South Central Reporter

City of Centralia Tourism Commission met Dec. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Kasten at 5:00 pm.

Attendance: Becky Ault, Jessiycka Nix Coleman, Leila Crain, Sonya Germann, Tom Kasten, Tom Walsh, and Rae Ann Quidgeon

Absent: Rob Jackson, and Robert “Spanky” Smith Advisory staff present: Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director, City of Centralia

Others present: Melissa Rae Roach

Public Comment: None

Minutes: Germann moved and Ault second a motion to approve the minutes from November 19, 2019 and special work sessions of December 4, 2019 and December 5, 2019. With all in favor the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Walsh reported the balance of the tourism account at $10,918.53 as of November 30, 2019. Quidgeon moved and Ault second a motion to approve the report as presented. With all in favor, the motion passed.

Old Business: Refresh of the website will not be able to happen in 2019 but is anticipated for early 2020. As Jackson was not in attendance, discussion about a trolley hop on/hop off monthly service will be discussed at the nest meeting. Activities held during ‘A Magical Holiday’ were a tremendous success with hundreds of positive comments. Some thoughts for next year include beginning celebrations earlier in the year, such as after Thanksgiving. Add a ‘passport’ where individuals could have it punched or a selfie at each event. Specific learnings by activity:

Nutcracker Stroll:

-The Foundation has committed to provide lighting completely around the splash pad. -Add more lights so the draw/interest is higher -Add two additional Nutcrackers

Light Seeing Trolley Tour:

-This event was sold out; consider offering additional weekend of tours -Decorated trolley was commented upon -Reduce the number of homes on the tour or expand to 1.5 hours -Encourage any smoking to be further away from the trolley -Incorporate guide hand-free microphone into trolley speaker system so all can hear clearly

-Develop light system for tour guide so they can read their notes -Train speakers so all tours receive the same experience

-Eliminate window fog -Nearby parking needed, consider loading on Locust closer to municipal parking

12 Days of Christmas Walking Tour

-Add earlier promotion

Where’s Wanda Walking Tour (30-minute walk)

-Add earlier promotion, tell story of Wanda -Distribute hand-outs at Sachtleben home, if acceptable to them -Add pop-up of Wanda throughout town at different times

Light Up the Night Walking Parade (20-minute walk)

-approximately 100 participated -Carillon music and Choral Society perform at different times -An event at the end of the walk is needed, i.e. vendors with hot chocolate, smores, cookies, music/entertainment -Add event for jeep clubs to light up the night -Allow animals and light them up too -It is dark at the tree so it is hard to read sheet music -Add a stage/stand with a microphone for the speaker -Remind attendees to dress appropriately for 20 minute walk -Add a band at the front of the parade so all can hear and be on same song -Add roaming characters -address need for close by parking -block off street for event and include roasting marshmallows and other activities, i.e. vendors selling lights, crafts, gifts, trees, etc. -add sign-in/check-in area so we capture email information for follow up -include Santa in the parade

Santa’s Cottage

-A new cottage is being built for next year -There were more attendees than when the Cottage was located elsewhere -Add Santa’s mailbox for letters and then respond to those letters -Additional lighting is needed in the area

Christmas tree lighting was hosted by the Downtown Stroll Committee. The large switch drew attention and the Carillon with a choir was nice. It would be great to have a much larger tree or truss up the bell tower to seem like a tree.

Commission members committed to actively seek out volunteers who will assist at events. A list of potential volunteers was distributed, and Commissioners will indicate who they will contact and to expand upon the list.

New Business: The trolley has been rented to Mt. Vernon downtown business group for a hop- on/hop-off evening event and to a local family for private decorated light seeing. Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Commission Upcoming events are on the See Centralia website and

Facebook page. Potential activities to promote tourism include May Fete light posts and a Fall tour to view trees for a ‘Fall’ in love with Centralia trolley ride.

Discussion: Germann is seeking large plastic totes for when Fantasy of Lights is removed from Foundation Park.

Adjournment: At 6:45pm, Ault moved and Nix Coleman second a motion to adjourn. With all in favor, the motion passed.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OO--N8w3lDzmpRO7KsPa7zd6ce7fRIEgW88qfv4QH7g/edit