Manson receives two state Main Street awards for heritage project, volunteer service

MANSON — The Historic Manson Main Street Association has received two statewide honors from the Washington State Main Street Program, recognizing a downtown heritage project and the volunteer efforts of a local resident.

The association's Heritage Storytelling Panel Project received the 2026 Excellence on Main Award for Outstanding Special Project, while Manson resident Marci Trask was recognized as a Standout Volunteer for her work maintaining and beautifying downtown Manson alongside her husband, Jonathan.

The awards were presented during the closing event of the 2026 PLACES Conference, which brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, organizers and historic preservation advocates from across Washington.

Historic Manson Main Street Association President Kim Ustanik, Vice President Wayne Miller and Wynd Metal Works owner and artist Alec Wynd accepted the Outstanding Special Project award on behalf of the community.

They were joined at the ceremony by Historic Manson Champions Marci and Jonathan Trask and Hailee Lehman, artist Kyndall Wynd and Manson Community Council representative Gerry Ustanik.

The award-winning Heritage Storytelling Panel Project establishes a permanent walking heritage trail through downtown Manson, using interpretive panels to share stories about the community's history and identity.

The project adds to a series of community initiatives developed over the past two decades to preserve Manson's heritage and improve public spaces.

"This project has truly been a collaboration of efforts, stories, and love for our community," said Ustanik. "Our board, champions, and residents came together to share Manson's identity and let the genuine friendliness of our community shine."

The association has participated in several community improvement and preservation efforts, including the Welcome to Manson monument, Heritage Tree project, Manson's centennial celebration, Manson Village Green community park and the community's Dark Sky Initiative.

The Heritage Storytelling Panel Project builds on those efforts by providing a permanent way for residents and visitors to learn about Manson's history while walking through its downtown business district.

"We are committed to having fun and getting things done," added Miller.

Trask's individual recognition acknowledges her ongoing volunteer work to maintain and improve the appearance of downtown Manson. She and her husband have contributed time and effort to caring for public spaces in the community.

"We love Manson and want to take the best care possible of our community," said Trask.

The Washington State Main Street Program is an initiative of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, which contracts with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation to manage and operate the program.

The annual Excellence on Main Awards recognize communities, organizations and individuals involved in downtown revitalization, historic preservation and efforts to support local economic vitality throughout Washington.

The Historic Manson Main Street Association works to preserve and revitalize downtown Manson through community projects, historic preservation and public improvements.