The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG-Local entrepreneurs Erin Elsey and Kimberly Smith are opening a new shop in Waitsburg. The shop, 131 Main, is full of products from the two owners' businesses, A-Ron's Rustic Designs and Smith Craft. The shop will also include a selection from Hugs Gifts & Collectables.

Owner of A-Ron Rustic Designs, Elsey has participated in local vendor events offering decorative dish towels, potholders, aprons, and clothing. Her humor is evident on the selection of children's t-shirts and onesies she prints fun sayings and images on. She will offer custom printing through the shop, use your imagination and create a unique gift.

Smith Craft, a family business from Prescott, Wash., has been expanding its product line from knives to a variety of handmade, resell, and custom items since opening in 2004.

Hugs Gifts & Collectables, owned by former Waitsburg Commercial Club President Joy Smith, was once located a few doors down. Smith will bring treasures and experience to the new endeavor.

Through their work with the Waitsburg Commerical Club, Elsey and Smith have long supported area home businesses by organizing and participating in vendor events. Elsy is the club's secretary and Smith is the president.

The pair took great pains to keep the new shop a secret for months and are excited to open the doors for the grand reveal this weekend. The new space gives the entrepreneurs a place where they can grow their businesses and add to Waitsburg's commercial district.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of this home-grown shop this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy shopping and prizes.

The regular hours for 131 Main will be:

Friday, Sat & Sunday 9-3

Available by appointment

509-730-0981

509-731-9233