Imagine a place frozen in time. A place where the 1800s is the style. Where electricity was so last year; Where a cat is the head of the house. All of this and more can be found at Chestnut Square.

Chestnut Square is part of downtown McKinney’s historical district. In hopes of preserving the original architecture and community feel, Chestnut Square thrives on bringing the 1800s to the modern era. With their yearly events, weekly markets, and daily tours, more and more people in the community are getting involved with Chestnut Square. Made up of mostly volunteers, Chestnut Square would not be able to preserve its beauty.

With only 5 main staff, volunteers are highly important when it comes to running the square. Patricia Wingate is one of many volunteers at Chestnut Square and describes Chestnut Square as an amazing place to be “whether it’s for volunteering at, or even just visiting”. With so many people to meet and so many opportunities, Patricia says, “It’s a place to see our community and to get involved”.

Alice Yeager has been the volunteer coordinator at Chestnut Square since 2010. “I came to work here as a volunteer coordinator and absolutely love incorporating people from the community to help preserve and keep this place going as a community effort to share with one another, ” she tells us. She chose to work at Chestnut Square not only for the work but also because she loved the historic area. “The preservation efforts I absolutely adore, I adore the old historic homes and I love the old time community feel that we try to exemplify here especially through the farmers market”.

Chestnut Square’s Farmers Market was rated number one farmers market in Texas and it clearly is shown through the community. With vendors of all kinds, musicians all around, food to die for, and activities for all, the farmers market is thriving in bringing  friends, family and community together. During the holidays the market will have special events whether it be a Forth of July celebration, stories with Chester the cat, or talking to Santa, there is always something going  on at the market. 

The farmers market is run by none other than Chester of Chestnut Square, who has been with Chestnut Square ever since he stumbled upon it a few years ago. Whether it be getting pets, demanding attention, playing with the bird, or just being Chester, the cat runs the place and is not afraid to rub it in your face.

As Patricia said, “It is worth checking it out!”