In the 1990s, Fremont experienced a renaissance, or a gentrification, as many people referred to it. A neighborhood long in an economic coma, Fremont had surged out of it due to a lot of work by the community here, using art and imagination to create an attractive and active neighborhood.
One of the comic bits, a small joke, employed to draw attention, appeared on the calendar of activities and events over several years – the 20% More Day, held annually on April 1st.
Credited to Charlotte Buchanan, of the legendary GlamOrama store, this may have been a brainstorm by the work group she attended with Pam Hinkley, of Red Hook Brewery, and Jon Hegeman, of the Fremont Sunday Market and many other outrageous organizations. The work group, a committee of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, was the Fremont Retail Organizational Group, or FROG.
At least one year, GlamOrama decorated their front window with 20% More Day declarations, but usually this remained just a subtle, single line on the calendar, giving a smile to those actually paying attention.
In 2020, 20% More Day falls during a dire and difficult time, for everyone including our Fremont Retailers. Since 1990, Fremont has continued to see its art and imagination enjoyed and enhanced, with the business district growing and thriving, although not with the striking, over-night success seen back when GlamOrama amused customers where Lucky’s Pho now sits.
Still, it is to be hoped our Fremont Retailers find reasons to smile and celebrate soon – along with everyone in our community, our region and our world.
Here, at the Center of the Universe, we wish you a very Happy (and Healthy) April Fool’s Day!