PORT TOWNSEND — The intersection of Lawrence and Tyler streets was closed again Saturday, nearly two weeks after the Aldrich’s grocery fire there.
This time the reason wasn’t for demolition or fire investigation, but for a community celebration.
Hundreds of people filled just a couple blocks of the historic Uptown business district throughout the day for the Uptown Street Fair.
Food, crafts, music and a parade highlighted the event, and at times it seemed people not wearing Aldrich’s T-shirts were in the minority.
Around 200 of the shirts were sold at the event, store co-owner David Hamilton said.
In addition, other Aldrich’s memorabilia was for sale.
Money from the sales are going to a fund to help cover the losses incurred by Hamilton and co-owner Jonathan Ryweck when the 114-year-old building was gutted by fire.
Four teenagers are being questioned about the fire, though police say it wasn’t set intentionally.
Temporary plywood walls protecting the site are all that’s left of the store.
For a time, Port Townsend Main Street Executive Director Mari Mullen said she was unsure the event would go on.
But, there was a strong urge to do so in light of the fire, she said.
——————–
The rest of this story can be found in Sunday’s Peninsula Daily News.
