[OMS_MANAGERS] Downtown Update - February 2026 Newsletter

[La Grande Main Street Downtown]

Email from La Grande Main Street Downtown February 2026 Newsletter LA GRANDE MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN About Us Support Our Mission Hello OMS, Change is in the air at La Grande Main Street Downtown. With an energetic Executive Director, an engaged Board of Directors and Committees, and a renewed sense of forward momentum, we’re stepping confidently into the year ahead. What hasn’t changed is our mission or our commitment to celebrating and strengthening Downtown La Grande. That includes the community‑centered events you know and love, starting with the 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle on March 14, a festive 5K and 10K run that winds through downtown and beyond. And in the spirit of connection, our next newsletter will be a special edition introducing the LGMSD Board of Directors to the wider community. Stay tuned—there’s plenty of good news ahead!   A NOTE FROM TORI GANDY, Co-President, La Grande Main Street Downtown We are thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Allison Harvey, to La Grande Main Street Downtown (LGMSD). Allison joins us from Indiana and has truly hit the ground running. With her strong background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, we are confident she will bring tremendous value to our organization and help guide exciting progress in the months ahead. We are equally excited to introduce our newest Board members: Jeanne Williamson (Evermine Labels/The Press Room), Jeff Crews (Ziply Fiber), Eric Laurence (Laurence Auto Body), Thomas Taylor (Whitewater Coffee and Tea), Bailey Ault (Goss Motors), and Heidi Denton (WS Customs). Each brings a unique set of skills and perspectives that will strengthen our committees and enrich the work of our Board. Looking ahead, the Shamrock Shuffle returns on March 14th, once again led by the ever‑energetic Angie Harris. This event is always a highlight in Downtown La Grande, and we hope you’ll join us for another fun and festive day. If you are interested in getting more involved, we encourage you to consider serving on one of our committees—Economic Vitality, Outreach, Promotions, or Design. To learn more, please reach out to Allison at the LGMSD office: director at lagrandemainstreet.org or 541‑963‑1223. Outreach Committee: Builds our volunteer base, connects with partners, organizes the annual partner banquet, and explores fundraising opportunities. Promotions Committee: Plans and executes downtown events, including the Shamrock Shuffle, Crazy Days, Safe Trick or Treat, the Holiday Lighted Parade, the NYE Ball Drop, and more. Economic Vitality Committee: Works with business and property owners to support full storefronts and long‑term economic growth. Design Committee: Assists with façade grant applicants and enhances the overall look and feel of Downtown La Grande. We are energized by the new spirit and momentum building at LGMSD and look forward to a bright, confident future together. Letter from the Executive Director Dear La Grande Main Street Downtown Community, A little over one month ago, I packed up my life in Indiana and relocated to La Grande, Oregon and almost immediately, I knew I had landed somewhere special. There is something truly magical about this place. It’s felt not just welcoming, but intentional, as though community here is something people actively choose and protect. In just a few short weeks, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with Board members, city officials, business owners, and community members from all walks of life and people who have relocated here from all different locations. Each conversation has given me a deeper appreciation for the pride, creativity, and care that live at the heart of La Grande. Downtown is more than a collection of buildings — it’s a shared story, shaped by the people who show up and believe in its future. I see immense opportunity ahead. Opportunity to strengthen connections, to champion our local businesses, to activate spaces in meaningful ways, and to ensure downtown remains a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and invested. My commitment is to listen closely, lead thoughtfully, and work collaboratively as we imagine what’s next — together. Thank you for the warmth and the welcome you’ve extended me. I am deeply grateful to be here and genuinely excited for the future of La Grande Main Street Downtown. With appreciation and anticipation, Allison Harvey Executive Director La Grande Main Street Downtown We extend our heartfelt thanks to our renewing partners—Eastern Oregon University, Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, Goss Motor Company, Sorbenots Coffee, and La Grande Theatres. Their continued support plays a vital role in helping us advance our mission and make a lasting, positive difference in our community. The 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle  La Grande Main Street Downtown is gearing up for the 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle, taking place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9 AM. This community favorite welcomes participants of all ages and abilities—from casual walkers and joggers to competitive runners. Even well‑behaved dogs are invited to join the fun. Both the 5K and 10K courses highlight the best of La Grande, with routes that begin downtown and, for the 10K, extend to the outer edges of the city. Whether you’re aiming for a personal record or simply enjoying a festive St. Patrick’s Day‑themed morning outdoors, there’s a place for every pace. Awards will be presented for: • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female finishers in each race • Age‑category winners • And of course, plenty of St. Patrick’s Day bragging rights Every participant will receive a race tee, generously sponsored by Monkeys On The Run. If you want to run, walk, shuffle, skip or otherwise ambulate, register at shamrockshufflelagrande.itsyourrace.com/register or use the QR code on the poster above. We hope you’ll lace up, dress in green, and join us for this spirited downtown tradition. With the many changes underway at La Grande Main Street Downtown, our four committees—Economic Vitality, Outreach, Promotions, and Design—have been gearing up to implement their shared vision for what our downtown can become and to help shape its future. The Economic Vitality Committee has completed its work plan and identified the completion of the Downtown Property Inventory as its major accomplishment. Special thanks go to committee member Jesse Cimon for his dedication in bringing this project across the finish line. Planning for the 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle has been the primary focus of the Promotions Committee, alongside finalizing their work plan. With committee member Angie Brown Harris leading the effort, sponsors have been secured and all event details for the Shuffle have been fully coordinated. The Outreach Committee continues to develop its work plan, which centers on strengthening community and business engagement. Current discussions include hosting question‑and‑answer sessions, exploring new ways to attract partners, and encouraging deeper involvement from existing partners. Future projects aimed at enhancing Downtown La Grande’s physical appearance and preserving the community’s identity and sense of place were discussed at the recent Design Committee meeting. This committee is also in the process of creating its work plan. February Activities at Cook Memorial Library The library will be closed on the following holiday: Monday, February 16. The Seed Library has been since Wednesday, February 4. A variety of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds are available for all, no library card required. Storytime is on Thursday, February 19 and 26 at 10:30 AM in the Story Circle. Join us for songs, stories, and crafts. Bright Beginnings is an eight-week class with music, movement, snacks, and parent-led conversation. The current session began on January 14. Check for availability by calling or texting 541-786-2259. This program is for ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers. Mysteries ‘n’ More Book Club meets Friday, February 13 at 1:00 pm. The club will discuss “Wild Dark Shore,” by Charlotte McConaghy. New members welcome. This book club meets the second Friday of each month. Spells & Stars Book Club meets Saturday, February 21 at 3:00 PM. New members welcome. This book club meets the third Saturday of the month. A Seed Giveaway & Exchange is happening on Wednesday, February 25 from 4 to 5 PM. Gardeners from “The La Grande Community Garden at EOU,” will be present to ask questions and provide free native seeds. Join us for “Fiber on the Range” on February 28 from 1 to 3 PM, where crocheters of all ages and abilities are invited to create a granny square made from fiber sourced locally and globally in collaboration with the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, led by Trace Martyn. Visit our StoryWalk© at Riverside Park along the Greenway and the Linda Elegant Memorial StoryWalk© at Birnie Park. Books are sponsored by local individuals, families, and businesses. Discover and Go: Cultural Passes are available with a library card. Free passes are available for the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, OMSI, the Columbia Gorge Museum, and more! See the link from the library’s webpage. Provided by the Libraries of Eastern Oregon. Get weekly updates on events, the latest additions to our collections, and more with our newsletter through Wowbrary. Visit wowbrary.org to sign up. All library activities are free and held at Cook Memorial Library at 2006 4th Street in La Grande, unless otherwise noted. Visit CookMemorialLibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or call 541-962-1339 for details. We're always looking for volunteers! Give back to your community through work on one of our main committees (Promotion, Design, Economic Vitality, or Outreach) or help downtown clean up, or a specific event! Click HERE to see all the different opportunities Interested in being a Partner? Learn more about our impact in the community and our available partnership levels on our website here. LGMSD Partners Ad Dad Allied Mortgage - a division of Mann Mortgage LLC Anderson Perry Associated Design and Engineering BELLA Mercantile Benchwarmers Pub & Grill Birddog Glass Blue Summit Realty Blue Mountain Outfitters Brent Clapp Media Cam Credits Carol Summers City of La Grande Clanktronix/The Archives Claudson's Sew and Soak Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon Community Merchants Connected Professional Accountants LLC Country Financial, Paul Swigert Direct Music Source Dirty Girls Detailing Edge Home Finance - Team Klebaum Edward Jones - Shawn Mangum Eastern Oregon University Eleven Fifteen Salon Elkhorn Media Group Evermine Labels Fairway Independent Mortgage Fit Fuel LG Fitzgerald Flowers Flying Cloud Gifts Grande Ronde Hospital Guyer and Associates JC Woodworks K Voelz Wines La Grande Theatres Les Schwab Tire Center Longbranch Lucy's Boutiques at the Market Place Underground Mary Ann and Arlan Miesner Merlyn's Catering MJ Goss Motors Monkeys On The Run Mountain Valley Therapy Mountain Works Nate Conklin State Farm Nature's Pantry Nicole Haggerty Northwest Furniture & Mattress OTEC Peak Lifestyle Studio Perky's Play Cafe Raul's Taqueria RE/MAX Real Estate Team Rob's Speedy Delivery Rosewood Cottage Scott's Heating and Air Side A Brewing Spokane Teachers Credit Union Sure Shot Virtual Range Sorbenots Tap That! Growlers, LLC The Potter's House The Royal Clothiers Timothy Bishop Travelodge Union County Chamber of Commerce/Tourism United Finance Wheatland Insurance Williamson Insurance Yuri Books ​Ziply Fiber   Upcoming Events   Contact Us     Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About Events Calendar Projects Contact La Grande Main Street Downtown | 102 Depot St | La Grande, OR 97850 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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