Art show street closures announced

The Ritzville Downtown Development Association has spent five years working to develop an event that has the ability to bring many new visitors to Ritzville and the historic downtown business district.

This year the Ritzville Western Art Show Executive Committee will present more than 60 of the Pacific Northwest’s best artists, artisans and authors as well as national caliber entertainment, educational activities for children, entertaining demonstrations and a rope making demonstration where spectators can participate during the annual gathering on Memorial Day weekend. The entire event remains free to the general public.

In an effort to draw more visitors to the downtown business district during the show, Main Avenue will once again be closed from Division and Adams Streets for the show as well as Washington Street from the alley by the post office to Railroad Avenue.

Earlier this year, the Ritzville City Council approved closing all of Main Avenue between Division and Adams Streets for show setup and the event, as well as vehicle traffic and parking on Saturday and Sunday.

As in previous years, setup of the main stage will begin on Friday morning. Although Main Avenue is not closed for the endeavor, show organizers will have barricades and traffic cones in use for pedestrian and motor safety.