As the days grow longer and the streets of Longview begin to fill with the fresh green of early spring, local organizers are gearing up for a busy season of community events intended to draw residents downtown and support small businesses.

The Longview Downtowners Association has announced a calendar that includes live music at R.A. Long Park, the annual Art Walk featuring local creators, and the return of the Cowlitz Farmers Market on April 13. Visitors can expect an expanded slate of vendors this year, many of them local growers from around Cowlitz County offering early produce, starts, and preserved goods.

For downtown merchants, these gatherings offer both a boost in foot traffic and a reminder of the role Main Street plays in community cohesion. “People come down to grab a coffee, browse the market, and they end up discovering new shops and restaurants,” said a representative of the Downtowners. “That kind of connection keeps our city center alive.”

Events like these also highlight the importance of public spaces as shared, democratic assets — spaces preserved and supported by collective effort. In an era where so much of daily life has shifted online, coming together in person in a public square represents more than leisure; it’s a quiet act of civic participation.

Residents can find event updates and volunteer opportunities through the Longview Downtowners Association and the City of Longview website at mylongview.com.