Written by Erin McCardle, Executive Director, Historic Downtown Chelan Association

Published: 08 May 2018

Seattle, Washington [May 2, 2018] – The Historic Downtown Chelan Association and the Lake Chelan Historical Society received the Community Partnership Award at Washington Main Street’s Excellence on Main Awards Ceremony on April 24 in Port Townsend. The ceremony was held in conjunction with RevitalizeWA, Washington State’s Preservation and Main Street Conference.

Recognizing their shared goals around Chelan’s heritage and historic treasures, the Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) and the Lake Chelan Historical Society forged a partnership in 2016 focused on two types of public projects: plaques and wraps.

First, the two organizations worked together to institute Chelan’s first historic plaque program. In its initial stages, the HDCA Design Committee selected four historically significant downtown structures, all of which are over 100 years old and have maintained their historic integrity: Campbell’s Resort, Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, Woodin Avenue Bridge, and Ruby Theatre. The Historical Society Manager, Ron McGaughey, served as an advisor on the program and coordinated Society volunteers to find historic photographs of the properties. The two organizations jointly designed and presented the plaques at a media-covered event in 2017.

The historic wrap program beautifies and draws attention to historic aspects of the town by covering a modern necessity, an electric utility box, with historic images. HDCA and the Historical Society again collaborated to identify, design, and implement the project, which is located at a key intersection downtown. Images were selected for their historic significance, cultural relevance, and reflection of life in downtown Chelan during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Each side of the wrap takes a different look at Chelan’s history, with themes including wood-framed buildings, legacy businesses, homesteaders, and life in a frontier town.

“Projects such as these put the history of our town front and center,” said Erin McCardle, Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Chelan Association. “They inspire locals and visitors to appreciate and preserve the town’s culture, raise the interest level among our downtown building owners, and create additional opportunities to forge public and private partnerships focused on historic preservation.”
The HDCA and the Historical Society plan to continue both the historic plaque and wrap programs in the future. They have also begun development of a walking tour and QR code system to provide additional opportunities for the public to learn about Chelan’s history and built environment.

“The partnership between HDCA and Historical Society has elevated the preservation ethic in Chelan through community pride and education,” said Breanne Durham, Washington Main Street Coordinator. “These projects illustrate the importance of partners coalescing around shared goals.”

Excellence on Main, organized by the Washington State Main Street Program, celebrates communities, organizations, and individuals who are helping to achieve economic vitality and build sustainable communities through downtown revitalization and preservation. The Community Partnership Award is designed to recognize a Main Street organization and partner(s) who have demonstrated the highest and best degree of cooperation to benefit downtown revitalization efforts.

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 16 April 2018

Written by Holly Brown, Director of Marketing, Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival Foundation

Published: 16 April 2018

Chelan, Washington: The Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival will take jazz enthusiasts on a musical tour through the Lake Chelan Wine Valley during this first of its kind event in Chelan. The event offers wine and jazz enthusiasts the opportunity to taste wines that characterize the Chelan AVA, and take in the stunning views of majestic Lake Chelan. This four-day festival will showcase internationally acclaimed jazz artists and celebrate the wonderful wineries, historic downtown, and remarkable beauty of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival features national and regional artists like Kobe Watkins, Gretta Matassa, Pearl Django, Gail Pettis, Doctor Funk, and many more. Nine venues, 4 days, and 15 jazz bands including student jazz bands will be featured. All music venues will offer wines from Lake Chelan Wineries and many will offer food pairings. Festival ticket holders will receive a SWAG bag of goodies and special offers.

This is a one of a kind opportunity for wine and jazz fans to sip and listen while you take in the amazing beauty of estate vineyards and breathtaking lake views. The Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival takes place in Spring 2018 from May 17-20th, Tickets are on sale now online at www.chelanwinejazz.com. Full Festival Pass is $75 in advance / $85 at the door. A Saturday Day Pass is also available for $60 in advance / $70 at the door. Sunday shows at the outdoor Riverwalk Pavilion are free.A VIP shuttle ticket will be available for purchase for $30. Media passes are available for the press when you contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Spring Barrel Tasting weekend also takes place in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley during wine and jazz festival when winemakers open their doors to the public to taste straight from the barrel. Visitors to Chelan can dine at a variety of eateries and wineries around the lake and shop in the downtown historic district of Chelan. The area can be explored by water, boat, or limo. A variety of local hotels, vacation rentals, and camping options are available.

The Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival Foundation is a non-profit program under the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to support and promote jazz appreciation, music education, and the Lake Chelan Wine Valley for our residents and visitors. Foundation net proceeds are directed to the Boys and Girls Club of America. 

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 12 January 2018

Horse Carriage Rides, Live Ice Carvings, Soupfest, Wine Tasting, Live Music & more

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 19 December 2017

The Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Rose Olcott of Chelan has been named Membership & PR Coordinator. Rose will attend to Lake Chelan Chamber Member coordination and public relations.

“We are extremely excited to have Rose join our Chamber team,” said Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Steele. “Her skills, knowledge of the region and her commitment to our Valley make her an ideal fit for our organization.”

Born and raised in the Lake Chelan Valley, Rose graduated from Manson High School. After receiving an English degree from University of West Florida, Rose became the Editor for the Methow Grist, and has worked with Cevado Technologies as a Marketing Creative and Project Manager for the last two years.

Rose brings years of management, coordination and PR and marketing experience to the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 10 November 2017

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 28 October 2017

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 28 May 2017

The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 11th annual Cruizin Chelan Classic Car Show that kicks off the summer season June 2 & 3, 2017. 

Written by Olivia Plew, LCCC

Published: 29 April 2017

LAKE CHELAN, WA (April 28, 2017) — The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual awards dinner at Rancho Grande on May 4th, 2017.

Chamber members and their guests are invited to attend this Cinco de Mayo celebration! Awards include Chamber Member of the Year, Business of the Year, New Business of the Year and many others. Over 20 businesses will receive coveted awards!

Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce office. Reserve tickets early, as they tend to sell out of this celebratory event!

Activities taking place:

• Mexican buffet
• Awards ceremony
• Live music
• One complementary beverage
• Full bar
• Wine pull
• Photo booth