The North Cascades Highway reopened for season at 1 p.m on Wednesday,  May 5.  Many Forest Service and Park Services facilities remain closed, so travelers should plan for minimal services across the passes.  Those interested in backcountry recreation are still strongly advised to consult the Northwest Avalanche Center for current avalanche conditions.

Cascade River Road remains closed and gated at milepost 18. Historically, it reopens around July 4.

 

Would you like to March Forward with us? There are a number of ways you can be involved in making some “Concrete Improvements.”

1. Start Your Membership
Now that it appears the worst months of the pandemic are behind us, we’re looking forward to our local businesses getting back on board, literally. We welcome your participation in the Chamber and invite you to become a member of the board, or join us as a business member. If you’re already a member, but haven’t been attending meetings, now is the perfect time to start. Please contact Cheryl Weston, membership director, at concretechambermembers@gmail.com to learn more about benefits and fees.

2. Take a Quick Survey
We’re interested in what you like about living here and what businesses or services you’d like to see more of. Give us your FEEDBACK! (http://bit.ly/ConcreteFeedback) If you answer the 5 questions and include your contact information, you’ll be eligible to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

3. Be Part of the Silos Selfie Project
How many times have you driven by the silos and seen people taking selfies with the mammoth structure in the background? Ever notice how many car clubs, cycling groups and families on vacation stop there to admire or speculate about the landmark? For those of us who see them all the time, the silos may fade into the background. We might not even register the blackberry bushes obscuring the view or the odd piece of litter detracting from it.

The Concrete Chamber, in partnership with the Town of Concrete and the Concrete Heritage Museum, is spearheading a project to make the cement plant silos an attractive destination for historic exploration, community education, and yes – stunning selfies! We need your help with a site clean-up, some landscaping, and installing an interpretive sign, for starters. If you’re interested in being involved in this project, whether to contribute ideas, financial assistance or sweat equity, please contact us by email: Chamber@Concrete-WA.com.

Check out the Opportunities!
Read about current projects where your help, ideas and support are needed.

Attend a Meeting
The next Concrete Chamber meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. For more information, please contact: Chamber@Concrete-WA.com, or call/text Valerie Stafford, President, at (360) 466-8754.

Holiday Lane took place December 12 and featured a decorating contest just like in the 60s, with the special attraction of seeing Santa make his annual appearance. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted visitors at the brightly lit Town Tree, located near the old fire hall on Main Street. Please see video below and photo of the Town Tree 2020 after its lighting on November 29.

A Drive-Through Celebration
We were thrilled to see so many of you drive through town  to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays from the comfort of your car. This event was a safe way to visit Santa and his friends, without any fear of spreading germs. More than 50 kids dropped off  letters to Santa and the gnomes and elves (plus Olaf and the Grinch) had a great time sharing Christmas cheer.

After seeing Santa, hundreds enjoyed the many decorated homes  businesses, churches and organizations that entered the Holiday Lane decorating contest.

WINNERS Holiday Lane Decorating Contest 2020
Holiday Lane was co-sponsored by the Town of Concrete, Imagine Concrete Foundation and Savi Bank, and is partly funded by Skagit County.

Ho Ho Ho: An Online Party with Santa
On December 22, Santa made another visit to Concrete and joined friends for a virtual show at the historic Concrete Theatre. Watch it here: https://vimeo.com/493992685

Stay Safe & Healthy

Before considering any travel within Washington State, look at a general summary of what’s open in each phase of Safe Start. Visit the county status page to see which phase each county is in or information about modified phases.View and print the state highway map here.

No matter which phase the county is in, staying home is still safest. If you do go out, remember: stay six feet apart, wear a face covering, wash your hands and stay local!

COVID-19 Community Update
Skagit County is Currently in Phase 2

Skagit County Services that are impacted by the Coronavirus can be found on their website at https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirus.htm. If you must go out, please limit physical contact, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently (especially if handling cash), and practice social distancing. Please stay home if you do not feel well. Read more: Washington State official COVID-19 site

Watch: Keeping Each Other Safe
Featuring local performer and music teacher, Gretchen Hewitt
Produced by the Concrete Players for Change

Watch: I’ve Grown Accustomed
Featuring local performer and Concrete Mayor, Jason Miller

Produced by the Concrete Players for Change

Take a Tour of our Town We hope you’re planning to visit our area soon! You’ll find beauty in surprising places, including in our landmarks and historic relics. All you have to do is look around! Take a Walking Tour of our town.

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Do you live here? Wish you did? Are you a resident of Concrete, or looking to relocate? You’ll find many resources here, including business listings, local events, and a host of activities. You’re also welcome to contact us anytime via email, phone or in person. See our office location and hours.

The Concrete Chamber meets monthly and welcomes the participation of all members and potential members. While Chamber meetings are normally held the second Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at Annie’s Pizza Station, we are currently meeting online.

2021 Chamber Meetings
Online, via Zoom
Second Thursdays of each month at 11:30 a.m.
Please message for more details.

Services For information, call Office Manager, Valerie Lee, at (360) 853-8784. Stop by the East County Community Resource Center Office

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (lunch closure from 1:00 – 1:30 pm)

Sat: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Please continue to do as much online as you can.