Bowman An Organizer, Coordinator For Downtown Warsaw Events
WARSAW — When it comes to an event in downtown Warsaw, Paula Bowman can likely be found somewhere behind the scenes.
She got started downtown through her work as an interior designer. She had been struggling to find accessories for parade homes and realized there was a need for it in the community. She bought a storefront that had recently been hardware stores and restaurants and turned it into a storeroom and gallery to showcase and sell accessories from her interior design work.
This gallery has since become the Latte Lounge and Gallery after it was suggested Bowman begin serving coffee as well. She has now been a downtown merchant for 22 years. The most recent addition to the store was a salt cave.
Through Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Bowman found a love for coordinating weddings. Now she acts as wedding coordinator both at the church and off-site, meeting with couples, attending rehearsals, knowing where everything is and keeping an emergency bag of items for the big day. She stated it’s all about “finding out what the couple wants and trying to make it happen.”
For the past 11 years, Bowman has helped to organize the First Friday events. Having previously helped with event organization and serving on the Warsaw Community Development Corporation board, planning a monthly downtown event was a natural undertaking. Others on the committee had seen it in surrounding cities and wanted to test out the idea in Warsaw. Even when other members were unable to continue helping with First Fridays, Bowman continued the tradition. “I’m a firm believer that if your downtown is growing and viable, the city will prosper,” she emphasized.
Bowman also helps to coordinate other downtown events held by businesses and organizations as the downtown events coordinator. She helps the event coordinators to get both the event and dates approved. After approval, she helps them to get the items they need like tables, chairs and even a sound system. As someone who has also always had a knack for logistics and marketing, she helps to ensure the proper roads are closed and setup is completed.
This year Bowman has gone above and beyond with creating her own event to coordinate with the WRSW kickoff to the Ornament Smash. The event, Downtown Christmas Countdown, acted as a reminder to shop locally. She organized a large, live tree and decorations on the courthouse lawn. The Optimist singers and the band Pick Slide also sung carols throughout the evening. Members of various religions and cultures throughout the community were also invited to be represented. There will be around 2,500 lights on display.
She has taken on an additional role as a member of the ambiance team for the “One Starry Night” program Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Winona Heritage Room. There will be local adults and children performing from community choirs as well as Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass. As part of the ambiance team, Bowman will help turn the room into a true starry night for both performances.
Bowman has been married to her husband, Dave, for 25 years and they have nine children between the two of them. She grew up in Warsaw, graduating from Warsaw Community High School.
For her, “My greatest accomplishment is that my kids turned into great people,” she said.