Downtown Spokane Holiday Guide 2018 by The Inlander

Downtown Spokane

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THIS IS A PUBLICATION OF THE DOWNTOWN SPOKANE PARTNERSHIP DowntownSpokane.org

THIS HOLIDAY GUIDE PRODUCED BY THE INLANDER

'Tis the Season in Downtown Spokane It’s the heart and soul of the Inland Northwest, and it just keeps getting better every year! There are new restaurants to try, new places to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, along with all your familiar family favorites. Riverfront Park has a full slate of activities this season, Terrain is bringing local artisans right into River Park Square and you can even take a peek at holiday decorations from the old Crescent Department Store. Downtown Spokane and its merchants welcome you to come and join the excitement!

Inside the guide

What’s New Downtown? Paqe 4

Go-To Shopping and Dining Paqe 9 BRRRZaar Makes Its Debut Paqe 11 Fun Holiday Events Paqe 14 HistoRy Behind Glass Page 20

BeYOUtiful Bath Bombs' Jessie Veselka

There’s Always Something New Downtown! Here’s a peek at some of the shops, restaurants and nightspots that have opened downtown over the past year

Shopping

Having built up a loyal pet-owning clientele at its north side location, it was only natural that THE YUPPY PUPPY (830 W Sprague Ave.) would want to expand to a more central spot. This locally owned pet-supply boutique also offers pet-oriented classes, doggy daycare and professional grooming services. Even if you don’t have any fur babies in your life, a gift certificate might be welcomed by those who do. Pets, however, aren’t the only ones that appreciate a little pampering. At BEYOUTI-

FUL BATH BOMBS (River Park Square, 808 W Main Ave.), you’ll find a range of natural cosmetics, handmade candles and small-batch body products ideal for treating yourself and others to a little luxuriousness. All items are either made in-store or by area vendors. “Christmastime is great because we all group together and make big gift boxes that have a little bit of everything,” says owner Jessie Veselka. “And what’s unique about our store is that we can customize. Say you pick up a gift box and you don’t like a particular scent. No problem. We’ll swap it out for you.” The store is currently filled with products featuring nostalgic holiday scents, from vanilla chai and gingerbread to Christmas tree, holly berry and “a couple new surprises.” The nearby NIKE FACTORY STORE (618 W Main Ave.) admittedly might not smell as sweet, but it does offer a great mix of

price-reduced factory-direct and standard retail athleticwear from the iconic sports company. It’s also a great place to pick up licensed Gonzaga gear for your Bulldogs-obsessed family and friends.

Food

More than just a go-to spot for shoppers and socializers, downtown Spokane has also become a top destination for new businesses that are looking to enhance the city’s culinary and nightlife scenes. New restaurants like INCREDIBURGER & EGGS (909 W 1st Ave.) are putting creative — yet surprisingly affordable — spins on familiar comfort-food menus. Its popular Pure Gold Burger, for example, is made with Mishima Reserve beef, aged cheddar cheese, truffle foie gras mayo and chianti jam. That’s a far cry from your average fast food. Neighboring HALLETTS CHOCOLATES (1029 W 1st Ave.), which opened its downtown location earlier this year, has been satisfying Spokane’s sweet tooth with its traditional toffees and brittles for years. But these chocolatiers have more recently expanded into unconventional delights like grey sea salt caramels and zingy habanero caramels. Their gift boxes and party trays are perfect for presents and entertaining — provided you can resist keeping them all to yourself. Spokane isn’t immune to the appeal of a dark-roasted caffeine boost, which explains why downtown’s already vibrant coffee scene has been augmented by at least three new shops, each of which brings its own energy to the mix. There’s FIRST AVENUE COFFEE (1017 W 1st Ave.), serving up ethically sourced organic coffees and vegan baked treats in the city’s only Certified Green café. Keep an eye on their social media for free cuppings so you can sample a properly brewed roast. BEGONA COFFEE (601 W Riverside Ave.), located in the Bank of America Financial Center, is the dream come true for former stay-at-home mother Yelena Matsyplyuk. The minimalist stand has become a popular meetup spot for those who find bliss

in life’s simple pleasures, like a hot coffee paired with a classic pastry or a retro donut. Barely one block away is INDABA RIVERSIDE CAFÉ (518 W Riverside Ave.), the latest offshoot of Indaba Coffee Roasters, where you’ll also find a menu of gourmet bites and a co-working space. Stop in any of them for a warming winter pick-me-up. And what better contrast to a steaming mug of coffee than some deliciously cool ice cream? SWEET PEAKS ICE CREAM (415 W Main Ave.) is a small, Montana-based chain that is slowly bringing its amazing artisan flavors westward. A seasonal favorite is Mon-

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream

tana Christmas, flavored with pine-soaked cream and huckleberries. For a hearty sit-down meal before ice cream and coffee for dessert, AUSTIN’S LIVE FIRE BARBECUE (421 W Main Ave.) makes a great starting point. The restaurant, which grew out of chef/owner Mike Jones’ fascination with smoking pits during a visit to Austin, Texas, prides itself on its slow-cooked, wood-fired, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, pork and chicken. COCHINITO TAQUERIA (10 N Post St.) takes an equally meticulous — and T

Cochinito Taqueria

T flavorful — approach to its Mexican-inspired cuisine. Central to its modest menu is a variety of tacos filled with Oregon rockfish, duck confit or maitake mushroom alongside more standard carne asada or chicken. “It’s always fun to be downtown, especially during the holidays when everyone’s in such a great mood,” says Cochinito co-owner Justin Curtis. “It’s my favorite time of the culinary year.”

Nightlife

Downtown Spokane’s burgeoning bar scene has created a problem for revelers and adult-beverage connoisseurs: With so much choice, how can they possibly find time to visit them all? Can’t blame them for trying,

though. Old-school punk rockers and indie artists will dig the vibe at BERSERK BAR (125 S Stevens St.), thanks to its pool table, wall of pinball machines and the absence of any TVs. Over at MOUNTAIN LAKES BREWING CO. (201 W Riverside Ave.), where craftbrewed IPAs, hefeweizens and ales flow freely, things have a bit more of a traditional neighborhood feel. From the Monroe Street Bridge on its logo to the award-winning Dry Fly spirits it pours, HERITAGE BAR & KITCHEN (122 South Monroe) is a deliberately, resolutely Spokane-centric pub that celebrates the Lilac City and everything about it. Veteran-owned STEADY FLOW GROWLER HOUSE (111 S Cedar St.) has around 30 taps of craft beer, cider and kombucha from around the Inland Northwest and beyond. Sample a pint in-house and get a reusable growler to go. Not quite brand new, the much-loved OBSERVATORY (15 S Howard St.) certainly has a new lease on life and a reimagined menu of tasty shareables and rice bowls and local-band-inspired specialty drinks. They’re all a great complement to the live music you’ll find every week, along with karaoke on Sunday nights and an open mic night every Tuesday. 

INDABA RIVERSIDE 518 W RIVERSIDE, CLOSES 9PM DAILY

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he Spokane Civic Theatre knows that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. And that’s precisely why they’re staging the heartwarming comedy ELF THE MUSICAL as their holiday production this year. Like the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, this song-and-dance stage adaptation tells the story of Buddy, a human who ends up being raised by North Pole elves. While searching for his biological father, he teaches everyone he meets about the spirit of the season. Although audiences love seeing classic chestnuts like White Christmas and A Christmas Carol at this time of year, there’s a lot to be said for novelty, too. This production of Elf the Musical marks the regional premiere of the show. “This show is very special for so many reasons. It’s the first time it’s being produced in the region, and it’s directed by one of our resident directors, Kathie Doyle-Lipe, who is an area favorite,” says Jake

Schaefer, the Civic’s creative director. “The cast is an ideal blend of regular, highly talented Civic cast members and a bunch of wonderful new talent. And that includes the role of Buddy, played by Seth Flanders. This is Seth’s first leading role at Civic and the first time he’s been back to the theater since he played a small ensemble role in White Christmas a number of years ago.” Elf the Musical opens the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, November 23) and runs until December 23. The evening performances are the perfect way to cap off a day of downtown shopping and horse-drawn carriage rides, and the Sunday matinee performances are ideal for families with little ones. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for Buddy during Santa’s arrival at River Park Square on November 16. Rumor has it that he might be flying in with the big man himself. 

(509) 747.2867 lolospokane.com

319 west second avenue, spokane wa. 99201 7

EXPLORE THE WONDER. You’ll find thousands of perfect gift ideas from your favorite brands including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Free People, Apple, Nike Factory Store, Pottery Barn and more. Plus fabulous holiday dining choices, AMC 20 Theatres with IMAX and our giant sparkling Christmas Tree. It’s the very best time of year, so come visit Santa... or make your own magic.

DOWNTOWN SPOK ANE AT M AIN & POST

riverparksquare.com

Auntie's is celebrating 40 years in business downtown

Shop, Dine, Repeat Shopping

“I’ve been working in downtown Spokane retail for nearly 20 years, and when those big, fat flakes are falling, the lights are up and everyone’s out, it just reminds me of being in a big old snow globe,” says Kerry Halls, store manager for AUNTIE’S (402 W Main Ave.). The local bookstore celebrated its 40th anniversary this September, and to continue that celebration into the holidays, the staff will be honoring its longstanding Angel Tree tradition. The Angel Tree offers donors from across the community the chance to put books in the hands of deserving children. “We work with a ton of different charities here in town to get lists of names and specific book titles, and we put those names and titles on the tree. People can then choose to donate those books to those specific kids. It’s really wonderful, and it’s nice to be involved in something where you remember what the season is supposed to be about,” says Halls. Auntie’s typically gives away upwards of 500 books each Christmas. Just down the road at ANDERSON AND CO. (814 W Main Ave.) and ANTHROPOLOGIE (885 W Main Ave), men and women can get themselves properly attired for the

holidays — and maybe even pick up a few choice gift items while they’re at it. At Anderson and Co., the experienced and attentive staff has been outfitting men in timelessly stylish high-end suits and smart casual for more than three decades. Across the street, Anthropologie specializes in women’s fashion, accessories and home goods. Their current fall/winter clothing lineup features super-comfy sweater and fleece dresses, turtlenecks, blazers and cardigans in the earthy browns, greens and burgundies that are trending right now. Women and girls who are looking for something a bit sportier should check out ATHLETA in River Park Square (808 W Main Ave.). This popular nationwide retailer has an extensive selection of high-performance “athleisure” sportswear that doesn’t skimp on style. There are dedicated lines for anyone who likes to look good while working up a sweat, whether it’s through swimming or hiking, running or yoga. Of course, an evening on the town or an at-home dinner party calls for something a little more elegant, and that’s where LOLO (319 W Second Ave.) comes in. This community-minded downtown boutique features designer brands and labels at a range T

T of prices, putting upscale merchandise like clothing, jewelry and even a wide range of home décor within reach of almost every pocketbook. Only one store, however, has the signature Davenport Hotel mattress and peanut brittle, and that’s THE DAVENPORT HOME STORE (10 S Post St., 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd.). With two convenient and easy-to-find locations, inside the Historic Davenport and the Grand Hotel, one of these is close by no matter where you happen to be downtown.

The interior of the one-of-a-kind Steam Plant Square

Dining

Located on the fully renovated ground floor of the historic Broadview Dairy building along the Spokane River, the BLACKBIRD TAVERN (905 N Washington St.) serves up delicious scratch-made food with a special emphasis on traditional Southern barbecue. Think Carolina-style pulled pork, pecan-smoked ribs and Kansas City-style brisket. Happy hour at the Blackbird runs from 3pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday, with affordable indulgent appetizers (bacon fat popcorn, spicy fried pickles) and, of course, deals on wine, cocktails and draft beer. After a fun-filled day of downtown shopping, it’s possible that you might find yourself closer to the STEAM PLANT GRILL (159 S Lincoln St.), which has recently been refurbished and outfitted in a whole new look. And the changes are more than cosmetic. The revamped restaurant features a

brand-new wood-fired pizza oven as well as a rotisserie and smoker, so you can start off your meal with spicy, fire-roasted corn bread before moving onto mouthwatering entrees like “South of the Border” pizza and smoked steelhead carbonara. On the other side of downtown is the Davenport Grand Hotel (333 W Spokane Falls Blvd.), home to THE GRAND RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, serving up breakfast and lunch, and TABLE 13, with its more dinner-oriented tapas-style menu. Between December 9 and 24, you’ll also be able to marvel at the always stunning results of the Christ Kitchen Gingerbread Build-Off. “It’s quite a production. They bring in these architects, they pair them with pastry chefs, they work on the design and then they have about four hours to put these elaborate gingerbread houses together,” says Matt Jensen, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at the Davenport Collection. “It’s an incredible, magical time of the year.” For a tropical escape from the chill of winter, visit THE TINY TIKI (307 W 2nd Ave.), a cozy spot that puts a modern, rum-infused twist on your favorite cocktails. One of the signature drinks from the carefully curated menu is the Painkiller, a drink that pairs Pusser’s rum with pineapple and orange juices, cream of coconut and freshly grated nutmeg. Things are slightly less exotic at 24 TAPS (24 North Lincoln), a sports bar that dishes up gourmet burgers and classic American appetizers alongside 12 local craft beers and 12 large brewery beers (yep, that’s 24). If there’s a major sporting event to be seen, you can bet it’ll be on one of the many wall-mounted TVs. THE VOLSTEAD ACT (12 N Post St.) offers a very different atmosphere, delighting craft cocktail connoisseurs with unique recipes made using premium ingredients like fresh-squeezed fruit juices and unconventional liqueurs. Their popular Winter Sips menu features drinks that evoke the fragrances and flavors of the season. 

Winter BrrrZaar

uring the summer, Terrain’s annual Bazaar is such a hotly anticipated event that many a shopper has wished it would take place more than once a year. Turns out that River Park Square and Terrain thought that was a pretty cool idea too. This winter, the local arts non-profit organization is launching BRRRZAAR, a seasonally inspired sister event to Bazaar, on Saturday, December 15, in the downtown mall. “It’s essentially taking our annual summer Bazaar pop-up marketplace and bringing it inside River Park Square in December,” says Jackie Caro, Operations Director at Terrain. She estimates that the first-ever Winter BrrrZaar will host at least 60 booths showcasing locally made goods from local artists, craftspeople and makers. Similar to Bazaar, the goods at the Winter BrrrZaar will include fine art, accessories, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, housewares and much more, all of which are designed and handcrafted by the very people who are selling them. “It’s another way that Terrain is providing an opportunity to support local makers during the holiday season all while strengthening our local economy,” says Caro. “Beyond the shopping, we hope to provide

The Vintage Print booth at a summer Bazaar

a unique and memorable experience. We want the event to be something that can become a tradition in our community.” So along with its rows of diverse artisanal booths, the Winter BrrrZaar will also offer folks opportunities to take “Bad Santa” photos, have a few winter-themed cocktails and socialize with friends. “Downtown during the holidays is a unique kind of experience,” she says. “There’s something for everyone, and we can’t wait for Winter BrrrZaar to be a part of that.” 

Yep! Got you right here on the nice list

Damn Fine Gifts!

Downtown Spokane on Howard St.

coffee & gifts 11

DAVENPOR

H O L I DAY Events Nov 22

Thanksgiving Buffet The Historic Davenport Hotel Reservations 509.455.8888

Nov 30 - Jan 2

The Crescent Windows at The Grand Downtown Spokane at The Davenport Grand Hotel 509.456.0580, www.downtownspokane.org

Nov 27 - Dec 8 Dec 4 & 5 Dec 8

Christmas Tree Elegance The Historic Davenport Hotel Tree displays Holiday Luncheon with Eckart and Friends Tree raffle Questions and reservations: 509.458.8733

Dec 1

Santa Breakfast Mobius Kids The Historic Davenport Hotel Mobius Kids 509.321.7121

Dec 9

Christ Kitchen Gingerbread Build off/Display The Davenport Grand Hotel

Dec 9 - 24

Gingerbread Houses displayed 509.325.4343

Dec 23

Signature Champagne Sunday Brunch The Historic Davenport Hotel Reservations 509.455.8888, opentable.com

Dec 25

Christmas Dinner Palm Court Grill, Safari Room Fresh Grill & Bar, The Grand Restaurant, The Historic, Tower and Grand Hotels

Dec 31

Spokane Symphony Puttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Ritz. A formal New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Celebration The Historic Davenport Hotel For tickets call Spokane Symphony 509.624.1200, spokanesymphony.org

RT HOTELS

Y EVENTS LEAVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY DETAILS TO US! Choose from The Historic Davenport Hotel and The Davenport Grand

Great dates available • 509.455.8888

Overnight Package Includes • $75 Dining Credit • Overnight deluxe room • $50 River Park Square Mall gift certificate • Valet parking Reservations: 800.899.1482

Holiday Music Played daily by our pianists in the The Historic Davenport Hotel lobby 3:30 - 6:30 PM, Nov. 22 - Dec. 23

111 S. Post Street Spokane • davenporthotel.com • 800.899.1482

Something for Everyone This holiday season is filled with amazing events spread all over downtown Spokane

here’s no shame in admitting that a hectic Thanksgiving and frantic Black Friday deal-hunting have put you in need of a good laugh. And you’ll certainly get one when comedian DAN CUMMINS, Gonzaga grad and host of the irreverent Timesuck podcast, comes home to the Spokane Comedy Club (315 W. Sprague Ave.) every evening from November 29 to December 1 as part of his nationwide Flat Earth Tour. A late-night show and Comedy Central favorite, Cummins, who is back living in Coeur d’Alene, is known for his unique and

hilarious take on an eclectic mix of topics. Of course, if you’d prefer to put your own wide-ranging knowledge to the test in a fun but competitive atmosphere, drop in on the WEEKLY TRIVIA NIGHTS at the Steel Barrel Taproom (154 S Madison St.; Mondays), the Globe Bar & Kitchen (204 N Division St.; Tuesdays), Iron Goat Brewing Co. (1302 W Second Ave.; Thursdays) and nYne (232 W Sprague Ave.; also Thursdays), where you’ll find plenty of camaraderie, challenges and even the occasional prize. We’re all familiar with the twelve days of Christmas, but that seems like the blink of an eye when you consider that METALLICA is currently on the twelfth — yep, twelfth — leg of their multi-year, globe-spanning WorldWired Tour. The legendary metal band plays the Spokane Arena (720 West Mallon Ave.) on December 2 in what might be the best

FUN EVENTS! River Park Square

SANTA'S ARRIVAL Friday, November 16

Wheatland Bank

HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES Wall Street and Spokane Falls Blvd Weekends November 23 though Christmas Eve

Spokane Civic Theatre's

BUDDY THE ELF SCAVENGER HUNT Participating Downtown Retailers November 23 through December 16

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Christmas Tree Elegance

Participating Downtown Retailers Saturday, November 24

The Spokesman-Review present ever to headbangers around the region. Two days later, as a harmonious, singalong counterpoint to Metallica’s furious drumwork and fiery guitar riffs, the folk-pop KINGSTON TRIO comes to the Bing Crosby Theater (901 W Sprague Ave.). The band was hugely influential during its 1950s and ’60s heyday, and in this revived form the Trio will remind listeners exactly why their albums spent so much time at the top of the charts. Between November 30 and December 9, CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE returns to the Davenport Historic Hotel (10 S Post St.) and River Park Square (808 West Main Ave.). This annual fundraising event is organized by the Spokane Symphony Associates, the T

WINDOW DISPLAY CONTEST Participating Downtown Retailers November 24 through December 19

RIVERFRONT PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTING Saturday, November 24

CRESCENT WINDOWS AT THE GRAND Davenport Grand Hotel November 30 through January 2

AND SO MUCH MORE! Explore Holiday Events at www.downtownspokane.org

r r

The Kingston Trio

Waitress

T volunteer arm of the Spokane Symphony, and has been running for more than 35 years. As part of the fundraiser, members of the public have the chance to enter into raffles to win the incredible assortment of gifts that surround the 18 themed and elaborately decorated Christmas trees. While the raffle winners will be relying

entirely on luck, the winning participants of award-winning reality competitions like So You Think You Can Dance rely on a whole lot of talent and practice. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! brings the latest crop of top-10 dancers from the edge-ofyour-seat TV series to the stage of the newly remodeled First Interstate Center, formerly

Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m. Family Mass with Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homily 6:00 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass 11:30 p.m. Community Carols and Cathedral Choir 12:00 a.m. Pontifical Mass at Midnight

Christmas Day

7:00 a.m. Mass at Christmas Dawn 10:00 a.m. Mass for Christmas Day The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes 1115 W. Riverside Ave / Downtown Spokane

www.SpokaneCathedral.com 16

Dan Cummins

known as the INB Performing Arts Center, on December 9. Fans will have a chance to see the show’s Season 15 stars — and their jaw-dropping dance routines — up close. Also at the First Interstate Center (334 W Spokane Falls Blvd.) is WAITRESS, which runs from December 12 to 16. Featuring a knockout original score written by pop singer Sara Bareilles, this poignant, Tony-nominated Broadway musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and an expert baker who has dreams of escaping the confines of a small town and unhappy marriage. Chewelah native, breakout blue-eyed soul/ R&B musician and erstwhile Macklemore collaborator ALLEN STONE performs T

TREATS

FOOD

SEL DOGF-SERV WAS E H

MING

GROO

TOYS!

(509) 474-0394 • 830 W. Sprague Ave. • Email us: Downtown@yuppypuppyspokane.com

STORE HOURS: TUES–SAT: 10AM – 6PM

T at the Knitting Factory (919 W Sprague Ave.) with special guest Nick Waterhouse on December 11. Along with standard show tickets, this all-ages concert is offering an exclusive meet-and-greet experience that includes a pre-show soundcheck performance,

in-person photo ops, an autographed lyric sheet and a pre-order of Stone’s forthcoming album, which is slated to hit record stores in 2019. Another local boy, guitar virtuoso MYLES KENNEDY, comes back to town a few days later on December 14. Kennedy’s show at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox (1001 W Sprague Ave.) is in support of Year of the You’ll find 3,800 parking meters located downtown, Tiger, his new solo album in and it’s easier than ever with the Passport Parking which the singer-songwriter app (parksimple.org). There are also covered garages, explores the loss of his father most participating in the EasyPark validation program at a young age. Chances are for discounts with a minimum purchase. And don’t that music from Kennedy’s forget about the many surface lots, with more than other projects, including 6,000 parking spaces withing walking distance of your The Mayfield Four and Alter destination, for as little as $3 a day! Check out DownBridge, will also find its way townSpokane.org for locations. into the set.

Plenty of Spaces!

r Allen Stone

Then head back to the Fox Theater on the final day of 2018 to ring in the new year with BEETHOVEN’S NINTH SYMPHONY, considered not only to be the composer’s magnum opus but also one of the greatest works in all of Western music. For this performance, the Spokane Symphony Chorale will join the Spokane Symphony under the direction of outgoing music director Eckart Preu. Spokane’s very own “late-night” (well,

more like mid-evening) talk show, LILAC CITY LIVE!, has already earned a reputation for bringing in the crème de la crème of local celebrities for casual, informative and lighthearted conversations. For its December 13 episode, hosts Ryan Tucker and Sean Glasow will be joined by award-winning Spokane-based novelist Chris Crutcher as well as other guests. Meet at the Downtown Spokane Public Library (906 W Main Ave.) for mingling and drinks followed by the live show. And, like every month, you certainly won’t want to miss the amazing FIRST FRIDAY festivities on December 7. This regular event is a great way for everyone to experience all that downtown has to offer, with retailers, restaurants and galleries putting on special events like art displays and musical performances. The holidays only add to the magic and excitement. 

A Glimpse of Yesteryear

ongtime Spokane residents have fond memories of the CHRISTMAS SCENES that were once displayed in the gallery windows of the historic Crescent Building. When the department store shut its doors in 1992, that beloved chapter in history seemed to have closed too. The classic figurines of Santa and Mrs. Claus, nutcrackers, woodland animals, elves, candy canes and gingerbread houses were stored away and seemingly lost. And then, by happy accident, a trove of figurines was rediscovered last year in attics, basements and storage facilities across the city. The few that were still in good shape were exhibited at various downtown locations. Elisabeth Hooker, Marketing and Programming Director at the Downtown Spokane Partnership, says that she and her colleagues were thrilled to come across the figurines and return them to public view last Christmas. “But it still didn’t quite capture that magical feeling that you had when you were window shopping as part of the holidays,” she says. “We wanted them to be in a more dramatic location, and the immediate

Ivan Munk Illustration thought was the Davenport Grand Hotel, which has these giant windows.” This year, after Umpqua Bank stepped up to help finance the restoration of the figurines, several of the former Crescent displays are getting the full treatment at the Davenport Grand Hotel. Along Main Avenue there will be six carefully arranged window scenes featuring what are currently the best of the classic holiday-themed figurines. “It’s been really exciting, and we can’t wait for Spokane to see these beautiful artforms of yesteryear in a new way,” says Hooker. “We hope that this starts a holiday tradition of bringing out that historic piece as well as maybe inspiring others to create the next generation of window displays.” If you happen to have information on other “lost” Crescent figurines or would like to help with the restoration efforts, please e-mail the Downtown Spokane Partnership at info@downtownspokane.net or call (509) 456-0580. 

Let Spokane Transit whisk you away to holiday events and shopping destinations all season long! Plan your trip at SpokaneTransit.com

Nov 29 - Dec 2 EVENING AND MATINEES AVAILABLE