If you’ve walked down Main Street lately, you’ve likely noticed downtown looking a little brighter and more festive. What might seem like a seamless seasonal transformation is actually the result of a dedicated effort by a local beautification team known as the “Grinch Gang.” This passionate volunteer group includes Jennifer Robitsch, Kimberly Martindale, Cindy Gardener, Pam Obrist, Lonnie Jenck, Candace Martin, Meg Angier and Sarah Dental. The project is also supported by the Tillamook Revitalization Association (TRA), who helps make these downtown transformations possible.
From their very first meetings over three years ago, getting electricity to the downtown light poles was at the top of the gang’s wish list. While securing the necessary funding was a major hurdle, Chamber Executive Director, Justin Aufdermauer stepped up to bat for the group, successfully advocating for the resources needed to move the project forward.
Today, eight light poles on Main Street feature functional electrical outlets mounted safely at the very top. Even better, the city has partnered with the group to cover the cost of the electricity whenever the holiday lights are plugged in!
The team isn’t stopping at Main Street, either. With funding already secured to bring power to the light poles on Pacific and across the bridge, Justin is currently helping coordinate the next phase with EC Electric. He is also securing bids to physically rotate the light poles on the bridge so the banner bars face inward, protecting them from being struck by passing trucks.
The group’s ultimate dream is to fill our streets with holiday cheer, making downtown look incredibly festive and capturing that Tillamook charm.
To keep the heart of our community vibrant during the quieter months (between January and May) they are also brainstorming creative new winter displays, such as custom snowmen designed by a local artist to keep the downtown spirit alive after the holidays wrap up.
The Grinch Gang wants to build alongside the community. Whether you want to share your time, your ideas, or your resources, there are plenty of ways to keep this wonderful momentum going.
If you have a great idea for downtown, the team would love to hear it, they are always brainstorming and love welcoming new energy and fresh inspiration to the project. Local business owners can also play a huge part by dusting off window lights or banners from previous seasons.
Hands-on help is also incredibly valuable, as volunteers are truly the backbone of this project. Each fall, the goal is to have the entire downtown fully decorated the weekend before Thanksgiving so it is picture-perfect for Black Friday and the holiday shopping kickoff. Whether you are an individual, part of a local group, or a student looking for a great senior project, your extra hands would be deeply appreciated. To find out how you can help, call Jennifer at 206-218-2566 or email her at madelines2016@yahoo.com.