Cautious Optimism: Hope (or Yearning?)
“Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” — Helen Keller.
Slowly, but inevitably, we are emerging from tight COVID restrictions – if we stick to mandates. My fingers are still crossed. COVID has a mind of its own. I am cautiously happy that performing arts are coming back to Issaquah.
Safety remains foremost, and this Spring and Summer we are reprising Al Fresco on Front, spilling our restaurants onto the transformed Front Street pedestrian way on weekends. Kaleidoscope School of Music will showcase its diverse musical students during the ArtWalk, the 1 st Saturday of June – September. May we request you play one of your hand-carved guitars, Charles McCrone? You will also be able to experience scores of visual and performance arts from local artists.
Our Community has spoken – and closing Front from Friday afternoon – Sunday night has been a new pleasure to anticipate. This year the pedestrian way will be embellished with musical groups and visual art.
The Downtown Issaquah Association is working with the city on the details, but we expect to open with a flourish from May to September 26, just prior Salmon Days.
Of course, let’s not forget the the diverse retail shops and service businesses. Please keep them in mind when you visit every day of the week. They too, have suffered the devastation to businesses during COVID. We come together in times of need, and they need us.
We need them, too! Think of the great finds at Revolve Consignment, the unique discoveries at Ming’s Zen Gallery, gorgeous glass art at Art by Fire, pamper yourself at Pelage Spa shop to name a few. We will be featuring all our shopping services on our upcoming enhancements to your Downtown Association website. Stay tuned for more fun and exploration!
Speaking of Pleasures…
This month’s Our Community, Our Voice features our beloved Boehm’s Candies and Chocolates. True to Downtown’s Historic bent, the company was founded in 1956.
Boehm’s Candies has been an active member of the Issaquah community for over 60 years, and a member of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce for over 35 years. As an essential part of the community, Boehm’s has donated to local organizations and causes, employed over 1,000 Issaquah area youth, and hosted events such as the Issaquah Chamber’s Chocolate, Wine, and All That Jazz. (Please see more on this fascinating business, below).
I also had the pleasure of meeting local business owner Samuel Chang, who stopped by to photograph Historic Shell Gas Station for a Korean Magazine, CARLIFE. The magazine is filled with beautiful, artistic photography of vintage cars. Samuel met with local car aficionado Marv Nielsen, one of the godfathers of Fender’s on Front.
Samuel’s other passion is Japanese food. His family has owned Teriyaki Bistro for 21 years. The garlic sauce is Amazing! Stop by to chat with Samuel. He too, has a compelling story. https://www.teriyakibistro.com/
Spring in their step
You can tell from the pictures that the Issaquah Community is embracing Spring with fervor. We all felt like kids again Easter weekend, foraging for eggs and hamming it in the faux Easter basket. (Dozens of them were kids!)
And do not forget:
Flower Basket Donations – May 1st deadline for cards to loved ones
2 more weekends of the popular Farm Fresh Market – Saturdays, April 17 and 24 9am -2pm.
Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day – Saturday, April 24th 9am – 12pm
ArtWalk 1st Saturday June – September 4pm – 8pm
The Downtown Issaquah Association will always put your safety first. All our programming is very COVID friendly. Our retailers, services and restaurants are in dire need of your patronage. If you still are not comfortable, there is always takeout! Visit downtownissaquah.com for more information.
Please have a safe and beautiful Spring. It’s going to be a good one!
Christina
Author: DIA ED
Historically Hip Downtown