by Richard Uhlhorn
Mayor McCardle’s Economic Situation Analysis presented at the April 7 City Workshop stated that Chelan’s retail and lodging activity remains concentrated in the peak summer months and weakens in the shoulder and winter seasons. McCardle stated that the City needs to create a year round economy for its residents and businesses. “Tourism is a major economic driver in Chelan,” she said.
Several months ago, a small group of local individuals got together with the idea of lighting up Chelan during a four month period starting at Thanksgiving in hopes that this could lure visitors to Chelan to enjoy the lights.
Growing the off season economy is the primary focus of the Lighting group. The lighting would be the focal point but the development of events would be essential to driving visitor ship during those crucial months when businesses struggle to stay alive.
The lighting idea has garnered some serious attention from interested residents and business owners. However, the cost of lighting Chelan would require a heavy investment of $500,000 and approximately $90,000 per year to maintain. The group has been in contact with a lighting contractor that does all the casino lighting.
He visited Chelan last month and did a walk through with members of the group and feels it could potentially bring 25% more visitation just from the lighting attraction alone.
Some feel the $500,000 would be difficult to raise. Adam Rynd said at one meeting that he felt raising $100,000 could be possible. With that kind of investment, Riverwalk Park, downtown and the bridge could be lit up.
Visitation could come from travelers driving that extra 60 miles or travelers on their way to the Methow Valley for Nordic Skiing swinging into Chelan off Hwy. 97 to view the winter lighting. It could definitely add the potential increase in visitor ship to town for businesses to capitalize on.
At the Lighting Group’s recent meeting on Monday, April 13, 18 residents and business owners attended to learn more about the movement. “We haven’t started any fund raising yet,” said Sara Christensen. “We are trying to get the idea out there.”
Kelly Rynd, local business owner stated that she has a lot of passion for the community. “We need to promote all the stuff that is going on,” she said.
Dave Rodriquez remarked that this past winter has been a rough one. “Everybody is struggling,” he said. Larry Lehmbecker, Vin du Lac owner, said, “I would love to see more people come here. I will do what I can to support this.”
Aimee Sheridan, HDCA executive director said the wants to see what sort of support the lighting idea has amongst the businesses and residents.
Amaris Longmire, Lake Chelan Boat Company, is in charge of charters and events at the company. Her concern is that Stehekin may not have a lodge to operate this coming summer. “We have to do something about this quickly,” she said. She also mentioned this year’s Winterfest. “I wouldn’t let my children near it… it is a drunkfest.”
Adam Rynd, Coldwell Banker, said, “We need more year-round activities. People don’t show up unless they have something to do.”
Laura McAloon, Chelan’s new city administrator asked the business people how their winter went this year? Rynd replied that his businesses were down 20 to 30 percent. Rodriquez echoed that.
McAloon went on to say that the State Legislature has broadened the use of lodging tax dollars. She suggested that a proposal be made for some of those dollars after the Chamber’s $750,000 contract is up. “You need to look at something that is a tourist generator.”
Winthrop’s ice rink was mentioned and is a facility that will generate year-round activity. “It was packed,” said one attendee.
In the 90s, the Lake Chelan Recreation Association developed a series of events that brought people to the valley. Some of those events are still taking place today. Notably, the Lake Chelan Hydrofest, Mahogany and Merlot and the June Museum hydro event. The Evergreen Trail Run at Echo Valley/Echo Ridge is a derivative of the Lake Chelan Mountain Bike Races. While these events bring competitors to town, they could be enhanced by better marketing efforts.
Other events that could be brought back to life are the old Golf Tournaments, the Lake Chelan Slam and Jam Three on Three basketball tournament, a new family oriented SnoFest and the Chelan Chase.
With the organization, a number of events could be developed. The Lighting could be the catalyst bring more visitation to Chelan.
All Things Lake Chelan would love to hear from residents on what they think about the Lighting concept and bringing more events to town to bolster the offseason.
A few snow sculpture images from the old Winterfest celebration.
All Things Lake Chelan 