Centralia Downtown Association News Update

For the last several weeks there has been visible change and progress in downtown Centralia.  The “Late ‘Til Eight” shopping events have continued to grow the numbers of shoppers that have been downtown each Friday to take advantage of the excellent shopping and dining opportunities.  Last week was the first full week of advertising support for the participating businesses, and, coincidentally, the largest turnout of shoppers.  Though only about 25 of the shops stuck in there until 8pm, the foot traffic on the streets was noticeably improved!  Good job to the participating businesses!  Thanks for sticking in there!   The merchants have demonstrated a great deal of cooperation and teamwork to bring this shopping opportunity to everyone!  Benefiting from a promotional change in hours of operation takes some time and a bunch of advertising to accomplish.  But, the folks that have come down to shop have had nothing but good things to say about it.  Particularly, how enjoyable the downtown is becoming in the evenings.

 After the shops closed at 8pm, about 20 of the downtown merchants and families took advantage of the Panaderia Purepecha Bakery’s extended hours for the after closing get together that is becoming a regular thing.  This coming Friday, we will all be gathering at the Jersey Diner for eats and desserts.  I’m told that they will be offering a special that night.  Everyone is welcome!

 All 80 of the CDA – Late Til Eight radio ad sponsorships have been sold!  Special thanks to Don Blair, Attorney, located at 121 ½ North Tower for purchasing 10!  These spots will continue to run weekly until the 21^st of December.  The “out of region” advertising started last week as well.  As a result, we had shoppers from the Seattle area come down as a direct result of those radio spots!  As we get closer to Christmas and the ads continue to work, every business in the downtown area has an opportunity to take advantage of the expanded ad coverage.  It really works. 

The fabulously designed “Late Til Eight” banner was hung across Main Street last week and looks fantastic!   The City of Centralia workers have been VERY busy on the streets this past week; hanging garlands and lights on every light pole, (coming back to fix the ones that didn’t come on), stringing the beautiful garlands with lighting across every block in the historic district and making sure that all of the fall leaves have been swept up.  We are fortunate to have a municipal crew dedicated to providing these services for us.  

 If you look carefully as you stroll downtown, you can see the merchants feverishly devising their window displays for the Christmas Carol game.  This will begin December 1^st.  Last years game was great fun for everyone.  Shoppers came from all over the place to put their thinking caps on trying to figure out the name of the carol that was being displayed in each storefront!  There will be rewards for those who can guess the most, see your local participating merchant for more information.

 The CDA Board of Directors has continued working toward completion of the 2008/2009 Work Plan and are having their final work session on December 5^th to put together all of the objectives and ideas that everyone downtown has provided over the last year as we moved toward organization.  This will be the blueprint for the CDA to be able to begin establishing committees so that we can all work toward completing the goals that will move our downtown further down the road to revitalization and prosperity! 

Tentatively, the CDA will be hosting a general meeting on December 12^th.  The location and agenda are being put together now.  Please plan to attend, as, we will be presenting the specially prepared “Centralia” version of the Main Street Approach presentation with additional information about member benefits, the activities of the coming year and ways for the community to participate. 

Some upcoming fun things to do: This Friday the City of Centralia will be having their annual Christmas Tree lighting at Washington Park followed by a Visit with Santa in the Lewis and Clark Ballroom on North Pearl Street. 

Remember, the shops and eateries will be open until 8pm or later that night, too! Saturday morning is the Breakfast with Santa at the Historic Train Depot.  Go to www.centraliaguide.com for more information on these events. 

For those seeking Christmas trees this Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, take a trip down to Pioneer West, 710 North Tower Avenue (just North of 1^st Street and Tower) for your tree!  They are selling EVERY size and type of cut Christmas tree for $12.00 this year!!   

 PS – Feel free to share this with others, as, we are still developing our contacts and supporters lists.  Direct them to mail@centraliadowntown.com to request addition to the mailing list. Or just call Dan Henderson, Interim Executive Director at 360-623-1338.  Thanks.