
Just in time for Who Let the Girls Out!?, Newport's semi-annual shopping extravaganza, seven refurbished benches made their appearance along Washington Ave. in downtown Newport. And were they a godsend for the ladies who spent the day power shopping and needed a quick breather before hitting the next stores on their list.
The most recent project of the Beautification Committee, led by 2011 Citizen of the Year Nancy Thompson, the benches represent a true collaboration among various community groups. The City had removed them years ago due to vandalism. But Nancy and her crew were convinced that benches were an integral part of a vibrant downtown. So she assembled a team and tackled the project with gusto. The Chamber of Commerce applied for the necessary grant funding from the EDC to finance the project. KCTC students, led by Fritz Fox, disassembled, sanded and refurbished the benches. Nancy and 2012 Citizen of the Year Sue Scobby, in consultation with business owners and the City of Newport, determined their placement, and the PUD's Line Crew #1 handled the actual installation. Ta da! Benches for downtown for all to enjoy!
Next up is signage and a color palette for downtown Newport. Stay tuned for an announcement on that front soon.




Rodeo is coming to town and with that comes the annual Newport Rodeo Parade through downtown Newport. This year's event is slated for Saturday June 22, 2013 starting at 11am (parade participants must be present at 9am (for judging) or 10am otherwise). If you want to be judged, you must complete and submit this form (
