News & Media

Where to See Christmas Lights in Pierce County, WA

The holiday season is here, and Pierce County is ready to dazzle with incredible light displays that bring the magic of Christmas to life! Whether you’re looking for a drive-through experience or a casual neighborhood stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this guide to the best Christmas light displays around the Sound! Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park is a must-see for families and holiday light enthusiasts. This drive-through event stretches over 2.5 miles and features more than 300 light displays, including animated favorites like Santa and his reindeer. The best part? You stay warm and dry while enjoying the magic of the season from your car. Don’t forget to tune your radio to the special holiday music station! Dates: November 29th – January 5th, 2025 Location: Spanaway Park | 1000 Military Road South, Spanaway 98387 Cost: Per vehicle (discounts available on select nights) Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Point Defiance Zoo’s Zoolights is a local favorite. Walk through the zoo as it’s transformed with over a million LED lights in animal-themed displays. Highlights include a towering lighted octopus, a glowing tiger, and much more! Dates: November 29th – January 5th, 2025 Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium | 5400 N Pearl Street, Tacoma Cost: General admission tickets required Downtown Tacoma Holiday Lights Downtown Tacoma knows how to do the holidays right! Take a walk along Pacific Avenue to see trees wrapped in lights and festive storefronts. Stop by the Holiday Tree in Tollefson Plaza for a perfect photo op or check out the glowing light displays around the Marriott Convention Center’s Lighted Stairs. Winter Solstice in Lakewood For a unique and community-focused holiday experience, check out the Winter Solstice event in Lakewood. This celebration is held at Lakewold Gardens and features a mix of lights, art activities, warm beverages, and live entertainment. It’s a family-friendly event with plenty of holiday spirit! Dates: Fridays – Sundays, December 13th – 29th, 2024 Location: Lakewold Gardens | ...

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December 9th, 2024

Essential Packing and Moving Tips for Winter Moves

Seasonal Storage Tips

Moving during the winter months can be a little tricky, but with the right approach, you can make sure your move goes smoothly. Here are some simple yet effective tips to make your winter move easier and safer! Watch the Weather and Be Flexible Winter weather is unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast. Snow and icy conditions can delay a move, so have a backup plan in case of last-minute changes, and keep your movers informed. Use Storage as a Staging Area A storage unit can be a lifesaver during winter moves. Moving non-essential items to storage ahead of time lightens your load on the big day, and climate-controlled units help protect sensitive items like electronics, wood furniture, and artwork from the cold. Prep Your Belongings for Cold Weather Cold temps can be tough on certain items. Wrap fragile belongings in extra padding and avoid packing liquids that might freeze and leak. Electronics should be transported carefully and ideally in insulated boxes or blankets to protect them from the chill. Prepare Your New Space Before moving day, make sure the heat and electricity are set up at your new home. Shovel and salt any icy or snowy walkways to ensure a safe entry, and place non-slip mats near entry points to prevent slips. Dress Warm and Pack Winter Essentials Layer up! Wear warm, non-slip boots for navigating icy ground, and pack gloves and hand warmers. Have an emergency kit in the car with essentials like blankets, snacks, a flashlight, and a scraper in case of delays. Schedule During Daylight Hours With fewer daylight hours, try to plan as much as possible while it’s still light outside. If your move stretches into the evening, bring portable lights for better visibility. Take Safety Precautions Moving in cold weather requires some extra precautions. Cover floors to avoid tracking in snow and slush, and use extra padding to secure heavy items to prevent slips. These steps will help you avoid accidents and ...

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November 11th, 2024

Your Guide to Halloween Festivities in Chelan County, WA

Community News

It's almost time — here’s a roundup of 2024 Halloween events happening in and around Chelan County, WA that you won’t want to miss! Chelan Evening Farmers Market Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 Time: 2:00 - 6:00PM Location: Riverwalk Park, 117 E Wapato Ave, Chelan, WA 98816 Event Details → Fall in Downtown - Adult Trick or Treat (Wine Walk + Live Music!) Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024 Time: 5:00 - 7:00PM Location: Downtown Chelan Event Details → Halloween Community Trick or Treat Trick-or Treat at local businesses in downtown Chelan including a flash mob thriller dance at the end! Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024 Time: 5:00 - 8:00PM Location: Downtown Chelan Event Details → Haunted Manson, Harvest by Day, Haunted by Night Celebrate Halloween with a full day of activites! Date: Thursday, October 21st, 2024 Time: 12:00 - 8:00PM Event Schedule: Find Jack Scavenger Hunt (All Day) at Participating Businesses in Manson + Chelan Scarecrow Contest (All Day) in Downtown Chelan Escape Room (4:00PM) at 17 Hale Street Fall Family Fest (4:00 - 6:00PM) at North Shore Bible Church Halloween Happy Hour (4:00 - 6:00PM) at Tipsy Canyon Winery Event Details → Annual Halloween Custume and Dance Party Date: Friday, October 25th, 2024 Time: 7:00 - 10:00PM Location: Siren Song Wines Vineyard Estate and Winery, 635 South Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816 Event Details → We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween celebration! ...

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October 21st, 2024

How to Prepare Your Boat, RV, or Trailer for Winter Storage

Seasonal Storage Tips

As the colder weather approaches, it’s time to start thinking about where and how to store your boat, RV, or trailer. Properly preparing your outdoor toys for winter will help keep them in great shape, so when warmer days return, you can hit the road—or the water—without any headaches. Here are some simple tips to get ready for winter hibernation. Clean and Cover Before you store your boat, RV, or trailer, give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. For boats, make sure to scrub off any saltwater residue or algae. With RVs and trailers, take the time to remove any food or trash to avoid inviting pests to take up residence while it’s in storage. Once it’s all cleaned up, throw on a weatherproof cover to protect it from the elements. A good cover will block out moisture, UV rays, and dirt, keeping your vehicle in better shape for when spring rolls around. Drain Fluids and Check Antifreeze Levels If water is left in tanks or lines, it can freeze and cause damage during winter. Drain your freshwater tank, gray and black water tanks, and any plumbing systems in your RV or trailer. If your vehicle has a water heater, drain that too. Don’t forget to check the antifreeze levels to protect your engine from freezing temperatures. Disconnect the Batteries Batteries don’t like sitting idle in the cold, so disconnecting them before storage is a good idea. This will prevent them from draining completely or getting damaged. If possible, store the batteries in a cool, dry place, and charge them up occasionally during the winter. For boats, it’s also smart to grease electrical connections to prevent corrosion. A trickle charger can also help keep the charge topped off without overdoing it. Take Care of the Tires Cold temperatures can affect your tires too. Inflate them to the recommended pressure before storage to help avoid any flat spots or cracking. If you want to go the extra mile, tire covers can protect them from ice, snow, and UV ...

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October 10th, 2024

How to Store Summer Gear and Prepare for Winter

Seasonal Storage Tips

As Summer winds down, it's time to turn your attention to storing your Summer items for the Winter! Properly packing away your seasonal items not only helps maintain their condition but also makes your transition into Fall and Winter smoother and helps you stay organized. Here are some essential tips and tricks for storing your Summer items and preparing for the colder months ahead. Clean Before You Store Before storing your summer items away, make sure they’re clean. Dirt, sweat, and stains can become harder to remove over time and might even cause damage if left untreated. Launder your beach towels, swimsuits, and summer clothes. For outdoor gear like camping equipment or patio furniture, clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew. Use Proper Storage Containers Invest in clear, airtight bins or vacuum-sealed bags. These will protect your items from dust, moisture, and pests. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without having to open each container, while vacuum-sealed bags save space by reducing the volume of the items. Protect Seasonal Clothing For clothes, use garment bags or breathable storage bags to keep them protected. For items like swimsuits and summer dresses, ensure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold. Avoid overstuffing containers as this can cause wrinkles and damage. Store Shoes Correctly Clean your Summer footwear and make sure they’re dry before storing. For sandals and flip-flops, keep them in a cool, dry place. Stuff shoes with paper or shoe trees to maintain their shape and store them in breathable bags to avoid odors. Prepare Outdoor Gear For outdoor equipment like beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, make sure they are clean and dry before storing. Disassemble items if possible to save space. Use covers for larger items and store them in a sheltered area to protect them from the elements. Organize Your Storage Space Label your bins and boxes to make it easy to locate items when you need them. Organize them by category—such as clothing, footwear, and outdoor gear—to streamline the process when you’re ...

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September 4th, 2024

Tips on Choosing the Right Storage Facility

Storage Tips

Assess Your Storage Needs Choosing the right storage facility starts with understanding what you need to store. Consider the type and amount of items. Fragile items like electronics, antiques, or documents may require climate-controlled units to protect against extreme temperatures and humidity. At Express Storage, we offer a range of climate-controlled units to keep your valuables safe. Additionally, think about the size of the unit. If you’re unsure what size unit you may need, use Express Storage’s storage calculator to receive a unit size suggestion. If you still have questions about unit sizes, contact a storage expert at your nearest Express Storage location. Evaluate Security Features Security is an important factor when selecting a storage facility. Look for features such as video surveillance and gated entry. Express Storage takes security seriously, offering 24-hour video surveillance with fully fenced locations and gated entry to keep your items secure. Consider Convenience and Accessibility Location and accessibility are key considerations. Choose a facility close to your home or business for easy access. Express Storage has 16 conveniently located facilities across Western and Eastern Washington, each with flexible access hours to accommodate your busy schedule. Also, observe the cleanliness and condition of the facility, as a well-maintained site reflects the management's commitment to quality service. At Express Storage, we pride ourselves on maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for our customers. By considering these factors, you can select a storage facility that meets your needs and provides peace of mind. Ready to find the perfect storage solution for your needs? Contact us today! ...

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August 20th, 2024