The Star Store Wins Legacy on Main Award at 2026 Excellence on Main Ceremony

At the Washington State Main Street Program’s annual Excellence on Main awards ceremony, the Star Store in downtown Langley was honored with the Legacy on Main Award.

Operated by the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation under contract to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the Washington State Main Street Program helps communities across the state revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown districts. Today, the Washington State Main Street Program encompasses a network of nearly 80 towns and cities across Washington, including Langley.

Every year, as a cornerstone event of the annual PLACES Conference, the Washington State Main Street Program hosts the Excellence on Main awards ceremony, honoring projects and individuals whose hard work and innovative efforts are making a difference in their communities and beyond. This year’s 2026 Excellence on Main award winners were announced on Thursday, October 8, at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Ellensburg Lodge No. 20, during the PLACES Conference held October 6-8 in Ellensburg.

The Legacy on Main Award is an award that recognizes a small business that has stood the test of time and impacted generations of community members. The Star Store has been named the 2026 Legacy on Main Award recipient not only for its longevity but for its many contributions to the community.

The Star Store has anchored Langley's business district since 1919, when Joseph and Martina Primavera opened the Star Shoe Store. By 1929, the Primaveras had added groceries and clothing, and it became the Whidbey Island village’s primary mercantile for the next 65 years. When the Star Store building and business went on the market in the 1980s, many townspeople encouraged a young couple working at the store to buy it. With the help of creative financing, which included a grocery bag filled with money collected by local residents, Gene and Tamar Felton became the new proprietors in 1984.

The Feltons expanded the store’s footprint, added an in-house deli, organic produce, wine and beer, clothing and home goods, and a second floor dedicated to children's clothing and games. In 1992, they expanded again by opening Star Basics on Second Street, offering health-focused products, natural supplements, supplies and gifts. 

The Star Store generously supports youth organizations, community events, and many local causes, all while keeping Langley deeply connected. It is also an important local employer, including for many high school students to whom the Feltons teach the values they model every day: work hard, be kind, and have fun!

“Their customers become friends, their suppliers are treated like partners, and their employee's become family,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “The Feltons and their team have demonstrated the true legacy of a business is measured not only by its longevity, but by the strength of the community it helps create.” Durham presented the Legacy on Main Award to Gene and Tamar Felton, who attended the award ceremony.

The Washington State Main Street Program applauds this year’s award winners and the impacts they have made in their communities.

About the Washington State Main Street Program:
Since 1984, the Washington State Main Street Program has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts using the successful Main Street Approach®. A program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Washington Main Street is operated under contract by the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit the Washington Trust’s website at preservewa.org/mainstreet.