumford is joined by Steven Harris, and Jakira Westbrook of the Office of Economic Development, and former restaurateur and current City Council Member, Vivián Joiner (South Ward) to talk about the programs the city offers to assist business owners and entrepreneurs, and the M/WBE program to assist women and minority groups.

To learn more about these programs, visit https://www.cityofws.org/347/Economic-Development

Want to give us feedback or an idea for a new episode? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at firstandmain@cityofws.org

Want to hear more from the city of Winston-Salem? Follow our social channels!

https://www.instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

https://x.com/CityofWS

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Carolina Classic Fair Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Join guest host Serena Mumford and guests Cheryle Hartley and Lili Craven to talk about putting on this year’s Carolina Classic Fair from October 3-12. Between live music, unique food, agriculture, livestock, and exciting rides, there’s a lot to talk about!

For tickets visit: carolinaclassicfair.com/tickets/

For information and select rules visit: carolinaclassicfair.com/general-info/

Want to give us feedback or an idea for a new episode? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at firstandmain@cityofws.org

Want to hear more from the city of Winston-Salem? Follow our social channels!

https://www.instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

https://x.com/CityofWS

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Police Recruiting Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Host Brandii Little is joined by Captain Jack Swaim of the Winston-Salem Police Department to talk about the department’s recruiting efforts. That’s right, WSPD is hiring new officers! Captain Swaim breaks down the department’s best in class training, the competitive pay and benefits, and much more.

Want to apply or learn more? Click here: https://joinwspdnow.org/

Want to hear more from the city of Winston-Salem? Follow our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

https://x.com/CityofWS

Want to give us feedback or an idea for a new episode? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at firstandmain@cityofws.org

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Transportation Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Host Brandii Little is joined by the city’s Director of Transportation, Jeff Fansler, to talk about the roll out of the new parking app, Pay by Phone, and to share updates on the new Multi Use Path, changes to traffic patterns on Liberty and Main streets, and safety upgrades to crosswalks at University Parkway and Coliseum Drive.

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

Download the new parking app, Pay By Phone, on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Detailed instructions on setting up and using the app can be found here.

To pay for parking using a phone (instead of the app) call: 888 680-7275

To give feedback to the city on transportation planning or issues, contact City Link:

By Phone: Dial 311.
By Text: Text 855-481-LINK.
Mobile App: Download "CityLink 311" from the App Store, the Google Play Store or download the app from the City of Winston-Salem's website.

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: CWSU Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Host Brandii Little sits down with Susan Spainhour of the city’s Marketing and Communications team, and recent CWSU graduate, Yolanda Moses to discuss the City of Winston-Salem University (CWSU) – an educational program designed to help residents gain a better understanding about how city government works and how they can get involved.
The once-a-year, 12-week course is free and meets once a week on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Classes will be held at City Hall and other locations. The 2025 application process is now open with class beginning on August 21. Class size is limited.
Click here to apply to CWSU:
https://www.cityofws.org/472

Need a paper application? Reach out to City Link
https://www.cityofws.org/172/CityLink

To find out more about the BEAR Team mentioned on this episode, visit
https://www.cityofws.org/3400/Behavioral-Evaluation-Response-Team

SUBSCRIBE to the city of Winston-Salem’s Podcast, First and Main
https://cityofws.org/3607/First-and-Main-Podcast

Want to learn more about what’s happening in the city? CONNECT with us on Social Media
http://x.com/CityofWS
https://instagram.com/cityofwinstonsalem
https://facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem

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Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

First and Main: Recreation and Parks Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Host Brandii Little speaks with Recreation and Parks employees, Heather Candelora and Laura Tanyi about some of the programs their department is offering this summer, including Rock Out the Quarry, swimming, splash pads, senior citizens' exercise programs and more!

Read on for more information and links to topics mentioned in the show:

Rock Out the Quarry - https://www.cityofws.org/3490/Rock-Out-the-Quarry

Find programs for seniors, kids, and more at https://www.cityofws.org/857/Programs-Activities

Pool passes may be purchased and used at any city pool. Cost is $40 for children 17 and under; $60 for 18 and over. To find a pool near you, visit https://www.cityofws.org/Facilities then under 'facilities type', choose ‘Pools and Aquatics’

Visit us at cityofws.org/firstandmain | Email: firstandmain@cityofws.org

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