Auburn on Main

We're somehow 45 episodes into this thing. Pretty wild, right? I can't believe it either. No guest on the show this week, but that's OK because Chester and Jonathan wanted to talk about the Auburn Magazine -- you know, that thing that's delivered to your mailbox four times a year? (If you live in Auburn, that is). This upcoming issue is packed full of interesting stories, from the cover story diving into the Auburn Public Schools Foundation, to the street closures in downtown Auburn, to the history of the Hops and Crops Music and Beer festival and the ale it produces, to state of our streets, new artists in residence, and so much more. Seriously, you're not gonna want to miss this. The newest issue hits your doorstep June 20 so be on the lookout!!!!

As Office Space's Bob Slydell would ask...what would you say...you do here? It's a question I'm sure many out there wonder when they read the job description "permit technician II." huh? Well, Devin Cannon is here to break down what a permit technician does, why it's important, and why, despite some hating the word perm and it together, a permit is so necessary in the world we live in. Plus, she has some pretty great insights into what it's like explaining to the people you know what it is you do all day (they don't have a clue). Stick around for the permit and inspector trivia to test your knowledge!

You're probably listening to this on a Wednesday but if not, most likely a Thursday or a Friday or a Saturday or -- you get the point. But if you happen to be listening on a Tuesday, and it's the morning, THEN GET YOURSELF TO DOWNTOWN AUBURN FAST! Because every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this spring and summer, City Hall Plaza is hosting two NEW food trucks (some repeats, apologies). Economic Development Coordinator Emerson Folker joins Jonathan and Chester to talk about the new food truck craze hitting Auburn, in addition to a city partnered discount program called Eat Local Auburn, with discounts on meals and deals across the city. Just head over to Economic Development's website here: https://www.ecdev.auburnwa.gov/current-restaurant-promotions

The boys also talk about other upcoming events happening on Fridays in June, July and August, but we'll talk more about that later. For now, eat some food why don't ya.

Because we talked so much about food trucks, trivia this week is allllll about the 2014 movie Chef, starring Jon Favreau. Jonathan is a big fan. Sorry.

It's a day after Earth Day (sorry) and while we recorded this a week prior, I think we did a pretty good job capturing the essence of earth by celebrating a very-Auburn event coming up -- CLEAN SWEEP! in case you've been living under a rock (don't worry, we'll clean those up) Clean Sweep is Auburn's annual Earth Day-orbiting (pun intended) event where thousands of folks from across the city will descend upon parks, green spaces, flower beds, sidewalks, streets? idk, all across the City of Auburn to plant plants, flower flowers, and clean and sweep. You can still pre-register for the event and pick your spot, or just show up to the Community and Events Center at 8 a.m. for FREE BREAKFAST and tag along to a park near you. Stick around to the end of the episode to test your Arbor Day knowledge and learn why you should never consume Dabomb hot sauce.

It's that time of the year when the rain won't stop, it just seems to rain all of the time, water literally cannot seem to quit falling from the sky, and then also it's just kinda drizzling all of the time. But that also means it's nearly Easter, and when it's Easter, that means it's time for Peter Cotton Trail! Parks Coordinator Ashley Gain, who oversees the event, joins Chester and Jonathan to share some insights into Mr. Cotton Tail and his cool event, and why you should be excited to explore the parks and trails around Auburn in search of the elusive bunnies. Tune in to hear more about the event and stick around for Fire and Facts at the end, where we test your knowledge of Peter, Easter and Bunny trivia (you won't wanna miss it).

It's been years in the making but we finally got Lucky Backus, daughter of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, into the podcast studio! (We finally asked and she immediately agreed and it was super fun). Lucky joins us all the way from Olympia, where she lives with her partner. She helps manage the Vans in the Capital Mall and when in Auburn, can be found just about anywhere the mayor is currently -- like City Hall, at city events. You name it, she's seen it. We reminisce about her days growing up here (getting in trouble for listening to the TV too loud in the back areas), moving away, starting her own life, and of course, what it's like to grow up the child of a politician.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Auburn Symphony Orchestra's Executive Director, Rachel Perry and Music Director & Conductor, Wes Schulz! The dynamic duo took a long walk down Main Street (2 blocks) to City Hall to discuss this season's upcoming shows, how the last few have gone, and things to get excited about that are on the horizon! Learn why you should be impressed by your friend who can play the trumpet, and learn how difficult it can be to join a symphony (it's no walk in the park). Stick around for the symphony versus graphic design trivia at the end.

Grace Abrams song titles aside, this episode is all about the BRAND STINKIN' NEW MISS AUBURN AND MISS AUBURN'S TEEN! Chandler Groce and Malia Watanabe-Collier are hot off the Miss Auburn circuit where they were recently crowned! Chandler has an amazing story of preserverance and determination, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at just 17 years old (she's 22 now). She's writing a children's book all about it, and she'd love if you'll read it one day. Malia, on the other hand, is 14 and already smarter than you and I and everyone else. She's going to change the world one day, believe you me.

It's the Wednesday after the Super Bowl, a game between two teams we'd rather wax our entire back than ever watch play in the final game of the season. Again. Again. But there's business to talk about, so Chester, Jonathan and Angee get down and dirty about the second phase of the Postmark, set to finish up this spring, and how bees are TAKING OVER AUBURN!!!! OK, not really, but they are lovin' the wildflower beds are Parks, Arts and Recreation Department have put out, and they're gonna love them big time this spring. Stick around till the end to try your knowledge at Super Bowl trivia. We promise next episode will be better.

It's Chester, it's Jonathan, and it's Amanda Pantano, former Miss Auburn's Outstanding Teen and Miss Auburn -- that's right, she's done it all, and she did it well. Not only has she been competing in pageants for much of her life, she's one half of an amazing marketing duo with her husband. Hear about how Miss Auburn shaped her into the person she is today, and how the skills learned can translate to just about any job. Also, her dog is the chief fun officer.