C E L E B R AT I N G
SEDRO-WOOLLEY
Your Community-based Comprehensive Guide to Sedro-Woolley
2011 A S u p p l e m e n t t o t h e S k a g i t Va l l ey H e r a l d a n d C o u r i e r- T i m e s P u b l i s h e d by S k a g i t P u b l i s h i n g
We Measure Our Success by Yours.
Ruth Davis, Oak Harbor
Alexis Nelson, Burlington
Ken Tiscornia, Samish Island
United General Hospital has been creating success stories since 1965. With the most advanced technology, expert staff, and a safe, friendly environment, we offer all the programs and services you need to live a healthier life. For high quality healthcare, community education, and innovative programs and events, think of United General Hospital as your partner in wellness. Because our success can only be measured by yours.
• Acute Care • Breast Care Suite • Cancer Resource Center • Community Education • Diagnostic Imaging • Diabetes Education Program • Emergency Room • Fitness Center • Intensive Care Unit • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • North Puget Cancer Center • Pulmonary Rehabilitation • Sleep Disorders Center • Speech Therapy • Surgical Services • Wellness Programs www.unitedgeneral.org • 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 • 360-856-6021
Dan Peth, Bow
Sandra Smith, Anacortes
SKAGITPUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 • F: 360.424.5300 Restocking: 360.416.2171 ©2011 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved.
editor
Ralph Schwartz rschwartz@skagitpublishing.com
Advertising director Mark Dobie mdobie@skagitpublishing.com
Display Advertising Manager Deb Bundy dbundy@skagitpublishing.com
advertising operations manager Sarah Hickman shickman@skagitpublishing.com
Writers
Aaron Burkhalter, Lynsi Burton, Bev Crichfield, Tahlia Honea, Kate Martin, Whitney Pipkin, Vince Richardson
Table of contents Welcome to Sedro-Woolley................ 4 Blast from the Past................................ 5 While You’re Here................................. 6 Sedro-Woolley Museum...................... 7 Loggerodeo.......................................... 8
Scott Terrell, Frank Varga, Ralph Schwartz
Schedule, What’s New, End of an Era, House Decorating, Bluegrass Jubilee, Firefighter’s Competition, Logging Show, Rodeo, Chain-saw Carving, Parade, Foot Race
cover design/layout
Summer Music Series......................... 19
Jody Hendrix
Sample of Sedro-Woolley.................. 20
ADVERTISING OPERATIONS
Skagit River Ranch Farm Tour............ 20
Photographers
Ashley Crerar, Abby Jackson, Erika Jennewein, Jenny Overman, Christina Poisal, Patricia Stowell
Advertising consultants
Linda Fahnlander linda@skagitpublishing.com Stephanie Harper sharper@skagitpublishing.com Marcus McCoy mmccoy@skagitpublishing.com Michelle O’Donnell modonnell@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schultz kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Katie Sundermeyer ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com John Williams jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com skagitvisitor.com | Skagit Publishing
Music & Movies Outdoors................. 20 Founders’ Days................................... 22 Halloween Parade............................... 23 Miracle on Metcalf Street................... 24 Holiday Home Tour............................. 24 Events in Spring 2012......................... 25 North Cascades Institute................... 26 Recreation........................................... 27 Lake Whatcom Railway....................... 29 Scan this QR code with your smartphone to connect to skagitvisitor.com May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Sedro-Woolley: small-town charm with big fun
I
n a world that sometimes can seem a little crazy, Sedro-Woolley provides the comfort of a tight-knit community that comes with knowing everyone in town. A friendly face is always right around the corner. As most of you know, there really is only one Sedro-Woolley in the world, and we are all very proud to call it our home. We welcome you to enjoy your time here and experience all the great festivals and activities our town has to offer. One cannot truly experience our city and our great citizens without partaking in the annual Loggerodeo — an event that pays homage to the days when Sedro-Woolley was a thriving logging community. This year will mark the 77th annual Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo, which also happens to be the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the state and has been a great platform for our city to kick off the summer season year after year. The Loggerodeo is part of a full year of fun to SedroWoolley, including June’s Blast from the Past festival, September’s Founders’ Days and December’s Christmas parade. Each event has become an integral part of our city, and I would like to personally thank all the volunteers who have spent long hours making these events memorable experiences.
Looking to explore the natural landscape surrounding Sedro-Woolley? We have some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. I invite you to experience the great outdoors by taking advantage of our beautiful Skagit River, family-friendly parks, a variety of hiking trails and more. Take a walking tour of our town and see the many murals designed by local artists, visit our historical museum or check out the intricacies of the chain-saw carvings scattered around downtown. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you out and about during festival times. Be sure to say “hi” when you see me, as I am always looking forward to meeting the people who make this town special. — Mayor Mike Anderson
Chamber director: So much to do in Sedro-Woolley
T
he town of Sedro-Woolley invites you to enjoy the kind of fun that’s only possible in a smaller community. We welcome everyone to stroll our historic downtown. View the murals inspired by Darius Kinsey and the chain-saw woodcarvings displayed throughout town. This book, “Celebrating Sedro-Woolley,” features a lot of the main events put on by the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, including Wood Fest, Blast from the Past, Loggerodeo, Founders’ Days and the Christmas Parade — just to name a few. Others include the summerlong Farmer’s Market, which opened for its 10th year on May 18 at Hammer Heritage Square, on the corner of Metcalf and Ferry streets. Look for the clock tower. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday, rain or shine. The 2011 market season runs until Oct. 12. This will also be the inaugural year of the Rotary Riverfront Park concert series (more information inside). Sedro-Woolley is a gateway city to North Cascades National Park. Information on the park can be found at 810 Moore St. (Highway 20), which is home to the North Cascades Institute as well. Both offer a lot of information on things to see and do while visiting the rugged American Alps to our east. Skagit River Ranch, which offers its September Farm 4
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Tour, is well known to those who visit Pike Place Market. Skagit River Excursions offers many different trips yearround on the wild and scenic Skagit River system, from eagle tours to white-water rafting, kayaking, fall-color float trips, fishing trips or exhilarating jet sled tours of our world-famous river. Eagle Haven Winery and Challenger Ridge (also included inside, under “Wine, summer & song”) are both within a half-hour of town. North of town is a tourist-friendly alpaca farm. Lake Whatcom Railway offers special runs of an antique train. Their Christmas tour is especially popular. There’s something for everybody in Sedro-Woolley in the coming year. The events included in these pages will make anyone feel right at home. — Pola Kelley, Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce executive director Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
“Blast” is good,
old-fashioned fun
Not much is changing this year at Sedro-Woolley’s annual Blast from the Past celebration — and that’s kind of the point. Blast from the Past hearkens back to the simpler times of the 1950s. It includes a classic car show, contests for the kids, cycling events for the third year in a row and — new this year — a show for local artists. Art show organizer Elizabeth Fernando, who owns the shop Simply Silver and More, said artists from Sedro-Wool-
ley and points east have untapped talent. “We have people who choose to live here because of the inspirational areas around us,” she said. The first show will be small, with maybe a dozen artists. But Fernando said the quality of the art is top-notch. There will be photographs, wood carvings, jewelry and paintings.
Please check www.sedro-woolley.com for details and specific dates!
A few of Sedro-Woolley’s Events are: Woodfest
First weekend in April
Outdoor Movies
Every Friday night in July First 2 Fridays in August skagitvisitor.com | Skagit Publishing
Blast from the Past
First weekend in June
Loggerodeo
Week of July 4th
Founders’ Day
Magic of Christmas
Second weekend in September
Parade 1st Saturday of Dec. Holiday Home Tour 2nd Sat. in Dec. May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Saturday’s schedule includes pie-eating, hula-hoop and jump-rope contests for the children. Kids can also dress up their stuffed animals for the costume parade at 11 a.m. This year there will be a bouncy house, too. The JJ Cruisers Car Show will take place on Sunday across from the Sedro-Woolley Museum on Murdock Street to coordinate with the museum’s open house. During all days of the event, vendors will sell wares from food to handmade clothing and jewelry. Don’t forget to stop in the shops to check out the sale merchandise, organizers say.
BLAST FROM THE PAST Friday-Sunday, June 3-5 Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley
FRIDAY, June 3
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Woolley Fibers Quilt Show Noon to 6 p.m. — First annual art show Noon to 7 p.m. — Arts & crafts and food vendors Business hours — Sidewalk sales Business dress-up contest
SATURDAY, June 4
7:30 a.m. — SWAN Century Bike Ride and Metric Century, http://swancentury.org 10 a.m. — SWAN Family Fun Ride 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Woolley Fibers Quilt Show 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — First annual art show. Reception 6-8 p.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Arts & crafts and food vendors 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Murder mystery day at the Sedro-Woolley Library 10:45 a.m. — Children’s costume parade lineup, Woodworth Street in front of the bouncy house 11 a.m. — Children’s costume parade Noon to 2 p.m. — KAPS and KBRC live radio broadcast Noon to 4 p.m. — Live music by the Silver City Band 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Kids’ contests: jump rope, hula-hoop, pie-eating
SUNDAY, June 5
8-11 a.m. — Eagles Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — JJ Cruisers Car Show, on Murdock street in front of the museum TBA during car show — Live music: The Treblemakers & Mysterious Blood Royal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Woolley Fibers Quilt Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — First annual art show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Arts & crafts and food vendors 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Museum Open House
While you’re here... Stroll
and shop in the historic downtown.
Check out the murals downtown, many inspired by Darius Kinsey, a world-famous photographer of Western scenery, logging and railroads. He had a photo studio in Sedro-Woolley in the late 1890s. Enjoy
the downtown statues — life-sized works of chain-saw art carved out of cedar logs.
Visit
the Sedro-Woolley Museum. Exhibits are designed to resemble stores and businesses in a turn-of-thecentury village. New displays are in the works for 2011.
Walk
the trails at the Northern State Recreation Area east of town, and bring a Frisbee to play “golf” on a special course.
Picnic at Riverfront Park on the banks of the Skagit River. Stop
by the old steam logging locomotive on Highway 20 on the west side of town, and imagine her bringing loads of “green gold” from the forests.
n Information — 360-855-1841 6
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
A banner year for S-W Museum Things are looking up at the SedroWoolley Museum.
The museum is expanding, with new exhibits at its location on Murdock Street and a new satellite branch at the Country Meadow Village retirement community, 1501 Collins Road, Sedro-Woolley. Inside the museum, visitors will find all aspects of a frontier town: a barn, post office, jail, newspaper office and dental office. New in the past year are a Sedro Ice House exhibit and another space that has been cleared to make room for a 1950s-style diner exhibit, coming soon. Other exhibit spaces are filled with old saws and other equipment. They showcase the community’s military members, its main streets and the infamous bank robbery of 1914, complete with photographs of the robbers. The museum is a treasure trove for genealogists and others who want to research local history. Its library collection includes Sedro-Woolley High School yearbooks, SedroWoolley family histories and local history books. Confronted with a city budget crunch, the museum was able to fix a leaky roof over the past year with a $60,000 donation from the Jack and Shirley McIntyre Foundation.
The money also paid for new carpeting and an upgraded electrical system. Sedro-Woolley Museum 725 Murdock St. • 360-855-2390 www.sedrowoolleymuseum.org Museum hours: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays • 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays Other days/times by appointment
530 Crossroads Square Sedro-Woolley 360-856-1167
530 Crossroads Square
Trail Road
Shuck’s
Cook Road
Maple Street
W. State St.
Rhodes Road
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May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Loggerodeo J
une
30- July 4
Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 2
Friday, July 1
Sunday, July 3
8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chain-saw Carving Competition Thursday, June 30 noon — judging for House/ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — arts & crafts vendors Business Decorating Contest 5 p.m. — Kiddies Parade reg- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Firefighter’s istration. Parade begins 6 Competition 11 a.m. — carnival p.m. 5 p.m. — carnival (family 2 p.m. — Greg Bisbey logging exhibition night) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chain-saw 8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chain-saw Carving Competition Carving Competition 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — arts & crafts 11 a.m. — carnival vendors
sedro-woolley
museum & Gift Shop
Weds. & Thurs. Noon - 4 p.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
725 Murdock Street • 360.855.2390 • www.sedrowoolleymuseum.org 8
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
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Loggerodeo J
une
30- July 4
11 a.m.-midnight — carnival 12:30-2:30 p.m. (also 5-7 p.m.) — Ted Vigil’s John Denver tribute 6 p.m. — Rodeo 6:30 p.m. — Bluegrass Festival 7-10 p.m. — Troy Fair Band & Street Dance
8 a.m.-1 p.m. — Chain-saw Carving Competition 11 a.m. — Grand Parade 11 a.m.-midnight — carnival noon — Museum open house noon-2 p.m. — antique John Deere tractor display 1 p.m. — Bluegrass Festival 2 p.m. — Greg Bisbey logging exhibition Monday, July 4 2 p.m. — Rodeo 6:30-10:30 a.m. — Sedro- 2-4 p.m. (also 7-9 p.m.) — Ted Woolley Schools Foundation Vigil’s John Denver tribute “Pancakes for Kids� dusk — fireworks show, River7:30 a.m. — Foot Race regis- front Park tration. Race begins 9:30 a.m.
ows Davis ShCa rnival Northwest
Jobs for Our Community Since 1964
Did you know? O L LEY, WA -WO th O 77 ANNUAL SE DR
Sedro-Woolley is located in Skagit Port District 3, represented by Commissioner Bill Shuler.
Did you know?
The Oldest 4th of July Celebration in the state!
Approximately 180 people who live in Port District 3 are employed by businesses located on Port of Skagit property.
& # & - $ # $+ #' + &* # - & & +$&!' '%" , - $$(
The public is welcome at meetings of the Port Commission. The second Tuesday of each month is a regularly scheduled commission business meeting, and the third Tuesday is a regularly scheduled commission work session. Both sessions start at 9 a.m. and take place in the commission hearing room at 15400 Airport Dr , Burlington WA 98233.
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Want to learn more?
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Loggerodeo
June 30- July 4
Loggerodeo highlights There is perhaps no tradition in Sedro-Woolley — or the region, for that matter — as well established as Loggerodeo. But with every great event comes a few adjustments, to ensure everyone is having a good time.
So here’s what’s new at Loggerodeo in 2011:
• The wood carvers will have a new layout for the improved safety of festival-goers. • A more efficient carving auction: Bidders will be assigned a paddle with a number on it. In past years, bidders would raise their hand, and it was sometimes difficult to keep track of who won.
Also worthy of note:
• John Denver tribute artist Ted Vigil will play four shows at Riverfront Park — two on Sunday, July 3 and two on Monday, July 4. • Returning for the second straight year is carnival company is Davis Shows Northwest. The carnival will be held for the third time at Riverfront Park, where the arts & crafts and food booths will also be found. The fireworks will be visible from the park.
‘End of an era’ — no more wild women They became a Sedro-Woolley institution, entertaining in sequins and feathers at senior centers, parades and Loggerodeo. But after 17 years of rollicking good fun — and fundraising — the Wild Women of Woolley called it quits in March, one month after cofounder and director Corey Corkill died. Group members say they wanted to end on a high note. “We have a lot of respect from people in the county, and we don’t want it to go downhill,” said longtime member Donna Geerdes of Sedro-Woolley. Through the years, the Wild Women blossomed into an essential part of the community’s unique and quirky character, Loggerodeo President Jeanne McLennan said. Friends Corkill and Phyllis Christofferson founded the loose-knit group of women 55 and older while trying to find ways to raise money for the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, Christofferson said. The group revolved around Corkill and without her lost its heart, Christofferson said. “It’s an end of an era,” she said.
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Loggerodeo
June 30- July 4
House Decorating
23rd annual Bluegrass Jubilee
Those who enter Loggerodeo’s house and business decorating contest show their patriotism in many ways. Loggerodeo President Jeanne McLennan said one home last year featured red, white and blue picnic decorations with giant ant figures.Another featured a tea scene. About a dozen houses and a handful of businesses participate each year, decorating in a patriotic theme. Judges will stroll the streets at noon on June 30 looking for the best use of the patriotic colors. Anyone with a Sedro-Woolley address is invited to participate.Winners receive gift certificates and a placard. To enter the contest, pick up an application at the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 714-B Metcalf St., or download one at www.loggerodeo.com. Applications must be received by June 28. An announcement with the winners and addresses will be posted on the Chamber of Commerce door after the judging. For more information, call Jina Williams at the chamber, 360-855-1841 or Loggerodeo, 360-770-8452.
Some of the best bluegrass talent in Western Washington convenes at Loggerodeo every year for the Bluegrass Jubilee.
Queen’s Bluegrass guitarist Ernest Queen said the concert features young and old musicians. He said even though some might consider it an old-fashioned style of music, he and others have been passing the form on to new generations. “We promote bluegrass, keep getting younger people involved in it,” Queen said. “Once they start, they love it.” • Lineup: The Combinations from Darrington, Birdsview Bluegrass Band from Birdsview, Blueberry Hill from Stanwood and Queen’s Bluegrass of Sedro-Woolley • When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2 • Where: Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St. • Cost: $5 adults, $4 students/seniors, free for children under 8. • Also: Gospel show 1 p.m. Sunday, July 3. Admission by donation. The gospel show is more informal and puts newer musicians in front of an audience. • Contact: Ernest Queen, 360-586-1058
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Loggerodeo
June 30- July 4
Brains, brawn at Firefighter’s Competition
There’s a lot that goes into the profession of firefighting. Spectators can get a glimpse of what that job entails at that annual Firefighter’s Competition, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 2 at Sedro-Woolley High School. The competition demonstrates the variety of jobs firefighters are required to do on a daily basis. The competition will test firefighters’ mental toughness and physical stamina both.
Logging Show World-champion loggers show off their raw logging, sawing and climbing skills in the annual logging show. More than 200 people convene on Walley and Warner streets to view world champion lumberjacks throw axes, buck chain saws and climb 70-foot poles. The 45-minute show begins at 1 p.m. July 4, right after the parade. The show always includes a display of “hot saws.” These are decked-out chain saws powered by engines made for motorcycles, snowmobiles and cars.
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PWRA Rodeo
6 p.m. Sunday, July 3 and 2 p.m. Monday, July 4. Preshow activities start 30 minutes prior. $10 adults, $8 seniors/children/military Features:
Loggerodeo
June 30- July 4
Steer wrestling, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, bareback riding, bull riding and other events. $1,000 top prizes $2,000 top prize for team roping T h e p ro f e s s i o n a l We s t ern Rodeo Association has about 600 members competing in more than 60 rodeos throughout the western United States. The rodeo is hosted by the Sedro-Woolley Riding Club.
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Loggerodeo
June 30- July 4
Chain-saw carving
It’s quite the metamorphosis, from ordinary chunks of wood to works of art.
That’s exactly what takes place at the Loggerodeo Chain-saw Carving Competition. For 16 years, carvers from around the United States and the globe have carved competitively at the corner of Murdock and State streets in Sedro-Woolley during a four-day competition. Showpieces are carved that must stick to particular themes, including logging, rodeo or Northwest wildlife. Cash awards are given to the top three carvings. People’s Choice and Woodcarver’s Choice awards are also given. Chain-saw carvers scheduled to attend this year include the always personable Steve Bacus (“Roadside carver, you’re one of us”), Czechoslovakian-born Tomas Vrba, and Loggerodeo veterans Bob King, Mark Colp, Chris Foltz and Davey Gagne. Quick-carve competitions, where carvers have one hour to create a carving, will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 1-3. The quick-carve auction will begin at 5 p.m. each day. Carvers will have from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to work on more intricate showpieces. On an abbreviated carving schedule on the last day, July 4, carvers will have from 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. to complete their showpieces. The quick-carve will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the auction to follow.
Parade The Wild Women of Woolley may not appear on stage ever again, but they have at least one more public appearance left. They will be Grand Marshals of this year’s Loggerodeo Grand Parade. Lions Club member and parade organizer Lynn Torset said this was a fitting tribute, given the Wild Women’s involvement in the parade for years and all the money they’ve raised for community causes. The Grand Marshals will lead the parade in a float designed by Janicki Industries at 11 a.m. on July 4. The parade draws thousands every year to Sedro-Woolley’s downtown, where people are stacked 10 deep on the sidewalk.
“It’s the biggest parade historically in the county,”Torset said. The parade begins on the corner of Talcott and Third streets, then continues north to State and Metcalf streets, then to Ferry Street before finishing on Township Street. Up to 150 entries join the parade. The Kiddie Parade follows a different route around 5:45 p.m. The parade leaves Lemley Chapel, heading down Metcalf and taking a right on Ferry, ending at the American Legion. Entrants should arrive at 5 p.m. with judging set for 5:15 p.m. Parade applications are available at the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 714-B Metcalf St., or at www.loggerodeo.com. The entry fee is $10 for the Grand Parade. There is no fee for the Kiddie Parade.
Great Sedro-Woolley Foot Race Runners and walkers taking part in the 34th annual Great Sedro-Woolley Foot Race will emerge through the starting-cannon smoke at 9:30 a.m. to begin either the 5.17-mile run or the 2-mile fun run/walk. The race begins and ends at the south end of Metcalf Street. Pre-registration by June 30 is $15 or $20 with a T-shirt. Day-of-race registration is $20 (no shirt) and will run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. inside the Sedro-Woolley High School 14
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
gymnasium. Youths 14 and under and runners 70 and over may register at no cost. Register online at databarevents.com, or pick up registration forms at the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 714-B Metcalf St. Cash prizes of $100, $75, $50 go to the top three men and women in the 5.17-mile race. Top-three finishers in the 2-mile race receive $50, $35 and $25. All participants receive a ribbon. Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
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Advertising Solutions for Online & Print Media Frank Varga / Skagit Valley Herald
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BNSF crews work to clear logjams under railroad bridge
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Wine, summer & song
There will be plenty of music — and a little wine — flowing from three Sedro-Woolley-area venues this summer. Eagle Haven Winery in Sedro-Woolley will host its third annual concert series under the expansive pavilion it completed halfway through last summer. Overlooking the winery’s apple orchards and the Cascade Mountains, the pavilion offers plenty of covered seating. Bring your own chair for $1 off the $5 ticket price. Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars in Concrete has built an amphitheater in the middle of its vineyard to host its first concert series this summer, General Manager Rachel Weed said. Some of the concerts are paired with existing events, such as the winery’s Corvette show and grape-crushing party. Challenger Ridge will have one event a month from July through October, culminating in its end-of-theyear crush party. The Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club also is launching a concert series this summer in the fairly new amphitheater in Riverfront Park. The concerts on four Saturdays this summer will be planned and promoted by the Snohomish Artists Guild. Families are welcome and encouraged to bring blankets for seating on the grassy knoll. Rotary concerts are free, but donations are accepted. skagitvisitor.com | Skagit Publishing
EAGLE HAVEN WINERY:
7 p.m. Friday, July 1: Chasing Jane (rock band from Seattle) — serving Mexican food. 4 p.m. Sunday, July 17: Rose Laughlin (folk, Celtic) — serving artisan bread, salami and local cheese. 7 p.m. Friday, July 29: Austin Jenckes (classic rock, soul) — serving barbecue feast. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6: Smokewagon (local band) — serving burgers and brats. 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15: Trish Hatley Trio (jazz vocalist), — serving seafood. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20: David Correa (acoustic Latino, from California wine country) — food TBD. 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26: The Blackberry Bushes (bluegrass and folk) — serving burgers and brats. More information will be at www. eaglehavenwinery.com.
CHALLENGER RIDGE V I N E YA R D AND CELLARS:
Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16: Junkyard Jane (Seattle band), tickets $10. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20: Jim Bassinight (rock and roll), free. Coincides with Corvette show and barbecue. September TBD. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8: The Hot Box. Coincides with grapecrushing party. $35 tickets include salmon barbecue, jet boat ride on the river, grape stomping, pumpkin bowling and band. More information will be at www.challengerridge.com.
ROTARY CONCERTS IN THE PARK:
7 p.m. Saturday, July 23: The Red Hot Blues Sisters. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30: Northwest Folk Life songwriters’ forum. Four Northwest songwriters play in the round. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6: The Tallboys; opening act Ali Marcus. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13: Cherry Cherry, a tribute to Neil Diamond. May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Hometown cookin’ in the square
Once a year, area eateries gather in one place to dish out food for your every mood. The sixth-annual Sample of Sedro will take place at 5 p.m. Aug. 15 in Hammer Heritage Square. For $5, visitors can enjoy a sample from every restaurant at the event. Last year, the “Sample” included more than 10 restaurants and drew 500 visitors. A bigger event is expected this year, said Pola Kelley, executive director of the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce.
Last year Iron Skillet was one of the participating restaurants, and Eagle Haven Winery offered wine at $5 a glass. This year’s list of restaurants was not available by press time but could include any restaurant that’s a chamber member. Organizers hope to bring in some live music this year, to make the event even more festive.
Skagit River Ranch Farm Tour
Music and movies outdoors
• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 17 • 28778 Utopia Road, Sedro-Woolley • Cook-off, organic education, petting zoo, panel discussion on sustainable farms • around $10 per family • www.skagitriverranch.com
Sedro-Woolley’s summer music and movie series, inspired by a similar program in Bellingham, expands in 2011 to feature six films. The family-friendly event happens at the corner of Walley and Warner streets each Friday from July 8 to Aug. 12. The films are projected on the side of the Masonic Lodge. Tickets are $5 for audience members older than 5. The start time is determined by nightfall. Check with the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 360-855-1841. A list of movies follows. Bands were not available by press time.
George and Eiko Vojkovich say the tour of their Sedro-Woolley farm is decidedly different from the Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms. When they left the festival to create their own tour two years ago, they wanted to add a little more organic education to the already entertaining premise of touring a livestock farm. Visitors to Skagit River Ranch during the Sept. 17 tour will not only meet the grass-fed cows, pigs and chickens that make up the farm’s produce. They’ll get Farmer George’s informative and funny introduction to them. The event will feature a “perfect burger and ribs” cook-off between two chefs, with visitors acting as judges. Kids can visit the petting zoo, while adults can take in the panel discussion on sustainable farms. 20
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
• July 8: “Gulliver’s Travels” • July 15: “How to Train Your Dragon” • July 22: “Nanny McPhee Returns” • July 29: “The Karate Kid” • Aug. 5: “Tangled” • Aug. 12: “Secretariat” Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
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Founders’ Days weekend ~ Sept. 10-11 Organized by the Sedro-Woolley Museum, businesses and volunteers. Contact: Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St., 360-855-2390 Gun-wielding desperadoes will re- Sunday at the park Start with a filling breakfast Saturday, Sept. 10 Sedro-Woolley Senior Center 715 Pacific St., 360-855-1531, www.skagitseniors.org/SedroWoolley/index.htm Fill your belly with a breakfast of either pancakes and eggs or biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. Volunteers at the center alternate the menu each year. Times will be announced closer to the event.
Shoot ’em up, present honors and open house Robbery Reenactment 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Sedro-Woolley Museum 725 Murdock St., 360-855-2390 www.sedrowoolleymuseum.org
enact the Oct. 17, 1914, bank robbery on the steps of the Sedro-Woolley Museum. The museum is just a few blocks from the scene of the real robbery in which roughly 200 bullets were fired and a 12year-old by was killed by a ricochet. The five robbers fled on foot with $12,000 and were later gunned down by a posse. The re-enactors, dubbed the Loco Players — who are otherwise respectable citizens — transform themselves each year into gamblers, harried frontier wives, wayward miners, saloon floozies, lawmen and of course, the robbers. After the reenactment, the museum board is expected to honor a pioneer family from the community and then hold an open house.
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| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Community picnic, car show and kids activities 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 Riverfront Park, 1001 River Road For a close look at classic cars, join automotive club JJ’s Cruisers Sept. 11 at Riverfront Park for the annual car show. The vehicles fill the park. At the Community Picnic, $3 buys a lunch of hot dogs, chips and soda with either a cookie or a brownie. Kids will have fun with face painting and games. About 350 classic cars from King County to Canada will start to arrive at 7 a.m.
Ladies, are you ready to ride?
The 16th Annual Women Riding for Women motorcycle run 8 a.m. to lunch time Sunday, Sept. 11 Registration from 8 to 10 a.m. at Hometown Cafe, 818 Metcalf St. Depart from café at 10:30 a.m. Run ends with lunch at the Wildcat Steelhead picnic grounds, 24910 River Road, Sedro-Woolley www.skagitdvsas.org/news/women-riding-for-women-091309/ $15 for the woman driving, $10 per passenger For the past 16 years, the sisters who run the Hometown Café have organized Women Riding for Women, a motorcycle run benefiting Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Women and their guests participating in the run receive a lunch and the camaraderie of the ride. The distance of the run hasn’t been set because wet weather changes the route. For information, contact Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services at 360-336-9591 or ladiesrun@ skagitDVSAS.org. Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
Ghosts and goblins come out this Halloween night
Is there anything kids love more than trick-or-treating? How about showing off their Halloween costumes? Sedro-Woolley gives children the chance to do both on Halloween day this year. They can join the parade after school, at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at the municipal building, 325 Metcalf St. Then they are let loose to fill their bags with candy at downtown businesses.
skagitvisitor.com | Skagit Publishing
The parade gets more popular every year — perhaps because of the promise of treats afterward. “It’s actually a family-fun event,” Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pola Kelley said. “I think that’s something Sedro-Woolley strives to do. It’s our town’s personality.”
May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Miracle on Metcalf Street
If you want to get noticed in the Sedro-Woolley Magic of Christmas parade, you’d better be decked out in as many lights as possible. Don’t forget to bring the spare batteries. Some people start out well-lit but find themselves in the dark after the march down Metcalf Street. This year on Dec. 3, Metcalf will be transformed into Christmastown, with a giant tree, lights everywhere, horse-drawn carriages and trains. Businesses will be open with sales and special events for The Magic of Christmas. A 40-foot Christmas tree will be lit in the intersection of Metcalf and Woodworth streets.The parade follows soon after. Parade participants are judged on how they use their lights. “You’ve gotta come with lights on, and you’d better make them good,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pola
Kelley said. “Because that’s what the judges are going to look for first.” To enter a float or display in the parade, contact the SedroWoolley Chamber of Commerce, 360-855-1841. Grants from Puget Sound Energy have allowed the chamber to purchase even more lights to decorate downtown this year. After the parade, Santa will be available for visits with children. It won’t be the last chance to see Saint Nick. The Magic of Christmas continues Dec. 10 with a breakfast sponsored by Beta Sigma Fi at 9:30 a.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center, 700 State St. Santa will be there for anyone who missed him after the parade.
Homes for the holidays
E
ver drive by a beautiful old home and wonder what it looks like inside? Every Christmas season a handful of Sedro-Woolley homeowners open their doors to the public. This year, the Holiday Home Tour happens on Dec. 10. “People love the tour — some because of the architecture, some because of the decorations and some because it’s an evening out,” said Sedro-Woolley Museum president Carolyn Freeman. “It gets everybody into the Christmas spirit.” The Holiday Home Tour has been held since 1988, showing off some of Sedro-Woolley’s most treasured homes. Organizers try to showcase older homes, focusing on those built in the early 1900s. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Sedro-Woolley Museum (725 Murdock St.) and Oliver-Hammer Clothes Shop (821 Metcalf). The tour features about six to eight homes and draws anywhere from 200 to 300 people, with some visitors traveling from as far away as Canada. “It’s a holiday tradition every year,” Freeman said. 24
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Attendees are instructed to bring their tickets to the museum Dec. 10 at about 4 p.m. They will be given a map with addresses of decorated homes. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. The tour is self-guided. Attendees should bring a flashlight to use between homes. For more information, contact the Sedro-Woolley Museum at 360-855-2390. Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
Coming next year
Events in Sedro-Woolley happen year-round. Here are some to look forward to in the spring of 2012: Wood Fest Students from Sedro-Woolley High School and other schools submit wood constructions in a judged competition to be held over a weekend, March 31April 1, at the high school. There is also a raffle for a donated wood carving. Raffle tickets are sold throughout the weekend, and a winner is drawn Sunday. Merchants sell goods and food in the school parking lot throughout the weekend. Also, chain-saw carvers demonstrate their skills. With new blood leading the student contest, more schools and vendors are expected to participate next year. To create more of a draw on Wood Fest’s second day, organizers plan to line up speakers to talk about SedroWoolley’s logging history. Potential (or
past) speakers include Mike Janicki of Janicki Industries, who discussed the history of logging in the area, and Sedro-Woolley Museum President Carolyn Freeman on how the town grew up around logging.
Easter Egg Hunt Sedro-Woolley’s Easter egg hunt, the day before the Easter Bunny’s arrival, has become a must-do event for the city’s children, who scramble for some 4,000 eggs scattered across Riverfront Park. Next year, the free egg hunt for children 12 and younger takes place at 1 p.m. April 7 at the park, 1001 River Road. The smallest children are able to hunt in an open field. Older kids search
for harder-to-find eggs nearby.
Kids’ Fishing Derby • Children under 14 fish for free at the Northern State Gateway Center. • Gates on the north end of Fruitdale Road open at 7 a.m. the first weekend in May. The 2012 derby will take place May 5. • Fishing starts at 8 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. No charge. Five-fish limit. Hot dogs, hot chocolate and other drinks provided. • Sponsored by the Wildcats Steelhead Club, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the North Cascades General Administration Department. • To learn more or verify the 2012 event call 360-855-2291.
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May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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Learning is fun at the North Cascades Institute How can locals and visitors make sure their wilderness experience is both fun and educational? Cue the North Cascades Institute, celebrating 25 years connecting people with nature. With its Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake as a jumping-off point, the North Cascades Institute will teach you how to paint, write or photograph according to nature’s inspiration. Or it will explain the birds, reptiles and bugs native to the region. Arrange a three-day family vacation at the Learning Center. Dates range from late May to late November. Make nature crafts, hike the trails around Diablo Lake and paddle the big canoe. For the second year, the Institute is offering “base camp,” a more flexible vacation option. Stay as many days as you like, as space allows, during the summer months and on weekends through October.
Serving Sedro-Woolley & the Skagit Valley since 1935 1008 Third St. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 www.lemleychapel.com
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Rick Lemley
Chuck Ruhl
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Office: 360-855-1288 Fax: 360-855-1868 email: lemleychapel@frontier.com
Call it high-end camping if you must. These getaways provide a comfortable lodge, hot showers and three square meals. Proceeds from the fees paid go to educational youth programs. The North Cascades Institute is a nonprofit organization. The Institute is leading the Seattle City Light boat tours this year. The tours are back after a hiatus in 2010. The tour’s cost includes a pre-tour meal with a local, organic and sustainable menu at the Learning Center. For more information go to www.skagittours.com. Join the Institute from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 24 as a free guest to celebrate its 25th anniversary. There will be tours of the Learning Center, hikes, other naturalist activities and a barbecue picnic. Lunch is by suggested donation. Pre-register for that evening’s speaker for a fee, and get dinner and an overnight stay also. Registration for vacation stays is by phone only, 360-854-2599. Learn more about Institute programs on the Web at www.ncascades.org. Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
RECREATION
Find our feathered friends
Rockport Park Road, Rockport. Contact 360-853-7626 or visit www.skagiteagle.org.
In mid-November and early December, bald eagles begin to arrive in Eastern Skagit County to feast on spawned-out salmon. Eagle numbers start to dwindle in late January. Learn about the eagles at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center from the first weekend in December to the final weekend in January, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809
Best upper Skagit River birding spots
Eagles will land
skagitvisitor.com | Skagit Publishing
The Skagit Audubon Society recommends several spots in eastern Skagit County for bird watching. See ducks, swans and geese at Clear and Beaver lakes. Travel to Rockport and other eastern locations to find osprey, swifts, sandpipers, wrens, flycatchers, owls, woodpeckers, bluebirds, hummingbirds, finches, grouse, nutcrackers, jays and of course, eagles
May 2011 | Celebrating Sedro-Woolley |
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— depending on the time of year.
For a map and detailed species information, visit www.fidalgo.net/~audubon. For the best birding sites, click on “Locations.”
Head to the water River Boat Launch
Next to Riverfront Park, 1001 River Road, Sedro-Woolley.
For information, visit www.ci.sedro-woolley. wa.us/Parks_and_Recreation/main.htm.
Clear Lake Beach
South Front Street, just off Highway 9 in downtown Clear Lake Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. year around. No lifeguards. For information on the park, contact Skagit County Parks and Recreation at 360-3369414 or parksrec@co.skagit.wa.us. Visit www. skagitcounty.net and click on “parks department.”
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
Features 39 campsites that can accommodate tents of recreational vehicles. Also has a boat launch, playground, picnic shelter and restrooms. Plenty of places to spot birds and fish. Hike trails along the Skagit River.
but access is limited in the winter due to the closure of North Cascades Highway. A free backcountry permit is required for overnight camping.
Learn more at park headquarters, 810 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley. The Park and Forest Information Center, shared with the U.S. Forest Service, is open year-round. Visitors centers in Newhalem and Marblemount are open late spring to early fall. Call the Sedro-Woolley center at 360-8547200 or visit the Web at www.nps.gov/noca to learn more.
Northern State Recreation Area
Open year round Helmick Road, just north of Highway 20 Once part of the Northern State Hospital grounds, the Skagit County-owned Northern State Recreation Area features a Frisbee golf course, historic barns and outbuildings, walking and riding trails, and an extensive project to restore Hansen Creek. Visit www.skagitcounty.net and click on “parks department,” then “parks directory.”
For information on the park, contact Skagit County Parks and Recreation at 360-3369414 or parksrec@co.skagit.wa.us. Visit www. skagitcounty.net and click on the parks department.
Parks and trails
North Cascades National Park
Sedro-Woolley is the gateway to North Cascades National Park, a beautiful and rugged national park that preserves the region’s alpine beauty for hikers, campers and casual day visitors alike. The park is free and open year-round, 28
Harry Osborne Park and Caboose
On the southeast corner of the intersection of Cook Road and Highway 20, a park with an old steam train once used by loggers is among the first historic sites visitors see. Bring lunch and dine at the picnic tables.
Skating at the park
Sedro-Woolley Skate Park
Adjacent to the Public Safety Building at 325 Metcalf St., the city’s skate park offers a half-pipe and several grinding apparatus.
Overnighters
Riverfront RV Park
Riverfront Park at 1001 River Road, offers the Riverfront RV park with 28 vehicle spaces with power and water, and 10 tent spaces with water only. Restrooms are available in the park’s shelter areas. The park has gazebos, picnic tables and barbecue pits, along with shelters for family reunions and similar events. For information and reservations, call SedroWoolley City Hall at 360-855-1661 or visit www.ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us/Parks_and_Recreation/main.htm. Tom Naubert, park host, is space 28. An RV dump site is at 401 Alexander St.
Rafting the Skagit
Several businesses offer bald eagle float trips from November to March. Here are just two: • Blue Sky Outfitters in Marblemount. 1-800-228-7238 or www.blueskyoutfitters.com. • Skagit River Excursions. 1-8886SKAGIT or www.skagiteagles.com.
trailers can be found at the Fruitdale Road and Challenger Crossing intersections with the highway. The trail is open year-round. Portable toilets are located at the trailheads.
Holland Drug Picnic Area
As part of the city’s effort over the past year to revitalize its parks, it has spruced up this underused picnic area, in an alley off Metcalf Street. Volunteers have planted fresh shrubs and flowers. The space features a mural of the old Holland Drug Store.
Cascade Trail
A 22.5-mile rails-to-trails that parallels Highway 20 and connects Sedro-Woolley and Concrete. The surface is crushed rock. Parking for vehicles and horse
| Celebrating Sedro-Woolley | May 2011
Say ‘Fore!’ Golfing
Two opportunities to golf nine holes within short drives of Sedro-Woolley are at Overlook Golf Course and Sauk Mountain View Golf Course. • Overlook Golf Course: The public course overlooks the east side of Big Lake. It plays as long as 2,213 yards. 17523 Highway 9, Big Lake, 360-4226444 • Sauk Mountain View Golf Course: This public course at 839 Fruitdale Road, Sedro-Woolley, plays as long as 2,309 yards. 856-0315. Skagit Publishing | skagitvisitor.com
All aboard Lake Whatcom Railway Take a trip back in time on a 1920s-era rail car, on old tracks that once ran from Seattle through Sedro-Woolley to Bellingham. Lake Whatcom Railway blends an authentic old-time train experience with special occasions to provide a unique ride to visitors and residents. Get an up-close look at the 100-year-old steam engine (the engine used today is an old diesel), or ride the hand car for no extra charge. Special holiday runs take place around Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, autumn and Christmas. The Easter trip features an egg hunt,
and on Christmas, Santa Claus visits with each and every child on the train. The train will also run Saturdays in July and August, with one or possibly two trips each day. Tuesday rides may also be scheduled. To learn more, go to lakewhatcomrailway.com or call the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 360-855-1841 for schedule information. The train may be reserved for summer camps, Scout outings, birthday parties or other special events. Call the railway at 360-595-2218.
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