Positive changes: Bakery goods to Sunday breakfast

Hullabaloo, Colfax’s annual fall event, kicks off in a week. Activities will take place up and down Main Street Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8.

This year there will be more than the official events to enjoy.

Some positive changes are taking place on Main Street. They are the result of new local, private investment and faith in the local economy. This is a good time to check them out.

Events on Main opened last week, serving coffees, baked goods from Sage Bakery and other goodies in the morning and sandwiches and soups for lunch until 2 p.m. It is located in the old Hickman Saddlery building. It is fast becoming the new meeting place. The plans are to eventually expand it after a second phase of remodeling.

A major investment on Main Street is the new remodel by Butch Booker for Kincaid Real Estate. The long vacant auto parts store at the north end of Main has been undergoing massive renovation and improvement. It is an attractive remodel and a fine addition to town. An open house to unveil the new office will be announced soon.

Two Old Gals has moved and now is sharing space with Cottage Gate at the south end of town. The Quilted Moose, a relatively new business, has already purchased its own building and has moved into it. A re-opening celebration is set for this Saturday.

Lawyer John Snyder is ensconced on Main in a new office. BarkTique, dog grooming, is now on Main Street. Colfax Cable will be relocating to Main from Mill Street, filling a long vacant office. Wheatland Bank of Fairfield’s new Colfax branch is next to the Codger Pole, and AAG Insurance has moved from there to Mill Street into the old Washington State Patrol office.

The Top Notch is now serving breakfast on Sunday after expanding hours and staff. It has been years since a Sunday restaurant breakfast has been available on Main.

Business owners are obviously seeing opportunity and promise in the local economy. New investment by both new entrepreneurs and established business owners has helped to maintain and enlarge retail and service offerings.

Main Street still has a way to go, but amid all the negative economic talk these are positive and important steps. Local support is essential in keeping the movement positive.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher