The Port Townsend Main Street Program is celebrating its 40 years of community events, historic preservation and revitalization projects with an anniversary party this month.

Key City Public Theatre will host a March 12 party honoring both the Port Townsend Main Street Program, which was founded in 1985 as one of the first five Main Street Programs in Washington state, and the members, volunteers and supporters who have helped preserve, promote and enhance the city’s Uptown and Downtown historic districts.

Mari Mullen, executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, noted that it’s also the longest continually running Main Street Program in the state, accredited by Main Street America as part of a statewide revitalization effort.

Mullen credited the Washington Main Street Program with leading a grassroots network of more than 40 coordinating programs throughout the state.

“Our accomplishments are made possible by strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers and members who participate in work across our four committees: organization, promotion, design and economics,” said Casey Hannam, president of the Port Townsend Main Street Board for 2025, who described 2024 as “a great year” for the group, which hosted more than 20 events last year.

Hannam touted record-breaking attendance at Concerts on the Dock last year, adding that 2024 saw the start of “a new mobile greeter program to welcome visitors” and a new wine walk for the “Velvet and Vino” event.

“And we won the Economic Opportunity Award for Creative District efforts at the Washington State Main Street Conference,” Hannam said

Mullen invited businesses to connect with upcoming Port Townsend Main Street activities by joining in the Earth Day Spring Clean up on April 18 and the “Art Wave” for children’s art in May.

“Businesses support the nonprofit’s work by becoming members,” Mullen said. “They also make important contributions as event sponsors, and through participating in the Main Street Tax Incentive Program.”

What to know

Key City Public Theatre is located at 418 Washington St. in Port Townsend.

The 40th anniversary party for the Port Townsend Main Street Program will run from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 with light snacks. RSVP on the Main Street website.