Last week News 9-WAOW was live at the construction zone for an in-depth look at the rise and fall of the Wausau Center Mall. Dave Eckmann, president of the Wausau Chamber and Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc (WOZ) explained the mall’s impact on northcentral Wisconsin and how the redevelopment with mixed-use space will increase opportunities in the future.
Mark Craig, former mall manager and WOZ director, said the site will be ready for redevelopment by Labor Day and a developer will be selected for the first phase of residential buildings. Watch Wausau Center news coverage here.
July starts with a bang in downtown Wausau as an Independence Day concert has been added to the summer concert schedule and ChalkFest and Sidewalk Sales return. Here are upcoming events:
Concerts on the Square
Wednesday, June 30
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Dig Deep, a four-piece string band playing Americana bluegrass, folk and rock, on The 400 Block
Sunday, July 4
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Almost Normal performs 70s to today top 40 music on The 400 Block
Wednesday, July 7
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Fareed Haque, a jazz guitarist, on The 400 Block
ChalkFest Wausau
Local artists of all ages use chalk to turn The 400 Block sidewalks into colorful works of art. This popular art festival has been taking place since 2004 and culminates with an award ceremony that names top winners who are invited to return as featured artists next year. For more information on ChalkFest or to sign up as an artist, visit Wausau Events.
Saturday, July 10
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Artists check in at registration tent on The 400 Block
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Artists work on their squares. The public can browse and watch the artists in action
Sunday, July 11
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Artists continue working on their squares
4 p.m.: Award ceremony
Sidewalk Sales
Deals and discounts abound all weekend in downtown Wausau starting on Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11. “Get the best deals of the summer from your favorite local businesses,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, executive director of Wausau River District. “It’s a can’t-miss-experience in charming historic downtown Wausau.”
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