In the August 3, 2011 issue...

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La Conner Swansons:

Pioneer family of the Year

The 107^th Annual Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic is tomorrow,  Thursday, Aug. 4 at Pioneer Park.

Historian Dan Royal has the story on the event, which starts at 11:15 a.m. with a $12 salmon lunch, and the story behind this year's two honored families: The Swanson family of La Conner and the Lemley family of Sedro-Woolley.

Everyone in La Conner knows Austin Swanson, above, and his brother Kermit. The family plans to drive their old 1948 farm truck to the pioneer picnic on Thursday. Austin, who turns 100 this year, drives a newer truck around town these days.

On the subject of vintage transportation...

photo by Barrie Arnett

The four 1946 Globe Swift aircraft that flew in formation over Swinomish Channel on Sunday were celebrating the 90th birthday of veteran pilot Neil Johnson of Shelter Bay. Johnson's friend, Joe Holmes, has the story on today's paper.

 

Coyotes hunting in town

Pets have been disappearing in La Conner and coyotes have been seen in the town limits, making officials worry that the animals have been coming to town to feed.

At least four pet cats have been reported missing in the neighborhoods off Whatcom Street and on the hill in La Conner. Kitties have also vanished from neighborhoods north of Morris Street.

The town code enforcement officer is trying document to coyote sightings to start trapping efforts. Anyone who spots a coyote in town should contact Bill Stokes through Town Hall at 466-3125.

From the police blotter:

9:45 a.m.: Just Checking – A worried relative asked deputies to check on a 79-year-old La Conner man. The deputy looked in on the man. He was fine. His cell phone battery was dead, though.

Buy the paper at the new Swinomish Chevron, the Morris Street gas station, produce market, drug store, liquor store  and book store or from one of the quarter-eating machines around town. 

 

In the July 27, 2011 issue...

Paddle to Swinomish

Despite the pouring rain, thousands of spectators lined both sides of the Swinomish Channel to watch dozens of Native American canoes come ashore Monday afternoon.

This was the first time in the 26-year history of the Coast Salish canoe rendezvous that Swinomish has been the destination. On Monday, about 75 canoes each carrying 12 to 20 people were welcomed ashore.

  Photo by Kirsten Morse

Spectators were treated to a feast for the eyes with the spectacular canoe landings.

Photo by Don Coyote

Even so, the rain didn't wash off all the smiles, even after days of paddling.

 Photo by Ben Davidson

And how wet was it? Soaking wet!

  

The Powwow continues until Sunday, with some unique Native American arts and crafts booths, food and, most spectacular the "protocols" the traditional songs, drumming, dancing and storytelling the visiting tribes are presenting each day in the big tent starting at 10 a.m.  

From the Police Blotter:

5:22 p.m.: Disorderly – A man staying at a hotel on North First Street, La Conner, was hanging out a window overlooking a parking lot yelling and ranting about things that were not actually occurring. He was arrested by deputies.

  

The paper is on sale at the new Chevron in Swinomish village, at the La Conner gas station,  liquor store, book store, drug store, produce market, in our office on Morris Street and in the red news stands in town.

Canoe Journey Vids

Here are a few short clips from Canoe Journey, Paddle to Swinomish 2011. These were taken at the soft landing south of the Rainbow Bridge, at the Rainbow Beach in Shelter Bay. Here, canoe skippers and pullers were able to get out, stretch, get snacks, and take bathroom breaks.

Canoe Journey updates ...

Here is a link, courtesy of Steve Roberts, to a webcam offering a live view of Swadabs park, where the canoes will land Monday starting at about 2 p.m. Landing webcam

Sunday practice

July 24, 2011
   Today was the dress rehearsal for the protocol presentation of dancing, singing and drumming with Swinomish youth. Starting Tuesday, each Canoe Family tribe will perform a protocol with their own traditional songs, stories and dances. The Swinomish protocol will be the last one performed on Sunday, July 31.

 Photos by Kirsten Morse

 Photos by Kirsten Morse

Friday Swadabs Park dedication

Photo by Anna Ferdinand

Swadabs Park dedication...

Swinomish Tribal Chairman Brian Cladoosby unveiled the plaque at the new Swadabs Park on during its dedication on Friday. Three cedar hat shaped pavilions make up the eye-catching centerpiece of the park. More than 100 canoes are expected to land on shore in front of the new pavilions on Monday.

Photos by Anna Ferdinand