Kalispell Downtown Association statement on the Kalispell KruiseKalispell Downtown Association statement on the Kalispell Kruise
Good evening My name is Elma Giavasis, Vice President of the Downtown
Kalispell Association, downtown business owner and resident. My address is
136 2nd Street West.
The mission of the Downtown Kalispell Association (or KDA) is to support the
economic growth and vitality of Historic Downtown. Our number one goal is to
support our downtown businesses who choose to open their doors in our
community. Because let’s face it, owning a business on Main street isn’t always
easy and there are many temptations to move to other commercial hubs in
Kalispell and around the valley. These business owners often place their
community ahead of their wallets and we are all lucky to have them. They are
fundamental to the Kalispell community.
I’ve spent the last week talking to downtown businesses to get their take on the
Friday Night Kruise.
Here was what I learned. A few businesses that are not open on Friday nights
seemed less concerned (though they were interested in keeping an eye on
discussions). Many businesses oppose the Kruise but are hesitant to speak out,
fearing retaliation; one downtown business owner has even been threatened
for voicing concerns. Others report significant negative impacts, especially
those open during the Kruise hours.
A restaurant owner I spoke with shared that, during the summer—typically their
busiest season—Friday nights, once their most lively, have become the slowest
of the week. This is a business that’s worked tirelessly to keep serving our
downtown, yet like many others, they're facing rising costs, staffing challenges,
and other obstacles. Now, one of their two weekend nights is their quietest.
I love our downtown, but let's be honest—our options for dining and
entertainment are limited. It’s essential we support the restaurants that have
invested their heart into making downtown Kalispell a vibrant place.
Another retailer told me that Friday’s used to be the time folks would come in
and shop for their weekend supplies. It was a consistent revenue stream that
they could count on. Their Friday night sales have plummeted with regulars
expressing anger over the Kruise’s hold on downtown Kalispell.
One business I spoke with used to love hosting events on Friday nights,
keeping their doors open to welcome passersby. But with the increased noise
and fumes, they've had to cancel their Friday night gatherings.
Many of our downtown businesses rely on additional revenue from long and
short term rentals above their place of business. They are finding that visitors,
while they love their stay downtown, are choosing not to return because of the
Kruise.
The Kalispell Downtown Association often organize events downtown to invite
our community to support our Main Street businesses. Last Spring we hosted a
Ladies Night on a Friday. Pedestrians were harassed, our Main street was left
with massive rubber burnout debris, and it was basically very uninviting. We
spent over $1000 to encourage people downtown and it took only a few
individuals to destroy our efforts.
The folks from the Kruise obviously need an outlet, they need an event. I get
that and I want them to have that. If they want to hold it on Main Street, I’d like
to see them go through the same process the rest of us do: securing written
permission from state, county, or city authorities, obtaining an event permit,
and ensuring a safe, well-policed event. I’m not sure why the Kruise is
permitted to operate differently than what's required for everyone else.
I would support an ordinance or whatever enforcement is necessary to help
keep downtown Kalispell safe and economically viable.