For Immediate Release

Monday, March 24, 2008

Introducing Washougal Main Street Market, an Open Air Market designed to feature local farmers, artisans and wineries. Formerly the Gateway to the Gorge Farmers’ Market, this enhanced event is in a New Location has a New Name and a New Focus!

After an extensive renovation in downtown Washougal in 2006 and 2007, Reflection Plaza on the corners of Main Street and Pendleton Way will be the new location of the Market!

Mayor Stacee S. Sellers explained why the new location was chosen, “This location was specifically designed to showcase special events in our community and we are proud to announce Washougal Main Street Market will be one of those special events.”

The new name, Washougal Main Street Market, was chosen to support the renewed sense of community that can again be felt in downtown Washougal. One goal was to create a place where the community can come together on Main Street, every week to shop, eat, visit, and enjoy. “We have high hopes this event will continue to create a strong sense of community and pride for our citizens,” stated Mary Hargrave, Market Committee Member.

The Market has been moving forward for five years under the direction of the Washougal DRIC. The DRIC in cooperation with The City of Washougal believes Washougal Main Street Market is at a place where citizens and visitors can be served with high quality local produce, flowers and one-of-a-kind artisan creations. Jinger Jacobson, Executive Director for the DRIC explained, “We’ll be introducing a unique aspect of our Market, showcasing wineries. This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on wineries from the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas, to feature their products at our Market and expose our attendees to the amazing flavors the vintners work so hard to create.”

A variety of wineries will be on-site vendors on a weekly basis, however, once a month visitors to the Market will have the opportunity to sample the wine from various Market vendors in a wine tasting event. This special event will be held during regular Market hours.

Along with the new name, location and focus, the Market also boasts a new Market Manager. Kristin Garrett-Lummio has taken on the task of leading our Market forward for the 2008 season. Kristin is a local teacher and agriculture advocate with a marketing background who has a passion for this community. When she came on board, she was quoted as saying, “I believe joining local goods and local people is beneficial for both the economy and environment.  I'm extremely excited to be a part of the Washougal Main Street Market."

Event: Washougal Main Street Market

Dates: Each Saturday from May 10 to August 30, 2008

Hours: 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Reflection Plaza in the Heart of Downtown Washougal, Washington

Vendor & Market Manager Contact:

E-Mail: MainStreetManager@gmail.com

Web-Site: www.washougalfarmersmarket.com

Phone: 360-566-7396

Press Contact:

Jinger Jacobson, Executive Director, Washougal DRIC

E-mail: Jinger_Jacobson@yahoo.com

Phone: 360-606-4849

End