ARLINGTON — While some citizens have expressed concerns about the state of Arlington’s downtown, Mike Britt sees a business community that’s on the grow, and cites the upcoming Show ‘N’ Shine car show on Saturday, June 13, as evidence.
Britt, who’s serving his second term as president of the Downtown Arlington Business Association, reported that DABA’s membership has grown from 30 to 90, and the number of cars registered for the Show ‘N’ Shine has grown from 180 to 250.
“Our registrations and sponsorships for both the car show and the street fair have grown significantly,” Britt said. “We have more participants and more raffle prize giveaways from our downtown businesses.”
Britt noted that 30 stores contributed giveaway items in a single day, showing the merchants’ volunteer spirit.
The Crosswalk Tavern is coordinating the phone lines for the radio station that’ll be doing a live broadcast, Britt said. The Velo Sport bike shop is arranging the porta-potties. The American Legion is serving a pancake breakfast, and the Lifeway Foursquare Church, which is based out of the old Olympic Theatre now, will be showing “Cars” as its movie.
DABA has received so many donations that they’ve exceeded their initial plans to offer gift bags with five items apiece to registered entrants.
“We’re able to give everyone so much stuff now that we’re not sure the bags will be big enough,” Britt said.
Britt touted the cost savings of this year’s car show, since DABA didn’t hire an event planner, instead relying on the volunteer efforts of Chuck Lacey and Dana Fowler.
“We’ve been exploring all sorts of new possibilities,” Britt said. “We’re working to get some fire and police vehicles this year, to make it an even more family friendly event. We’ve also kicked in half the cost for fire helmets to give out to the public, with our new DABA logo on them, so the city can spend that money on other things.”
Britt wants attendees to enjoy the live music, poker walk and other activities on Olympic Avenue, between First and Division streets, but he also wants them to check out the city’s businesses, just as he hopes to see even more businesses take part in DABA.
“We need more people’s insights and participation,” Britt said. “We want to keep working together, as a community.”
Registration is $25 for the car show. Register until June 12, either by mail or at Britt Sport Cards at 332 N. Olympic Ave. For details, visit www.arlingtonwa.org.
