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Community Ideas for the Heart of Zillah

About

Our downtown is the heart of Zillah.
When downtown thrives, our whole community thrives. My goal as mayor is to make downtown a place where families gather, businesses grow, and visitors stop and stay a while.

This page is a space to share my vision for a more vibrant downtown Zillah  and a place where the community can help shape that vision.

First-Ave-Zillah-September-20-2015.jpg
First-Ave-Zillah-September-20-2015.jpg

Mission

To gather and grow ideas that strengthen downtown Zillah, supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming place for community and visitors alike.

Vision

A vibrant, lively downtown that reflects Zillah’s small-town charm, celebrates our community spirit, and becomes a destination year-round.

🎃 Zillah Halloween Town – A Community Celebration


Zillah is already known for its charm and the way our neighbors go all out for Halloween. From decorated porches to local businesses hosting contests, we already have the spirit. Now it’s time to bring it all together. My vision is to make Zillah the Valley’s go-to destination every October, with a family-friendly, community-first celebration: Zillah Halloween Town.

1. Trunk-or-Treat Main Event

  • A safe, central place for kids and families to trick-or-treat.

  • Hosted in partnership with local churches, clubs, and community groups.

  • Decorated cars, contests, and candy stations.

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2. Business Collaborations

  • Local businesses already doing costume contests, pumpkin decorating, or sales can be folded into the official “Halloween Town” lineup.

  • A “Halloween Passport” could encourage families to visit multiple small businesses around town.

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3. Haunted & Spooky Attractions

  • Partner with farms, barns, and property owners to host corn mazes, haunted houses, or “spooky trails.”

  • Options for both “scary” and “not-so-scary” attractions so all ages can enjoy.

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4. Community Spirit Awards

  • Annual “Best Decorated House” and “Best Decorated Business” awards.

  • Community voting creates buzz, draws visitors, and recognizes the effort neighbors already put into decorating.

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5. Family Festival at the Civic Center

  • Costume parade, pumpkin carving, face painting, and games for kids.

  • Food trucks and local vendors to keep it festive.

🏃 5K for the Fallen – Back Downtown

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The 5K for the Fallen is a race that honors sacrifice, builds community, and brings people together for a meaningful cause. I believe this race belongs downtown, right where the heart of our community is.

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  • Why Downtown? Moving the race back downtown brings runners, families, and spectators directly past our local shops and restaurants.

  • Business Participation: Local businesses can sponsor water stations, host booths, or offer race-day specials.

  • Community Pride: It’s more than a run, it’s a way to remember, to celebrate, and to showcase the best of Zillah.

🌾 Farmers Market & Local Commerce

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  • Establishing a downtown farmers market where local growers, artisans, and small businesses can sell directly to the community.

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  • Encouraging local shops and restaurants to collaborate with vendors to cross-promote and build traffic for everyone.

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  • Creating a weekly tradition that makes downtown Zillah a hub of activity.

🌟 Other Ideas in the Works

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  • Seasonal downtown events (e.g., summer music nights, holiday markets).

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  • Beautification efforts like murals, banners, and better lighting.

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  • More opportunities for small businesses to collaborate and shine.

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