Thanks to those hard at work during the holidays | Word on the Street

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The holidays are a cherished time of year for our Main Street staff and volunteers. We have been hard at work reimagining our events and projects in 2021, figuring out ways to get together safely, support our local economy, and have some fun even while we are still experiencing uncertain times.

There is something very special about our hometown that captures our hearts at this time of year. The twinkling lights! The ferry gliding by in the fog. The moon rising over the water. The downtown tree, decorated with shiny ornaments and lights to brighten the Haller Fountain Plaza. The Fire Bell Tower in Uptown is illuminated and reminds us of the power of Port Townsend volunteers over the century. Thanks to Fyerlite Grip and Lighting and Dark Star Productions for lighting assistance.

We thank Jefferson County PUD for recently adding power to Adams Street Park, which in turn will allow our Port Townsend Main Street helpers to add some lights and holiday cheer to the center of town. 

We celebrate the merchants who do their absolute best to make their stores inviting. There are many, many great gift choices in town! Gift certificates from your favorite restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses will go a long way to making it merry for all. Buying a gift is an expression of love and when you spend locally it is a great way to show your love for your community.

It’s fun to be out and about now, you never know what you might see! We saw two men coming ashore after swimming off Tyler Beach on Small Business Saturday (Brrr)! Other fun sights are people wearing Santa hats and festive sweaters while walking their dogs also decked out in holiday outfits. Our lights helper saw two orca whales off Adams Street Park this week while he was stringing lights there. 

Thanks to the city of Port Townsend, Kitsap Bank, KPTZ 91.9 FM, the Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader, Kiwanis’ and our participating merchants for supporting Main Street’s holiday promotion and adding so much merriment this season. Come enjoy the winter lights and sparkling store windows now brightening our historic districts.

KEEPING SPIRITS BRIGHT

New this year, the CARES Act festival tent at Tyler Plaza has been a hit, and has been the site of some festive Main Street socially distant activities—swag-making, ornament-making, and caroling prior to Santa’s visit downtown. 

Now you’ll find photo cut-out boards there where you can do a photo opp and channel a holiday character. 

Thanks to the city, county, nonprofit partners and The Production Alliance for making the tent project happen. 

The Uptown Gingerbread Contest begins this week—drop off your entries to the Port Townsend Public Library now through
Dec. 28 — we can’t wait to see all the community creativity. See ptmainstreet.org for contest rules; prizes will be awarded in four categories.

WINTER WINDOW WANDER

Check out the Winter Window Wander activity to find toy choo choos hidden in downtown business windows. See the participating store signs, pick up an entry card inside and follow the QR code which maps the choo choo locations. Drop off completed cards at The Port Townsend Leader,
226 Adams St. in the special outdoor box for entry forms. There will be a drawing for a variety of small gifts on Dec. 22.

LETTERS TO SANTA

Children can drop Santa a line and let him know their Christmas wishes. Letters can be placed in the Santa Mailbox at the Port Townsend Leader entrance at 226 Adams St., or into the North Pole Express Mailbox at Whistle Stop Toys at 1139 Water St., in the Port Townsend Plaza.

LET THERE BE LIGHTS!

Main Street helpers have been busy decorating. With the help of the city of Port Townsend Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, we have lit up 100 trees downtown and uptown. In addition to the tree at Haller Fountain, Galatea is encircled with evergreen boughs and decorated with hand-painted ornaments created by Blue Heron Middle School and Port Townsend High School students. Large snowflakes are shining in Uptown, and wreaths have been hung downtown.

TYLER PLAZA LIGHTS IN 2022

We are so grateful to all who donated to Port Townsend Main Street’s “Giving Tuesday” campaign the week of Nov. 30. We raised $2,300 toward the Tyler Plaza lighting project and we are excited to get rolling on plaza improvements in the new year.

These are some of our favorite things. What about you?

Wishing you joyful holidays and brighter days ahead from the Port Townsend Main Street Program.

FUTURE FILE:  FREE SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

From 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 20, the Port Townsend Main Street Program and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will present a free virtual social media workshop for business owners/and or employees by Keven Elliff, RFG Creative: “Facebook/IG Advertising: Leveraging the New Reality.”  

This is the final event in the economic development campaign funded by the First Federal Community Foundation.

For more about Main Street activities, visit ptmainstreet.org and follow on us social media.

(Mari F. Mullen is the executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.)