Washington State Main Street Program looks back at their 2025 Excellence on Main Award Winners
information released; pictured above: Pat and Linda Kelly
As we count down to our 2026 celebration this October, we’re looking back at the winners of our 2025 Excellence on Main Awards, honoring projects and individuals whose hard work and innovative efforts are making a difference in their communities and beyond!
Next up, we have the Legacy on Main Award, which recognizes a small business that has stood the test of time and impacted generations of community members. Kelly’s Hardware of Chelan has been named the 2025 recipient not only for its longevity but for its many contributions to the community.
With roots dating back to 1925—when it was originally called Chelan Hardware and shared a building with Chelan State Bank—Kelly’s Hardware is woven into the fabric of downtown Chelan. In 1958, Wayne Kelly acquired the business, setting the stage for a remarkable family legacy that now spans three generations.
Today, Kelly’s Hardware is the second-oldest multi-generational business in downtown Chelan, operated by Wayne’s son, Pat Kelly, who is now mentoring his own son, Brogan, to carry the business forward. This continuity speaks not only to the strength of the Kelly family but to their dedication to serving the needs of their community decade after decade.
More than just a hardware store, Kelly’s Hardware has become a trusted institution—a place where locals know they can find tools, parts, and trusted advice from people who know their names. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into the spirit of small-town hospitality. Its presence as a stable, enduring business has helped anchor downtown Chelan through periods of change and growth.
The Kelly family’s deep commitment to Chelan is perhaps most joyfully expressed through the Wayne Kelly Memorial Top Dog Parade, a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition held in honor of Pat’s late father, Wayne. The parade always draws crowds, fostering connections and highlighting the best of small-town life—a reflection of the same values the Kelly family brings to their store.
The Washington State Main Street Program is a program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, managed by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
