By Theresa Goffredo
Herald Writer
EVERETT — Business leaders said Wednesday they can’t wait for next year’s Memorial Day because they believe the Cruzin’ to Colby car show will bring even more people to downtown Everett.
This past weekend, the classic cars drew between 5,000 and 8,000 people and hit the mark as one of the biggest car shows in the state, with more than 520 vehicles on parade. About 310 cars were at last year’s event.
"There were many new people who came to Everett and that’s because we marketed the event throughout the Northwest," Everett Area Chamber of Commerce President Louise Stanton-Masten said in her report to Everett City Council members on Wednesday. "And we know those people will want to come back again."
More than 30 businesses were open, and several reaped the rewards, she said.
Though some businesses did well, other property owners complained that though the car show brought people to Colby, visitors to Everett didn’t make it to establishments off of Colby.
"We had 700 guests, and this event flat-out put butts in my seats," said Joel Starr, owner of The Flying Pig restaurant on Colby Avenue. "It was a smashing success."
Renee Quistorf, owner of Renee’s Contemporary Clothing, also on Colby, said she had an above average number of people visit her store during the car show.
"These people were not just spectators at a parade, but people walking up and down the streets eating and shopping, staying overnight in our hotels and spending money in our community," Quistorf said in a written statement to the council. "This is a positive step for Everett’s image and economy."
Quistorf also said she supports funding the city’s Business Improvement Area, also known as the Downtown Everett Association, a nonprofit group whose mission is to market downtown and keep it clean.
About 33 downtown property owners have signed a petition to eliminate the association, saying they are opposed to what they call double taxation. In addition to paying property taxes, business owners pay annual dues to support the association based on the front footage of their stores.
The car show also raised money for charities. Starr said he will donate a total of $6,000.
You can call Herald Writer Theresa Goffredo at 425-339-3097
or send e-mail to goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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