After an incredible display of support for Main Streets from coast to coast, Independent We Stand is pleased to recognize Downtown Lynden in Lynden, Wash., as the $25,000 winner of the “America’s Main Streets” contest. As a top ten finalist, Downtown Lynden, population 12,902, stood out among its fellow Main Streets with the most votes, after more than 280,000 total votes were cast by the public nationwide during the “America’s Main Streets” contest.
In June 2008, a fire destroyed Downtown Lynden’s largest anchor building, a historic three-story building housing nearly a dozen independent businesses. In the years since, a growing and active Lynden Downtown Business Assn. began rebuilding with the help of local investors and volunteer support from the community. Their mission: to help the downtown core make an economic comeback. Some of their needs and goals include: creating a brand for the community, implementing wayfinding signage, creating a historical walking tour and upgrading their downtown beautification program.
Already well-known as the world’s largest producer of raspberries, Lynden is also known for its Dutch heritage. The downtown area also features a prominent windmill housing a hotel and is brightened by more than 150 hanging flower baskets plus flowerbeds on every street corner. It’s this charm Lyndenites would like to share with others.
“Winning this contest is huge,” Ken Stap independent business owner and president of the Lynden Downtown Business Assn., says. “This award will play a major role in helping re-establish Lynden’s downtown as the heart and soul of our community, for residents and visitors alike.”
Independent We Stand is co-sponsored by Stihl Inc. and FCA US LLC. For more information, visit independentwestand.org.