The chairs are in place…can the corn dogs be far away?? It’s Apple Blossom time! Yes, I love the Royalty. the music, and the craft fair but I really want to take some little kids (one in particular) to the carnival! The look of surprise and delight (maybe a little fear) on their faces when placed behind a “real” car or airplane that they can “drive”! It doesn’t take long for them to start turning the wheel (if they’ve been watching their parents TOO closely they yell at the kid in front of them, and pretend to talk on the phone!) It’s fun to see. Get out with your families (or someone else’s) the next couple of weeks and enjoy the festival!

Meetings this week:
• Economic Development Committee meets 8AM at Columbia Station on Wednesday the 25th.
• Our special Promotions meeting (we’ll be choosing the name for our new September event!) will be at 11AM April 26th on the 3rd floor (Chamber conference room) of Columbia Station!
• 9AM on Thursday the 26th, the Design Committee and various community members will be planting this years’ hanging flower baskets at the City greenhouse on Western Street (at the cemetery).

Take note of the new murals in the windows at The Kitchen Sync (21 N. Wenatchee Ave.)! Beautiful!

Thanks for all the interest in the health of Kathy Allen, our former Exec. Director! She is doing well, and her latest CAT scans look great! She is fighting hard to regain her health. Keep those cards and letters coming!

Visitors to Wenatchee always ask where you can get “Wenatchee” merchandise…remember that The Owl Fountain and Gift shop (25 N. Wenatchee Ave.) Pak-it-Rite (126 No. Wen. Ave.) GPA embroidery 24 No. Wen. Ave.) the Apple Blossom Festival office (2 So. Chelan) has wonderful merchandise that represents our valley. From different apple varieties and Aplets and Cotlets, to wearables and collectables, cards and stationary! Keep’em downtown!

I often talk about the clothes, shoes, spa and beauty, house wares and entertainment that we have in downtown…but don’t forget the other important items that we all need…Lawyers, Accountants, Bankers, Architects, Building Management, Engineers, radio/TV professionals, Marketing and Medical specialists, and Non-Profits that are our neighbors downtown! Over half our WDA members are these hardworking professionals. These wonderful partners help us, as a downtown stay vital by bringing more people into downtown, and using our retail services themselves. Thank you!

It’s been fun getting to know our newest WDA member, Kelli from Kelli’s Country Connections (28 N. Wenatchee Ave.) They have the most fun stuff! My favorite (if you’ve got a little buckaroo at home) are the baby pillow and comforter sets! A great gift for a little one! Jewelry and other surprised await you…check it out.

Another new member is Personal Image and Style by Deloma Sherwood (117 Palouse St.) If your look needs some freshening up, or if you’ve never found the right make-up, hair or clothing colors you feel are the best for you, give Deloma a call at 665-3955. It’s amazing how much money and time she can save you in getting the right products the first time! She also offers help for your over burdened closets, and how to pack efficiently for travel. Give Deloma a call!

DAVIS FURNITURE IS BAAAACKK! We’re SO happy they could come back so fast and look so great! Go take a look (125 S. Wenatchee Ave.) at how they have changed the store since the devastating December fire. Better than ever.

May 2-5, 9-12, 13th are the dates for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at the PAC (123 No. Wenatchee Ave. 663-ARTS)! Set in the 1920’s it’s a zany musical that will have your toes a tappin!

At the Wenatchee Center:
• 4/22-26 (Convention) WA ST Council on Affordable Rural Housing (320 attend)
• 4/26-28 (Convention) WA ST Community College Mathematics (200 attend)
• 4/29-5/2 (Convention) Criminal Justice Training (90 attend)

Have a great week, send any questions to: maryv@wendowntown.org. Thanks!oxoxMVT

Ah…Spring in downtown Wenatchee!

Blooming tulips and flowering trees, changing your Chai tea at Caffe’ Mela from hot to cold, getting your Apple Blossom Musical tickets from the Performing Arts Center, and looking at ice-cream colored clothes…in case you spill any on yourself at the Owl Fountain…it’s Spring! Remember that the refreshing beverage known as “Summer… in a Glass” is available any time at the Owl (25 N. Wenatchee Ave.) it’s sunny-luscious!

Special happenings Downtown this week:
• The AWC (Employee Health Academy) Convention is in Wenatchee beginning the 16th. 175 attend.
• The Children’s Home Society (benefiting Foster Children) will hold their fundraising lunch on Wednesday the 18th (Wenatchee Center) at noon. Contact Doug Head at 888-0788 for tickets. Hydroplane racing legend, Chip Hanauer will be the featured speaker!
• On the 18th-21st, 125 attendees of the Office Professionals Convention will be in Wenatchee.
• Friday, April 20th from 5-8PM, The Kitchen Sync (21 N. Wenatchee Ave.) will hold an Open House! Mary will feature 20% off Vietri!
• Tickets for the Apple Blossom musical (Thoroughly Modern Millie) are on sale at the LOWER LEVEL of the Performing Arts Center (123 N. Wenatchee Ave.) 663-ARTS
• The WDA Design Committee meeting moves to the 26th, when we will gather at the greenhouse off of Western Street, and plant the hanging baskets that make Downtown Wenatchee SO beautiful all summer!

“Mama Pickle” (AKA Peggy from Pickle Papers, 21 S. Wenatchee Ave.) reports all kinds of beautiful things in her store for Mothers Day! Cards with sparkle and a French twist, velvet papers, and matching journals, pens and pencil sets. Yum. Brides and Grads will be interested too!

Mike Noyd can fix your space problem! He has two spaces available: 105 S. Mission (925 sq ft office and 750 sq ft of storage) and 107 S. Mission with 925 sq ft of office. Right in the heart of town, in walking distance to lots of amenities (and customers!) He even has PARKING available under the building! Call Mike at 509-670-7113.

Congrats to WDA member Valda Sarty, (Elements, Refuel, Elements University) for being selected as Entrepreneur of the Year at the recent GWATA luncheon! Valda was recognized for leading the way in business processes, and training designed to improve the quality of performance in both professional and personal areas. You Rock Valda!!

WDA member St. Laurent Winery was the “Winery to Watch” winner in the Wine Press Northwest April issue! (Also available at www.winepress.com) The article records that owners Mike and Laura Mrachek have 240 acres in Malaga (half in cab, the other 120 divided between Merlot and Syrah). Their production was 3000 cases in 2005, 5000 in 2006, and they hope to bottle 15,000 cases in 2010! Congratulations!

Thanks to those who have submitted their nominations for our new fall event…keep them coming! Remember we’ll have apples, art, theater, grapes, food, and wine! Name that Festival! Send ideas to: pennington@wendowntown.org

Have a great funny, sunny week! xoxooMVT

Oh man, I love downtown this time of year! The City workers do such a great job of keeping the flower beds looking great...the crocus and daffodils are beautiful!

A hot tip (I MEAN HOT)! Lent is over...Studio 10 (#1 South Wenatchee Ave.) has a sexy black halter dress in the window!! Whew...if you are invited to an evening out (wedding, winery)this dress is what you'll want to be wearing! Take a break at Urban Buzz (113 Orondo St.)for lunch! Then get your accessories downtown too!Pair that dress with some Palmer Shoes (6 South Wen. Ave.)sandals, a wrap from Cyndy Jaynes (110 No. Wen. Ave.)have some jewelry custom made for you by Sun Dog Bead Co. (19 So. Wen. Ave.) then finish up with getting your nails done at Elements University (34 No. Wen. Ave.)...and you're set!! Do you get it? You don't have to leave downtown to look great,eat great, be entertained or have a beautiful home!!

Remember that the tickets for the Apple Blossom musical (Thoroughly Modern Millie) are now on sale! 663-ARTS, or visit the Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee at 123 Wenatchee Ave. (LOWER LEVEL) They are open noon-5:30 Monday-Friday. You'll enjoy this light-hearted musical featuring some of your favorite local actors and a terrific set!

At the Wenatchee Center this week: 4/10 Good Scout Luncheon (350 attend)noon. GWATA's technology entrepreneur awards, 4/10 (300 attend)noon. Convention: 4/10-13 FCCLA (Future Career & Community Leaders of America)800 attend. 4/13-14 WA ST Genealogical Soc. 150 attend. 4/13-15 Young Democrats of Washington 200 attend.

WDA meetings this week: Tuesday, Exec BOD @8:30AM, WDA. Wednesday, BOD, @7:45AM, Columbia Station.

Tickets are still available for the Children's Home Society benefit luncheon on the 18th...that's a Wednesday @ the Wenatchee Center. Come and help support programs for children in Foster care. Contact Doug Head at 663-0034.

Hope you all had a great Easter! I (Mary V. Thresher) actually cooked...more than just cookies! What is it about children and Easter Eggs? What a hoot. Young James Allen (2 years old) exclaimed "Hey!" every time he found one, like he couldn't believe we had been foolish enough to leave another one lying around! His mother Kathy is doing well...she actually perked up to see her favorite coconut cake (lime filling) on the Easter menu. Radiation...please...cake! That'll fix her! Actually, we are SO, SO lucky to have all these wonderful medical professionals at our fingertips here in Wenatchee! Kathy has gotten the best care anywhere from both the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and Central Washington Hospital. Our thanks.

We are in need of another name! The Washington Apple Harvest Festival (last weekend in September every year) will now include our local wineries and other locally grown fruit! We want our members to name this "new" event! What do you think? Send your recommendations to: pennington@wendown.org or snail mail: 103 Palouse St. #21. Thanks!

Planting of our flower baskets will soon take place! If you'd like to be in on this all volunteer event, let us know! 662-0059 is the office number.

Remember to be a good downtown neighbor! Keep your store front clean, help others when you can, make sure your customers (or employees) who are smokers do not litter, and call in safety issues (sidewalk problems, etc.) to the City (664-3360). We all want a safe and healthy downtown!

Till next week...enjoy the lovely flowering trees! xoxoMVT

Oh my gosh you can find some fun bunny things in Downtown Wenatchee! Stuffed ones, metal ones, china ones, and eggs to match. It's a fun time of year. Come down, sit in the sunshine and enjoy a latte' with your friends...then stroll and drool!

This week in downtown: the tickets for the Apple Blossom musical by Music Theatre of Wenatchee "Thoroughly Modern Millie" go on sale this week! The box office at the Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee (123 N. Wenatchee Ave. LOWER LEVEL) will sell the tickets from noon to 5:30PM Monday through Friday. Call 509-663-ARTS Dates of the production are May 2-5, 9-12, and a matinee on the 13th.

Also, give Mom a break, and enjoy the Easter Brunch at the Roaster! 11AM to 4PM, hop on in and fill up on your favorites! 662-1234.

Exec. Director Annette Pennington, and new WDA President Stephanie Sanford attended the National Main Street Conference in Seattle last week. Several visiting Mainstreet City Managers had visited Wenatchee's Downtown and were very impressed with what is happening! Annette and Stephanie are looking forward to making our association bigger and better in 2007. Speaking of bigger, we add Lemolo, Urban Buzz Cafe' and SCORE to the ranks. Welcome!

Watch this space for information on The Kitchen Sync (21 N. Wenatchee Ave.)and their upcoming April 20th event! Oooh and ahh!

The NCW Women's show is this Saturday at the Wenatchee Convention Center! Call 665-6565. Great booths and information. The annual Laugh Riot will also be at the Convention Center on Saturday. 662-4411.

Have a female friend or relative of a certain age? Remember that along with great clothes (ice cream colors this year!) Collins Gifts and Women's Fashions (2 S. Wenatchee Ave.) has COOL (there, I said it) COOL "reader" glasses! If you just need a little magnification at the computer (or the darn phone book) see the Collins gang for stylish, lite, fun glasses! Get'em to match every outfit you find at the store...then you'll be able to find at least one pair!

So...we took young Mr. James Allen (age 2) to a local Easter egg hunt, and petting zoo. SOOO much fun. The zoo was the biggest attraction. There were some cute young girls from FFA showing their bunnies. I asked James if the bunnies were cute..."yes cute!" I was thrilled...he seemed entranced by the bunnies. I asked him if he wanted to pet the cute bunny..."pet the cute bunny"...I thought he was SO brave for a child that had never seen a rabbit up close. So I lead him to Erika, the FFA girl with the big brown eyes and dimples, he pets Erika on the head and said "cute bunny!" Well, he's got good taste, I'll give him that! James' Mom Kathy Allen is doing very well, and getting out these days! I think the Caffe' Mela latte's and chocolate shakes from the Owl Fountain are luring her downtown. Yea!

Lots of meetings next week, and don't forget the GWATA technical awards on the 10th at the Wenatchee Center. Valda Sarty (Elements, Elements University and Refuel) is up for several awards, and already has her red carpet shoes picked out! Good luck Valda!

Have a great Easter, and we'll see you next week.

Well, it was just terrific, I must say! The Annual Banquet honored heroes from our local PUD, ALCOA, EMT's, and our fire fighters! Other heroes abounded in the room...Dr. Suess, Jimmy Buffet, Santa Claus, and (of course) the sparkly table that featured a pair of sideburns for each party goer! Let the record show that the only one brave enough to attach the sideburns was Keith from Bainbridge Mfg. Way to get in the spirit Keith! Neil would have been proud! Special thanks to Sheila Cahalan and Key Bank...not only is Sheila the author of our new tagline (Downtown, the heart of Wenatchee) but Key Bank arranged for the raffle prize of Mariners tickets! Good job.

Other awards went to: Best new business, Caffe' Mela. Best customer service: Mills Brothers. Best visual merchandising: Gilded Lily. Favorite Downtown restaurant: Inna's. Best Professional services: Peoples Bank. Board Member of the year: Treasurer Dave Gellatly, President's award, Gwen Sparks, Committee of the year Design (Chair Kris Bassett, Board member rep. Vern Chamberlain). Outstanding Volunteer of the year...gets this blog and wasn't able to attend, so I'll let you know after we present it to them! Outstanding WDA Partner: Peoples Bank, and Outstanding investment in Downtown went to the Sunbasin Theaters for their Liberty remodel! Thanks to all who made it such a fun AND inspirational night!

Well, here we are at the continuing adventures of Mary, (Poor) Ken Thresher, and the wet and dirty off-spring of Kevin and Kathy Allen! So. You remember last week, when we took young James to the park and got him so wet and dirty we returned him in a diaper, wrapped up in my coat. I was so ashamed that he was SO wet and dirty that I went out and bought him some boots...and left them at Kathy and Kevin's house. Now. Say it with me Moms and Dads...the boots aren't real helpful for the water at the park, if they are at the house...! Once again, we returned him sopping and filthy (and thrilled) to his home. Now I will get boots and put them in the car! We watched a very small dog go down the slide at Walla Walla Point Park by himself...let me tell you that 2-year olds cannot get enough of the sight of that! Threw himself in the wood chips and held his belly and laughed until he cried! We should all take such pleasure in simple things!! Kathy could not attend the banquet, but we taped it for her, and she'll enjoy it real soon. She's working really hard to get better! Definately one of MY heroes!

Meetings this week: Harvest Festival Committee meeting has been changed to 11AM Friday the 30th. Promotions committee meets at 11 AM @ Caffe' Mela..please note the time change.

There are 450 Demolay members coming to town on Friday! This is the young man's version of the Masons. Please welcome them!

At Caffe' Mela the 30th, Kevin Jones, a guitarist from Seattle and his band will be playing. Go to darren@caffemela.com for more info.

PS. We still have a Women's small grey sweater left at the banquet. Identify and it's yours!

Remember that April/May will bring us Music Theatre of Wenatchee's Apple Blossom Musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"! Tickets to the public go on sale April 2nd...don't wait...663-ARTS

Exec. Director Annette Pennington is off to Seattle the first part of this week to the National Mainstreet Conference. Right after the banquet! No rest for the wi..ah..weary??

Still taking info for the new web-site. Get it together folks!

Write this blogger at: maryv@wendowntown.org