DownTown Issaquah Association replaces longtime director
March 1, 2011
Downtown Issaquah booster Greg Spranger — nicknamed “Captain Downtown” — is out at the DownTown Issaquah Association after leading the organization for more than a decade.
DownTown Issaquah Association President David Irons said the organization is pursuing a different approach to boosting businesses and programs in the historic downtown. So, the board scrapped the executive director position Spranger held, and created a community relations manager post as a replacement.
Greg Spranger
The board hired Issaquah resident Tanya Alter for the post. Irons announced the appointment Feb. 28, the same day Alter started in the part-time position.
“When looking at her résumé, she had the attributes we were looking for in a candidate,” Irons said.
The organization put out a call for applicants in January; 42 people applied for the position, including Spranger.
Downturn limits city dollars for tourism promotion
November 16, 2010
City leaders plan to use limited tourism dollars to help Village Theatre reach a broader audience, promote the Salmon Days Festival throughout the state and defray costs for the Fenders on Front Street car show.
The city Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has recommended $95,000 for a half-dozen projects. The bulk — $68,000 — has been earmarked for the Visitor Information Center operated by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. Read more
Front Street closes to traffic Sunday
June 19, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. June 19, 2010
Front Street will close to traffic from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday, as the DownTown Issaquah Association hosts the annual Fenders on Front Street Car Show and Cruise, a part of Mountains to Sound Greenway’s annual Greenway Days celebration.
Northwest Alder Place adjacent to Vino Bella will close from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. to host a band and beer garden as part of the festivities.
A bike ride for the LIVESTRONG Challenge will travel near and through Issaquah from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., but no roads will be closed for the ride.
Drivers should watch for riders along Southeast May Valley Road, Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast, Southeast Tiger Mountain Road, Second Avenue Southeast, East Sunset Way, Highlands Drive Northeast, Southeast Black Nugget Road, East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast, Newport Way Northwest and Northwest Village Park Drive.
Cyclists will be required to adhere to the rules of the road, but drivers should expect possible delays.
Greenway Days kicks off summer-long festival
June 15, 2010
Every year, more than 4,000 volunteers help the Mountains to Sound Greenway conserve and educate the public about a 100-mile stretch of Interstate 90.
Greenway Days returns Father’s Day weekend for its seventh year to celebrate their efforts and draw visitors to more than 25 events in 10 communities along the route.
Greenway Days offers many group hikes, bike rides and community celebrations in addition to its signature events: Greenway Geoteaming, a high-tech geocaching competition; and Let’s Go Fishing, a chance for 6- to 15-year-olds to learn the technique of fishing at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island.
Issaquah’s Fenders on Front Street car show, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 20, has also become a signature event for Greenway Days. Front Street is literally shut down as hundreds of cars line both sidewalks and bands provide entertainment along the route.
New, relocated businesses boost Issaquah economy
May 4, 2010
The local economy has improved since last year, but increased retail offerings and high-profile construction projects could help the city rebound in the months ahead.
Economic Development Manager Dan Trimble said the city had progressed beyond the economic doldrums of last year. Joe’s — the longtime sporting goods retailer — closed as the city grappled with dual real estate and building construction slowdowns brought on by the recession.
“In 2010, we started to see the economic recovery start to take hold,” Trimble told City Council members April 27. “We’ve had some new retail moving in, both big and small. Construction activity has been returning.”
Swedish Medical Center started construction on a campus in the Issaquah Highlands late last year, and Best Buy and Sports Authority will open Issaquah stores in the months ahead. Sports Authority will occupy the old Joe’s space, and Best Buy will fill vacant space in the bustling East Lake Center shopping complex anchored by Fred Meyer and The Home Depot.
Sports Authority should generate $85,000 to $100,000 annually in sales tax revenue for the city; Best Buy should pull in $100,000 to $200,000, city Finance Director Jim Blake said in a May 1 conference call with council members.
XXX unveils biggest car show schedule yet
February 9, 2010
If you have a car club and missed out getting on the 2010 calendar of shows at the XXX Rootbeer Drive-In, you’ll have to be quicker next year. This year’s list is filled. Read more
Fenders on Front Street Car Show highlights Greenway Days Festival
June 9, 2009
For two days in June, more than Interstate 90 will connect Seattle and Eastside residents.
The open trunk of a classic 1950 Ford features original roadside emergency accessories on Front Street with other cars during the Fenders on Front Street Car Show and Cruise.By Greg Farrar
The 1.4 million acres of natural land that make up the Mountains to Sound Greenway and stretch along I-90 will be part of the sixth annual Greenway Days.
Hosted by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, the festival will have more than 25 events June 20-21 in 10 communities over 100 miles along I-90. Participants will get a chance to learn more about the culture and history of the area, as well as the outdoor recreation available. The various activities include hikes, relays, bike rides, a car show and guided tours of local historical hot spots. Read more
