MONROE
2015 MONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director Una Wirkebau Director@MonroeWA Chamber.org
Operations Manager Shelley Nyhammer Office@ MonroeWAChamber.org
Treasurer
Meghan Manning Owner, Health Happenings & AdvoCare Rep
Secretary Traci Hobbs
Marketing Director, Evergreen Speedway
AND
STAFF
President
Mike Buse Owner, Genesis Refrigeration & HVAC, LLC & Mr. Dizzy Motorsports
Board Members:
Lisa Caldwell
Community Relations Director, Merrill Gardens
Adam Hoffman Owner, Adam’s NW Bistro and Twin River Brewing
Adrian Taylor Owner, Ben Franklin Crafts
Jay Jones Monroe Fred Meyer
Carlina Morris State Farm Insurance
Danny Hernandez Owner, Promociones Nayarit
Join today. To find out more information visit: www.choosemonroe. comjoin-the-chamber
Welcome to MONROE!
Where two mighty rivers join, home of the Evergreen State Fair and a part of one of the most scenic drives in the world: the Cascade Loop.
On behalf of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Monroe, we would like to thank you for visiting. Our historic community is home to some of the best fly fishing in the state, the ONlY Nascar endorsed track in the Northwest, great local shopping, and some amazing parks.
As the Chamber of Commerce, we strive to provide a voice for businesses both large and small. With over 80 manufactures, the North kelsey shopping experience and our Historic Downtown core, we encourage all of our many businesses to get to know one another at our many networking events as well as by working with our community leaders to grow and enhance our business community.
We invite you to use this business directory as your own personal guide around Monroe and the greater Sky valley. For more information you can always visit our website at www.choosemonroe.com as well as download the Monroe City App for both Apple and Android devices.
Thank you!
una Wirkebau- Executive Director
Mike Buse- Board President
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
360.794.5488
125 South lewis Street
Monroe, WA 98272
Director@MonroeWAChamber.org www.ChooseMonroe.com
MONROE COMMUNITY INFORMATION - kEY RESOuRCES
Boys & Girls Club of Monroe
261 Sky River Parkway (360) 794-4775
City of Monroe
806 West Main St 360-863-4528
Evergreen Health Monroe –Emergency Services 14701 179th Ave SE (360) 794-7497
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce www.choosemonroe.com
PO Box 69
125 South lewis St 360-794-5488
Monroe Library
1070 village Way (360) 794-7851
Monroe School District
200 E. Fremont St www.monroe.wednet.edu
STAFF
Director of Sales: Tammy greenaway 206-461-1322
Advertising Sales: Scott Freshman
Contributing Writer: Chris Hendrickson
General Manager: Robert Munford
Art Director: Mark Falconer
Production Designers: Mitch Barchi lauren Smith
© 2015 Pacific Publishing Co. Inc.
Mailing address | P.O. Box 80156, Seattle, WA 98108
Physical address | 636 S. Alaska St. Seattle, WA 98108-1727
Sky Valley Food Bank 233 Sky River Pkwy (360) 794-7959
Snohomish County PUD 120 E Fremont St (360) 794-3900
Take the Next Step (Helping Our Neighbors in Need) 202 S Sams St (360) 794-1022
US Post Office 122 N Blakeley St 360-805-1962
Utility Billing Office 806 W. Main St 360-794-7400
Water or Sewer Problems
Public Works Department Phone: 360-794-6100
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Monroe Police Department
***for a true emergency dial 9-1-1 818 W. Main St. Monroe 360-794-6300
Monroe Fire Department
***for a true emergency dial 9-1-1
Station 31 – Headquarters 163 village Court
Monroe 360-794-7666
Station 32 22122 132nd Street Monroe 360-794-7477
WHAT’S HAPPENING
MONROE, WA EVENTS
Community Awards (Monroe H.S.) 4/23
Spring Carnival (Fairgrounds) 4/24 – 4/26
Homespun Spring Bazaar (Fairgrounds) 4/25 – 4/26
Evergreen Speedway (ongoing)
SPEEDWAY MAIN EVENTS April – August
Mr. Dizzy (from History Channel’s American Daredevils) 4/4, 7/4
Demolition Derby 5/24
Summer Showdown 6/27
Formula Drift 7/25
NASCAR k&N Series West 8/15
Snohomish County Vikings Football (at Monroe HS) 5/30, 6/20 6/27, 7/18
INT League Waterski, Wakeboard & Wakesurf Tournament, Taste of Tye (Lake Tye) 6/7
TriMonroe Triathlon (Lake Tye Park) 6/20
Mexican Rodeos (Evergreen Speedway) 7/5, 8/23, 9/20
INT League Waterski, Wakeboard & Wakesurf Tournament, Battle of the Bands and Beer garden (Lake Tye) 7/24 – 7/26
Lake Tye Triathlon (Lake Tye) 8/8
Fair Days Parade (Downtown Monroe – Main St.) 8/29
Evergreen State Fair (Fairgrounds) 8/27 – 9/7
Swift Night Out (Wagner Center) 9/12
Battle in the Barn V (MMA) 10/24
Light Up Monroe! (Downtown Monroe) 11/28 or 12/5
2016
Polar Plunge & Fun Run (Lake Tye) 1/1/16
Arti Gras 2/4/16 – 2/6/16
MONROE HISTORY
In this 1912 image, a Milwaukee Road passenger train is taking on water during its regular stop at its yards in Monroe. In the background a group of people are standing near the Milwaukee depot and behind then is the Carnation condensery. This view is now looking east on Highway 2.
Built in 1907 on land donated by the town of Monroe, the Carnation Condensery operated from 1908 to 1929, processing the milk from 5,000 local cows. Originally including stables for horses and wagons, the structure was destroyed by fire in 1944. The smoke stack still stands as a Monroe landmark.
Monroe Milk Distributing truck from about 1930. The driver here is Henry “Babe” Dennis, Monroe native.
A good view of the north side of West Main Street about 1953. Howard W. voland, the new editor of the Monroe Monitor, is crossing from the Monitor offices. He and his wife, Mary Alice, bought the Monitor in 1967, and the family ran the paper until 1982.
This view, looking south on lewis Street across Main, is from 1910, prior to the streets being paved. Dusty in the summer, they were better known for mud much of the year. Several buildings, including the Dolloff-key Building on the left and the Congregational Church at center, still stand.
Off TO THE RACES
Between the smell of burning rubber and the heart-pumping sound of squealing tires, just about everyone loves the excitement of the racetrack. And this year, Evergreen Speedway in Monroe is gearing up for what it hope will be its biggest season yet.
Owners Doug and Traci Hobbs operate the speedway through their company, High Road Productions, via a public-private partnership with Snohomish County. Since taking over speedway operations in 2011, the couple has worked to facilitate yearround activities at the speedway, including festivals, concerts, banquets, reunions, latino festivals, rodeos and, of course, a plethora of racing.
One of the key aspects of operating the racetrack has been finding ways to maintain, improve and even expand the 71-acre facility. Since taking over operations, Doug has performed subterranean improvements to improve drainage, repaired the track where it had been damaged by occasional standing water and built a brand new motocross track. He also constructed a brand new 1,100-foot community sponsor midway on the north side of the grandstands, which has been heavily used during large scale events like NASCAR and Formula Drift.
Doug and Traci have also been looking for ways to facilitate energy savings and improve energy efficiency at the track. They also will continue to expand their environmentally-friendly practices, like recycling. Traci shared that last year, they recycled over 113 tons of recyclable materials during their events.
As avid racing enthusiasts, Doug and Traci love to visit racetracks all across the country. And what they’ve learned is that Evergreen Speedway is actually pretty special.
“If we go to a city, the first thing we do is go, ‘let’s go find the nearest race track and check it out,’” Traci said. “To have this kind of configuration, which is basically five tracks within one, is pretty unique.”
“It’s the largest short track west of the Mississippi,” Doug added.
Doug explained that the track at Evergreen Speedway is large, at five-eighths of a mile, compared to most tracks around the united States, which range from the occasional one-half-mile track to the more common three-eighths of a mile track. The track configuration at the speedway allows Doug and Traci a lot of flexibility; they’ve got a one-fifth-mile paved inner oval, a figure-eight, a one-eighth-mile drag strip, a three-eighths-mile paved inner oval and a five-eighths-mile paved outer oval – all in one.
As Snohomish residents, Doug and Traci enjoy being a part of the Monroe community, and place a strong emphasis on giving back through charitable efforts. Traci serves as the secretary for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and together, they work closely with Snohomish County Parks and Snohomish County Tourism.
Photos courtesy of Evergreen Speedway
MONROE
SkYkOMISH RIVER VALLEY
MONROE has it all... Top Things To Do and See
■ Walk around Lake Tye – This 42-acre lake and it’s 20-acre park is one of the newest community parks in the City that attracts many locals and visitors. lake Tye Park offers ample shorefishing opportunities and is home to pumpkinseed, bullhead cat, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. The lake is open yearround. It also offers a swimming beach and pedestrian boat launch, picnic shelter, tennis and basketball courts, full-sized baseball field, large, fully-equipped children’s play area, fullsize soccer field, and softball field.
■ Evergreen State Fairgrounds – From auto shows to horse shows, tool sales to antique sales, it happens here at the Fairgrounds. There is more to see and do at the Fairgrounds than just the Evergreen State Fair!
Some events to check out are:
• Spring Recreation & Sportsmen Expo
• The Ursulmas Medieval Festival
• WA Prospector’s Gold & Mineral Show
• Cascade Mountainmen Show
• Quilters Anonymous
• Giant Spring & Fall Auto Swap Meets
• Bull riding events visit the website at evergreenstatefair.com to see the 2015 line up and schedule of events!
■ Heart pumping action at Evergreen Speedway – located with the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, the Evergreen Speedway is home to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, the k&N Pro Series West as well Formula Drift.
The covered stadium can seat up to 7500 spectators, with an additional 5000 uncovered grandstands. www.evergreenspeedway.com
■ Bike and Hike Snohomish County – Road cyclists will feel at home on the Monroe-Sultan loop that follows the ridge along the Skykomish valley and then returns along the banks of the Skykomish River. Ride horseback, hike, or mountain bike into the vast evergreen forest of this 1,463 acre upland nature preserve. There are breathtaking viewpoints such as Devil’s Butte lookout provide excellent views of both Cascade and Olympic mountains.
■ Get up close and personal at The Reptile zoo – The Reptile Zoo is a very unique opportunity to handle snakes, and touch tortoises. They have the most extensive collection of reptiles on display that you will find in the Pacific Northwest including turtles, alligators, lizards and many types of snakes including some venomous species such as cobras and rattlesnakes. Some of our most popular animals include a turtle with two heads, an albino alligator, and the world’s deadliest snake, the black mamba. www.thereptilezoo.org
■ Western Heritage Center – one of the most comprehensive interactive museums of mining, logging, agriculture and early life ... in the pacific Northwest. A Perfect place to bring the family!
■ Golf – Blue Boy West golf Course (9 holes) and Tall Firs Disc golf (18 holes).
■ Theater Arts – Monroe is home to two outstanding community theater groups, last leaf Productions and Sky Performing Arts. last leaf Productions (www. lastleaf99.org) offers a variety of theater choices, from Murder Mystery Dinners, to Shakespeare in the Park (this summer’s Shakespeare productions are “Hamlet” and “The Tempest”) and touring children’s shows. In 2014, Sky Performing Arts (www.skyperformingarts. com) treated Monroe to performances of “Hello Dolly” and “In the Mood” (a uSO-style 1940’s Big Band revue returns each holiday season, re-written and revised annually. This show features a 17-piece swing band, some talented vocalists, and even some cut-up comedians. Bring your dancing shoes for this one!).
■ The Return of the Swifts – falls around the third week of September and has to be one of the most spectacular sights you will ever experience! Celebrate the arrival of one of the largest congregations of Swifts in North America while watching thousands of these small birds squeezing themselves into a 31-foot tall, 4-foot square chimney in just minutes. located at the Wagner Center chimney in Monroe, plan to bring your family and friends, a blanket, a folding chair or just sit on the lawn, and watch the swifts’ aerial performances. You will be glad you did! You will leave feeling privileged to have witnessed one of nature’s amazing spectacles!
■ The Cascade Loop – begins at sea level in the bustling port city of Everett. Everett is just 28 miles north of Seattle via Interstate 5. The third stop along the loop is Monroe located just 10 miles east of Snohomish near the junction of the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers, Monroe provides unlimited opportunities such as swimming, rafting, fishing, and other water sports. It is the ONlY scenic road in the world that is equipped with stations for electric cars!
■ Antique Hunting – looking for that special piece? Or a great bargain? Come visit the many fine antique shops in Monroe.
HOME SERVICES - PLUMBING/HEATING/ROOFING ETC
City of Monroe Park Addresses
Al Borlin Park 615 Simon Road
Blueberry Children’s Park 18399 Blueberry lane
Cedar Grove Park 15554 168th Ave S.E.
Currie View Park 17260 153rd Street S.E.
Hillcrest Park 14175 Country Crescent Rd.
Ramblewood Park 20019 Ramblewood Rd. S.E.
Wales Street Park Wales & van Street
Lake Tye Park 14964 Fryelands Blvd.
Skatepark (@lake Tye Park) 14964 Fryelands Blvd.
Lewis Street Park 561 South lewis Street
Park Meadows 15800 – 160th Avenue S.E.
Rainier View Park 19921 Rainier view Rd. S.E.
Skykomish River Park 413 Sky River Parkway
Wiggly Field (@Sky River Park) 413 Sky River Parkway
Rotary Field (@Sky River Park) 372 Sky River Parkway
Stanton Meadows Park 17701 149th Ave S.E.
Travelers Park 501 E Main Street
Travelers Park
Above Right: Monroe Rotary Field, Bottom Left: Skykomish River Park, Right: Lewis Street Park. Photos by: Chris Hendrickson
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108 E MainS treet, Ste 200, Monroe, WA 98272 KLynn@AcademyMortgage.com www.AcademyMortgage.com/kimberleylynn NMLS #300369 | WA MLO-300369 Corp NMLS #3113 | Corp State Lic WA #Cl-3113 Your 1st CHOICE Home Loan Lender
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SCHOOLS/CHILDCARE/TUTORING
MONROE’S vibrant parade officially ushers in fair
A Monroe tradition for over 75 years, each year the Monroe Fair Days Parade ushers in the Evergreen State Fair with bright colors, dazzling costumes and lively performances – all sprinkled with a bit of history.
The parade, which typically takes place during opening weekend of the Evergreen State Fair, proceeds east down Main Street in a flurry of music, dancing and vibrantly decorated parade floats. Numerous organizations take part in the event including the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe Police Department, the Monroe Correctional Complex, the Monroe Fire Department, the Monroe Historical Society, the Monroe School District and many others.
Each year, the nearly one-mile parade route along Main Street is lined with chairs as thousands of citizens pack the sidelines to watch the parade go by.
The very first parade was held in 1937, as part of a community fair. The event, which took place on East Main and Ferry Street in downtown Monroe, included a pet parade and a general parade, with music by the Washington State Reformatory Band. During the 1940s, the parade was held in conjunction with a carnival and agricultural fair that was known as the “Cavalcade of the valleys.”
The parade had a few starts and stops during the 1960s, but was kept going by local groups including the Monroe kiwanis and the Monroe Jaycees.
In recent years, the parade has been collaboratively organized by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the Monroe Fair Days Parade Committee, which includes representatives from the city of Monroe, the Monroe School District and the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.
Honors are given each year, including the Monroe Fair Days Parade grand Marshall and Junior grand Marshall, who are both featured in the parade. Other parade winners are selected in categories like Best Overall, Best Equestrian, Best Float, Best Historic Entry, Best Dance and Cheer group, Best Nonprofit, Best Specialty Performance and many others.
The Monroe High School Marching Band escorts Santa Clause into Monroe (riding the fire truck at far left) at Christmas time in 1966. Leading the band is Drum Major Mark Nelson, MHS class of 1968. The Monroe High School Drill Team is following the band. The photo was taken looking west down West Main Street with views of the Monroe Monitor building west to the Avalon Theatre (now Union Bank). Also visible is the Savoy Hotel with White’s Variety, the Monroe Post Office and the new Seattle First National Bank building. Note the Christmas decorations mounted on the light poles. The original decorations were drawn by Flo Schilaty in the early 1950s, cut out, painted, decorated and mounted by the Jaycees. Bud Kern drove the fork lift to mount them on poles for a number of years. After the Jaycees were gone, Bud continued to perform the task until the Lions Club took over and eventually replaced some of the older figures. One of the decorations was a Santa with a list of the names of many Monroe children.
Today, Main Street is still adorned with holiday decorations, thanks to the City of Monroe Parks Department. Instead of a holiday parade, a tree-lighting ceremony takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving at the corner of Lewis & Main Streets. The MHS band still comes out to serenade the community (although the uniforms have changed) and Santa comes each year, too, to hear the Christmas wishes of Monroe’s boys and girls.
For more information about the Monroe Fair Days parade, please visit: www.facebook.com/MonroeFairDaysParade.
