The Tuesdays In Ballard Task Force, a newly formed group of Ballard merchants and community leaders, will host a meeting with business owners on Tuesday, June 2 to brainstorm a new summer shopping campaign.

“We want to connect with our fellow local merchants, large and small, at this meeting,” said Angela Rae, Task Force member and owner of Kick It Boutique. “This gathering will be a chance for businesses to join an exciting neighborhood grass roots effort by becoming In Ballard Retail Partners. Plus, it will be fun to socialize with our colleagues.” 

The free gathering will be held at the Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. N.W., Captain Ballard Room, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The group will then host an informal networking hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., with refreshments generously provided by Ray’s Boathouse. 

The Task Force is planning a summer-long Tuesdays In Ballard campaign designed to entice shoppers and entertainment seekers from around the Puget Sound to shop, eat and play in the historic neighborhood on Tuesdays. Retail partners in the campaign will offer unique consumer incentives and events to enhance the Tuesdays experience for both locals and visitors, according to a press release.

A printed walking guide and Web site map are also in the works for the campaign. 

Trunk shows, live music, cooking demonstrations and product discounts are a few examples of specials that In Ballard Retail Partners will offer each Tuesday during the summer. The mission of Tuesdays In Ballard is to ensure a flourishing Ballard economy through collective event planning and advertising among Ballard businesses.

The name “In Ballard,” builds on the established InBallard.com Web site, launched in 1998 by Ballard’s Design Hovie Studios. 

Business owners hope shoppers will be enticed to come to Ballard since it is home to the Hiram Chittenden Locks, the second most visited tourist destination in Seattle, and claims a lively music scene, a farmer’s market, and waterfront parks. With its growing roster of independent boutiques and acclaimed restaurants, the neighborhood has a small-town feel within the larger Seattle metropolis. 

“We hope that dozens of businesses will get involved," said Laura Buzard, Task Force member and owner of Laura Bee Designs. "Ballard is a gem of a neighborhood with so many unique shops and fun activities. We’re ready to band together to share this little corner of Seattle with the whole region.”

Task force members include:

Angela Rae, Owner, Kick It Boutique
Laura Buzard, Owner, Laura Bee Designs
Dave Kearns, General Manager, Hi-Life Restaurant
Inez Gray, Founder, Habitude Spa & Salons
Matthew Lawrence, Co-Owner, Asher Anson Clothier
Jerry Morris, Co-Owner, Asher Anson Clothier
Hovie Hawk, Owner, Design Hovie Studios & founder of www.InBallard.com
Stacie Stevens, Owner, Niche Retail Marketing