To Issaquah, With Heart
By Christina

 

Shopping locally has never been more important. Our friends, neighbors, and family members own or work in the restaurants and retail shops that are once again under tighter COVID restrictions. Their livelihoods are at stake. Our beautiful, Historic Downtown Issaquah will be quieter, but it does not have to be on hold.

We can advocate for the fiscal health of our downtown as we weather another partial shutdown just as we have all along: as one passionate community that loves Issaquah. The first-time indoor dining was restricted, we spilled out onto Front Street for a lively four months of food and camaraderie in the safety of outdoors. Our retailers tell us the Streatery was a major source of sales for them, too.

Rather than ban Zombies, Scarecrows or Apple Art contests from our annual fall traditions, we took them online with the same fanfare. The creativity was among the best we have seen! We are a historic community that for over a century has embraced the paradoxes of the past and transformation. Look around you. Landmark buildings meld with murals, steel, and bronze as funky, modern depictions of our heritage.

Our “specialness” is not borne of our prideful bias. This month we are celebrating the State of Washington’s designation of Issaquah as a Certified Creative Arts District – only one of 8 in the entire state. The state’s Arts Commission recognizes our eclectic cultural spunk as an economic asset. We have known that all along, but it is time for us to bring out our spending might for businesses who need us so profoundly now.

 

Here is what we can do:

    • Order takeout for daily meals and dishes for the holidays. Curbside pickup is available.

 

 

  • Shop gift certificates both in-store and online. Buy from our retail stores, our Artisan Market featuring local artists at the historic Rogue Building, Capri Cellars and Yum-E Yogurt. Visit the Holiday Shop at Historic Shell the day after Thanksgiving – December 27.
    • Bask in the Lights of Hope festooning historic downtown and the Celebration Tree at Dogwood and Front streets. You do not have to spend money to lend heartfelt support. Create your own tradition. Stroll with your family to admire our new window art and stop to savor our international food. Of Course, the mountains and Issaquah Creek offer their own ambiance.

 

    • Make or buy gift baskets. Buy prepared gift baskets from our Artisan Market or make your own. We will have examples to inspire ideas!

 

  • You deserve something too: Anyone who purchases at least $25 from an Issaquah store or restaurant may enter to win up to $1,000 through Dec.15. What a way to start the holidays! issaquahchamber.com/shoplocal

 

I would love to hear from you about other ways we can stand strong for our community through the coming months. Please send along your story of how you have been inspired by our downtown. And send any suggestion for how we can bolster one another. Let’s stay safe, keep our friends and family safe, and stay connected in creative ways. We are a community with a Creative Arts District, after all!

 

Christina 

Christina, a long time Olde Town resident, is well versed in all things Issaquah. She is the president of the Historically Hip Downtown Issaquah Association, and ubiquitous greeter of all who enter downtown.

Comments? Email Christina at president@downtownissaquah.com

DIA ED
Author: DIA ED

Historically Hip Downtown