The history of Ritzville’s downtown business district dates back to the late 1880s.
Preserving the history and reinvigorating the downtown business district is a priority for the Ritzville Downtown Development Association, a federally recognized non-profit.
The Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) was established in 2003. The organization serves the business district located within the National Historic District, which was created in 1990.
The organization bases its activities on the principles of the National Main Street Center and Washington State’s Downtown Revitalization Services program.
For nearly a decade, the RDDA has hosted Historic Ritzville Days activities on Memorial Day Weekend. This is the same weekend that the Ritzville Alumni Association welcomes the return of Ritzville High School Alumni for an annual reunion banquet.
The Historic Ritzville Days gathering evolved in 2007 to become the Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show. The event is held entirely within the boundaries of Ritzville’s National Historic District, centered in Pioneer Plaza just off Main Avenue.
The event is meant to celebrate the city’s history; embrace the rural lifestyle this agricultural community has enjoyed for more than a century; and recognize the importance of public art and the artists who create wonderful representations of our country through their artwork.
The Ritzville Downtown Development Association, in partnership with the City of Ritzville, is proud to be the sponsor of an annual metal sculpture project. This project strives to commission historically pertinent metal sculptures that honor the City of Ritzville’s founding fathers and the recorded history of the surrounding area.
The city currently has nine permanently placed metal sculptures located throughout the city. Another sculpture is planned for unveiling during the 2010 art show.
In 2009 the RDDA, in conjunction with the art show, brought music history and art programs to the Ritzville School District and will continue with the programs in 2010. These enrichment programs are intended to provide students with educational activities that help promote the arts and expose them to creative career opportunities.
Your contribution and/or sponsorship will help support the RDDA’s efforts.
Individual Supporter $25
Family Supporter $50
Premier Supporter $150
Business/Bronze $250+
Business/Silver $500+
Business/Gold $1,000+
Business/Platinum $2,500+
