Historic downtown Snohomish visitors may soon be able to arrive by train if city leaders and GNP railway can come to an agreement. The downtown Snohomish historic business district has already spent over $5000 on a visitor readiness report.

This report outlines preparation readiness and strategies for attracting more tourists to this historic small-town known as the antique capital of the Northwest. Visitors to Snohomish find it a calm and relaxing step into the past when things were a little bit less hectic.

The Snohomish visitor readiness report is now in the hands the tourism advisory board to have the tasks divided up between the member organizations. Many of the items on the to-do list are fairly straightforward and require very little time or revenue.

Others will require considerable time and resources to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

For example: Redeveloping the historic downtown Snohomish brand that seems to change every few years. The newest branding statement is 'Promoting Vitality and Preserving Character'.

Other items on the list include introducing public art along the river walk, adding interpretive signage at relevant locations, finding volunteers to help guide tours throughout the city and greeters to meet train passengers and point the way to downtown.

Some simple communication fixes would be the availability of brochures and a list of websites for prospective visitors to gather relevant information about Snohomish. Markets and businesses are encouraged to be open during the train's stopover and events are encouraged to move their times to coincide with the tourist train also.

Mayor Guzak who was at the first tourism advisory committee meeting was enthusiastic about the involvement of the leading community organizations. Warner Blake, Mayor Guzak's partner, is a local history buff and has lobbied for introducing interpretive signage along the river walk at points and then renaming it the Snohomish River heritage walk. The walk would reveal stories of early settlement and industries. It could be marketed and attraction all on its own. Warner Blake has done work with the Snohomish historical Society and would be the likely candidate to oversee the Snohomish River heritage walk project.

Over the next several weeks the Snohomish Times will be tackling several issues regarding the arrival of the tourist train. There is no doubt that the train is coming, the only question is when and will we be ready.

For additional information about the tourism task force contact Debbie Emgie at the city of Snohomish.