Wildcat Night Out helps strengthen town-and-gown relationship

Downtown Ellensburg hosted hundreds of shoppers on October 14 for Wildcat Night Out, giving CWU students, employees, and alumni an opportunity to explore and get to know more than two dozen local business owners.

Twenty-six businesses participated in this year’s event, hosted by the Ellensburg Downtown Association (EDA), in partnership with CWU. The EDA reported that the event grew by 25% this year thanks in part to expanding the focus to all Wildcats instead of only students.

An official head count was not available, but the EDA reported that it handed out more than 400 bingo cards for the end-of-the-night prize drawing.

“As a CWU alum, I loved seeing so many Wildcats downtown,” said Katie Holm, Director of Community Engagement with the EDA. “It felt like the gap between campus and downtown is fading. You could feel the excitement in the air; it’s the kind of night that makes you proud to call Ellensburg home.”

Among the businesses that helped put on the Homecoming Week event were co-sponsors Ellensburg Pasta Co., Mariposa Medical Aesthetics, Buddy's Barkery, Gard Vintners, Claim Clothing, and Fortuity Cellars.

The EDA team noted that attendees stayed longer this year to explore the downtown businesses, while 88.1 The ‘Burg energized the streets and provided the entertainment at the after-party in Unity Park.

“Wildcat Night Out was an amazing celebration of CWU pride!” said Bridget Tenge of Ellensburg Pasta Company. “We’re thrilled to have been part of the excitement and to support an event that brings students together in such a memorable way.”

The EDA team noted that the biggest achievement for Wildcat Night Out was seeing so many people gathering in downtown. There is a feeling among downtown business owners and the CWU community that the “town-and-gown divide” is continuing to dissipate more every year.

“It has been really fun to see CWU students so engaged with the downtown businesses,” said Hayley Harrell, Marketing and Event Coordinator with the EDA. “Many have never explored downtown, and they are excited to revisit some of their new favorite locations. We are proud to see Wildcat Night Out become an annual tradition.”

CWU Chief of Staff Dania Cochran believes the university is also benefiting from the rekindled relationship with the downtown business community because students have new opportunities to find a home away from home in Ellensburg.

“Events like CWU Wildcat Night Out offer a fun and unique way for students — and all Wildcats — to find their next favorite shop, next favorite hangout spot, part-time jobs, and future careers,” Cochran, who serves as EDA Board President. “They weave their Wildcat experience into the Ellensburg community, which leaves a lasting impact on how we love and support our businesses and community relationships.”