Mural Unveiling Part of Columbia County’s 150 Year Celebration

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

The year is 2025—and Columbia County is turning 150! In 1875, Columbia County officially came into existence after a successful effort to separate from the expansive Walla Walla County, which at the time stretched all the way to the Idaho border. While an initial attempt to form a new county in 1869 failed, a second effort in 1875 succeeded, and on or around November 29 of that year, Columbia County was born. Originally extending to the Idaho state line, the eastern portion later became Garfield County in 1881. Now, 150 years later, we’re celebrating a legacy shaped by generations of resilience, progress, and community spirit.

To mark this milestone, the Port of Columbia, at the request of the Columbia County Commissioners, is leading a broad coalition of partners in organizing a countywide year-long celebration. The planning committee includes representatives from Columbia County, Port of Columbia, City of Dayton, Town of Starbuck, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Dayton Development Task Force, Blue Mountain Heritage Society, Dayton Historic Depot Society, Dayton School District, Starbuck School District, Touchet Valley Arts Council, Columbia County Fair Association, Historic Dayton Days, Columbia County Rural Library Association, Dayton Alumni Association, and the Dayton Chronicle. Together, the committee proudly adopted the theme: “Columbia County – 150 Years of Heritage and Heart.”

The keystone event will be a community Sesquicentennial Celebration on October 4th. Part of that celebration includes the unveiling of a new mural commissioned by the committee working on the event as their legacy gift to the community. The mural, funded by the Dayton Development Task Force and the Wildhorse Foundation, represents the movement of Dayton from its storied past into a bright future. Details on the event included below.

Our celebration kicked off at Historic Dayton Days over Memorial Day weekend with the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial logo being presented in the annual parade. Committee members created a “Walk Through History” parade entry featuring the logo and historical elements including a horse and carriage ferrying the current County Commissioners, a restored antique tractor and a modern piece of farm equipment. The Columbia County Fair Association also participated with their annual community float tailored to the Sesquicentennial featuring the logo and the 2025 Fair Hostesses (Royalty).

Committee members have also participated with displays in All Wheels Weekend Car Show in June and the annual Alumni gathering in July, and the Columbia County Fair went all out, embracing the theme Columbia County, 150 Years of Heritage and Heart and centering fair activities around this special anniversary.

The Sesquicentennial Legacy Event, set for October 4th, invites everyone to take part in a vibrant day of history, community, and celebration.

Schedule of Events

    • 10 am – 3 pm – Art Walk by the Blue Mountain Artists
      Moose Creek Café & Bakery, Dayton Historic Depot, Locally Nourished
    • 11 am – Opening Ceremony
      Dayton Historic Depot, 222 E Commercial: Local, State, and Federal Dignitaries arrive by Stagecoach to open the event
    • 11 am – 4 pm – Tours of the “Abraham Lincoln” Pullman Railroad Car
      On the tracks next to the Dayton Historic Depot
    • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Meet-Your-Neighbor “Chuckwagon” Lunch by The Q
      Dayton Historic Depot: Free (Quantity is Limited). Tickets are required and may be picked up at the Dayton Chronicle,Liberty Theater, – Dayton Chamber, Locally Nourished, Dayton School District Office,Dayton Hospital Admin Office, Fifth & Willow, Dayton Historic Depot or the Port of Columbia or call the Port at 509-382-2577 by Thursday, October 2 to reserve tickets.
    • 12 – 3 pm – Downtown Guided Walking Tours & Living History Vignettes
      Living History Players portray early Col Co figures at historic venues. Tours start at the Depot.
    • 1 – 1:45 pm – Sauerkraut & Stories with Mr. Stine
      Boldman House Museum, 410 N 1st
      Living History Performance & Workshop: How to Make Sauerkraut. Tastings included.
    • 3 – 4 pm – Ice Cream Social
      Columbia County Courthouse, 341 E Main. Hand dipped ice cream & Weinhard Root beer Floats
    • Closing Ceremony and Mural Unveiling
      Palus Museum, 426 E Main. Come see the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial Committee’s gift to the community

Click here for a full schedule of events, including each location and character for the Living History Vignettes.

As part of the yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration, the final tribute to 150 Years of Heritage and Heart will take place during Dayton’s beloved Christmas Kick Off in November. This festive closing event will feature holiday-themed activities with a historic twist, including horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, vintage decorations, and a special appearance by characters from Columbia County’s past. Warm up with hot cocoa, enjoy live music and lights, and help us close out this milestone year with community cheer and timeless holiday magic.

Working Washington 4.0

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

The Washington State Department of Commerce sent out a press release today announcing the new Working Washington 4.0 small business grant program. The application portal will be open for 12 days starting Monday, March 29 and closing Friday, April 9th. Applications will be handled by the Department of Commerce through an online portal. MORE INFO HERE

Landscaping & Weed Control RFPs Sought

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

The Port of Columbia is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) for professional services from qualified firms for the purpose of landscaping, irrigation maintenance & weed/pest control services at the Rockhill Industrial Park, Blue Mountain Station and other Port owned properties in Dayton, WA. It is the Port’s intent to use the information to enter into contract(s) for services for 2021. Information submitted should include a list of qualifications, proof of WA State licensing, proof of insurance, hourly labor rate, and materials mark-up.  The Port of Columbia encourages women and minority-owned businesses to apply. MORE INFO HERE

Comp Plan Updates To Be Considered

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

Updates and administrative changes to the Port of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan will be considered for adoption at the Port of Columbia regular commission meeting on February 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm.  A public hearing will be held to take comments on the document, which can be viewed here.  Proposed changes are tracked in red. Please contact the Port office at 509-382-2577 or jennie@portofcolumbia.org if you have questions about the plan. Instructions for joining the meeting and the public hearing via Zoom will be posted with the meeting agenda on Monday, February 8.

New Working Washington 3.0 Grant Program Open

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

The Washington State Department of Commerce has opened a new round of small business grant funding aimed at providing assistance to businesses hurt by the most recent COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of being facilitated by local agencies this time (Port), the state will be handling the application process.  To review eligibility information and apply, visit the Working Washington 3.0 webpage. Port staff is ready to answer questions and provided help as needed.  Please call 509-382-2577 or email jennie@portofcolumbia.org for assistance.

2021 Budget Hearing Set

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

The Port of Columbia Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday, November 10th at 3:30 pm to hear comments on the proposed 2021 budget, which can be viewed here. The meeting will take place via Zoom. Instructions for joining the meeting are on the agenda above.

Last Call for Grants

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

October 30th is the deadline to turn in applications for the Port of Columbia COVID-19 Small Business Relief fund. Has your business been financially harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic? Is your business in Columbia County, WA? Do you have 10 employees or less? You may be eligible for funding. visit our COVID-19 page for details, and read the press release here.

Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Recipients Announced

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

After 7 weeks of waiting, the Department of Commerce finally announced the recipients of the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program for Columbia County. Columbia County had 31 businesses apply, and 25 were awarded funds by the Governor’s office and the Department of Commerce. State lottery proceeds from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund were used for the program. No Port of Columbia funds were used, and the Port declined using any of the funds for administration so that all monies would be available to businesses. We are working on the creation of a second, local grant fund in order to provide more assistance to those businesses still hurting from the COVID shutdown.

Casting caution: Rural business owners ask boaters and fishers to respect guidelines

Posted by Jennie Dickinson on

While local business owners are ready to get open again, social distancing and other rules created during the COVID19 pandemic need to be following in order for those businesses to stay open.  Recreating in Columbia County is popular, and for decades we have welcomed people from across the state into our community. Times are different this spring, and our recreation business owners are asking visitors to respect the guidelines set forth so their ability to stay open is not jeopardized. More info here.