Sky & Sno Adventure Guide Summer 2024

SKY VALLEY | MONROE | LAKE STEVENS

Experience fun in the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

COMPLIMENTARY

Adventure Guide

Made possible in part by assistance from the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Tax Fund The Sky & Sno Adventure Guide is published by Colibri Northwest for the City of Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, the City of Monroe, and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome T

here is no shortage of unique

to check out our Photo Road Trip locations

experiences and exciting adventures

for some amazing views and attractions. We

in the Skykomish and Snohomish

spotlight a few local restaurants for you to

River Valleys. With the warm summer days

try – whether you take the whole family or are

ahead, we hope you mark your calendars

in search of a great date-night spot. We are

for some tried and true events you won’t

also including some of our best pet-friendly

want to miss.

picks – whether you are looking for a quick

The Sky Valley sets the stage for the Sultan Shindig, a staple event that pays tribute to the history of the logging industry that is still thriving today. Monroe features the Nautique

day trip outing, or enjoying some great grub on an outdoor patio. Don’t miss our events calendar to keep in the loop of local and regional community events.

WWA Wakeboard and Wakesurf National

No matter where you look – from the shores

Championships competition hosted at Lake

of our rivers to the peaks of our mountains

Tye Park – an event that we haven’t seen in our

– communities gather and celebrate in the

area since 2019. Lake Stevens highlights the

Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys.

Lake Stevens Film Festival, a festival organized by volunteers that showcases the unique talents of local filmmakers.

Welcome, Mayor Steven Yarbrough, Gold Bar Mayor Norm Johnson, Index Mayor Brett Gailey, Lake Stevens

this issue, we also recognize the historical

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, Monroe

aspects and events of our areas that built

Mayor Henry Sladek, Skykomish

the foundation of our communities. Be sure

Mayor Russell Wiita, Sultan

Mark Klein

Among the current events we showcase in

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

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Table of Contents Sky Valley

Monroe

Lake Stevens

6 Sultan Shindig: The streets of

22 WWA: Join the incredible

36 Film Festival: A passion for film

Sultan come alive for the Sultan

viewing experience as you watch

and the region join together to

Shindig. With a street fair, car

world class wakeboard and

help bring fresh visions to cinema

show, parade, fireworks, live

wakesurf athletes compete for

in Lake Stevens.

music, and the annual heart-

National Championships right

stopping logging show.

here at Lake Tye!

12 Wellington: A quick glimpse

28 Fair: Learn how the Evergreen

Aquafest is a summer festival that

into the lives of the survivors and

State Fair Park has evolved

brings unforgettable experiences

the impact of the 1910 Wellington

since the facility opened in

to attendees.

disaster in the Cascade Mountains

1949. Whether you are an avid

on the Great Northern Railway

equestrian using the arena

and its reputation.

facilities, or a family attending the

14 Art in the Sky Valley: The Skykomish River Valley is a compelling destination for artists

largest county fair in Washington State, the Evergreen State Fair Park has something for everyone.

from all over and is sure to inspire

30 The Great Junk Hunt: An

and captivate you.

award-winning vintage market,

16 Summer Fun: The Sky Valley offers a variety of exciting community events, hikes, rafting,

this event comes to Monroe twice annually and showcases 135+ vendor booths.

and river floats that you won’t

32 Ren Faire: Grab your swords

want to miss out on!

and shields and make the trek to the Village of Merriwick, just outside of Monroe, for the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire.

Blue Roan Photography

20 Pet Friendly: Paws up for

4

pet-friendly travel! Come enjoy your adventure with your furry friends. Trails, food, accommodations, and more.

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

42 Aquafest: Started by the Chamber nearly 60 years ago,

44 Head of the Bull Trout Regatta: Bringing together teams from all over the region, this October rowing event is not your typical straight-line speed challenge.

46 May the Fourth: Local galaxy inhabitants and visitors from neighboring star systems are invited to save the world at Lake Stevens May the Fourth event.

50 Dining 52 Lodging 53 Events Calendar

Correction In our previous issue we misidentified the person who donated the land for the Wayside Chapel; her name is Mrs. Hilkeline Beekman.

WWA Wakeboard && Wakesurf

national CHAMPIONSHIPS July 25 2- 8 2024 Lake Tye

presented by

14964 Fryelands Blvd, Monroe, Washington

Come watch the Worlds Best Wakeboarders and Wakesurfers lakeside.     

FREE EVENT F o o d t r u ck s , G i ve a w a ys , Pr o d u c t d e m o s and more

For more information visit thewwa.com/NationalsSPRING-SUMMER 2024

5

Bill Praegner

The Sultan Shindig is held July 12-14, 2024, at River Park

Sultan Shindig Celebrates a Rip-Roaring Logging Heritage

at the corner of 1st and Main Street in Sultan. The streets of the city come alive with a street fair, car show, parade, fireworks, and live music. The heart of the event is the annual logging show in which loggers fly up poles, attack an obstacle course with a chainsaw, and throw axes. The Sky Valley has a rich and colorful logging history—and many of these competitors are still active in the industry.

• Friday, July 12: 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

• Saturday, July 13: 10:00 a.m.-Dusk • Sunday, July 14: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

MEET THE SULTAN SHINDIG Chainsaws buzz and whine, echoing through the riverside

By Richard Porter

air. Competitors strain their muscles, their boots sinking in the ground as they labor to cut through massive trees. The crowd cheers and hollers. Sawdust-filled

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Bill Praegner

winds carry the feeling of energy

logging operation began after World

known for raspberries and dairy.

and competition. You’re part of

War II when his brothers returned

It consisted of two stores, two

this thrilling contest where skill and

from the service.

churches, two taverns, and a post-

At the time, Startup was a self-

office. Logging was seasonal work, so

sufficient, remote community also

all winter long lumber-felling families

strength are put to the test.

There will only be one winner and they will be crowned with the honorary title of “Bull of the Woods.”

Welcome to the Sultan Shindig, an annual celebration of logging practices. The Shindig has been a decades-long tradition that fills the Skykomish River Valley with the thwack of axes and the cheers of thrill-seeking crowds.

Yet these are more than mere chainsaw games. These carefullypreserved timber practices are a dying art, a cultural heritage. The Sultan Shindig is a throwback to the logging days of yore that defined this valley.

FRANK’S STORY The old ways don’t feel so old to former logger Frank Roesler.

Flame-Grilled Burgers 100% sustainably-sourced beef patties Cooked fresh when you order them

Old Fashion Hand-Scooped Milk Shakes Choose from dozens of flavors Create your own favorite combination

Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Smoked for 24 hours over real hardwood Delicious with or without our house-made sauces Our Double Bacon Cheeseburger

Aged 93 today, Frank lives on his family property in Startup, WA. His family’s

31724 US 2, SULTAN WA 98294

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

7

would charge their groceries to the small general store. After the first spring timber harvest, the first check would pay off the loggers’ debts.

Frank honed his experience in the woods with the Roesler Logging Company. Frank and his dad would fell trees with a 12 horsepower chainsaw with an eight-foot blade. The largest tree that young Frank Roesler felled -Bill Praegner

he can still remember -- was fourteen feet, 3 inches in diameter. Frank’s brothers bucked the logs. At its peak, the family operation was harvesting

Seattle-Snohomish Mill, and Scott

Throughout his career, Frank adopted

fir and hemlock. They trucked the cut

Paper in Everett.

the self-sufficient spirit of the river

timber down State Route 2 to Everett

The old way of logging required an

one million board feet per month of

for milling at the Buse Lumber Mill,

entire crew to shop and haul the harvest: a chaser, a hook tender, a rigging slinger, and two chokermen.

The crew cut timber, bucked it, hauled the logs up an incline, yarded the wood, and then loaded the pile onto trucks. Logging trucks had to navigate precarious mountain roads.

Eventually, Frank opened his own mill in Startup, specifically to cut cedar shingles. His cedar shake was mostly shipped to California to feed the postwar suburban housing boom. Frank’s mill cut 300 bundles of cedar per saw per day -- a remarkable output.

The cedar shake was (and still is) highly valued for its waterproof properties and most of all its durability. It would be worn paper-thin over the years and

Bill Praegner

still hold up to the elements. At one point, Frank’s cedar was distributed in all 50 states.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

valley he called home. He flew a Cessna to the Washington-Oregon border to pick up logging machinery parts for repairs -- it was quicker than having them trucked up. He had a helicopter license and air-lifted supplies out to stranded farmers when the Skykomish River flooded.

Log g i n g a n d m i l l i n g we re a n inherently dangerous business.

Many millers wound up with missing fingers, or accumulating injuries that were even worse. Yet, the Roesler operation managed to perform “way above industry standard for injury,” according to Frank’s son Craig.

“Work hard, play hard” was the ethos of the backwoods. Most loggers came back from the woods to drink the evening and nights away, then roll out of bed in the mornings and do it again.

This was their way of life for decades in the twentieth century.

Until a bird changed all that.

Pancake Breakfast Fun Run • Parade Open Air Market Pie Social Mini Train Rides KCLS Program Street Dance/Music Silent Auction Pizza Daddy Rootbeer Floats Icecream Explore a fire engine Yarn Bomb Installation Bouncy House

CAMP MAKE LEARN SHARE POP-UP MAKERSPACE • WORKSHOPS • ART SHOW LIGHT ART • INTERACTIVE TECH • ECO ART

SKYKOMISH, WA ElectricSkyArtCamp.com

WEEKEND RETREAT:

JUNE 20–23

ART SHOW: SAT, JUNE 22 (8–11PM)

REGISTER EARLY & RESERVE YOUR SPACE

TunnelDaysofSkykomish.org Third Place Technologies

Open Air Markets in H i s t or ic S k y komi s h

Art Gallery • Studio • Workshops Stop in and enjoy our gallery and gift shop, highlighting local art celebrating the beauty and history of the region.

11am–3pm (third Saturday of the month)

May 18 • June 15* • July 20 • August 17 • September 21

4

202 , 7 1 st Augu to 12aalmlpark 1thpemSkykomish B at

Free

(Donations fill the boot and help fund MIP for next year)

We are a membershipbased artist space in the Cascade Mountains featuring local and invited artists.

For more info on exhibits and workshops visit our website.

Hours: Noon to 5pm Thursday–Sunday

SkyArtworks.org

104 W. Railroad Avenue Skykomish, WA 98288 email: info@skyartworks.org

Sky Artworks is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

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Bill Praegner

MODERN TIMES In the 1990s, the Spotted Owl became an unwitting icon of environmental

board feet. The Sky Valley’s lumber-

echo constantly with the sound of

based economy would never be quite

chainsaws.

the same.

THE NEXT GENERATION

change. As concerns for this

Today, mechanized logging practices

endangered species heightened,

rule the forested slopes above the

the timber industry faced economic

Sky Valley. A feller-buncher machine

shifts. Logging restrictions aimed at

walks among logs, limbing them and

preserving owl habitats triggered

processing them in a way that radically

a transformation, highlighting the

conserves manpower. Timber crews

delicate balance between ecological

are much smaller thanks to automation.

For the Randall brothers it’s a family

well-being and economic pursuits in

It’s a trade-off: less work, but also a

legacy. Their dad participated in the

the timber industry.

smaller environmental impact.

event for twenty-five years. “I’ve been

Old-style logging was constricted

Lumberjacks no longer harvest old-

practically overnight by millions of

growth forest. The woods no longer

Of course, if you visit the Sultan Shindig today you’ll still see the sawdust flying. One person running the chainsaws will be Joshua Randall and his brother Jacob.

attending since I was in diapers,” said Joshua. “I started running a chainsaw as a kid.” From there it was a natural progression for him to start shimmying

Earth Biscuits Skykomish Campground • 53 acres with 7 campsites • Beautiful views • Hiking and Wildlife Viewing • Family friendly

up poles -- another logging skill from days of yore. Today he competes in all the events.

These skills ultimately pushed Joshua and his older brother Jacob into their careers. They both operate tree services. Their jobs require the ability to safely climb, limb, and fell

Text 425-218-2442 or scan QR code for website 10

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

trees. Josh started in this field at age 18 and opened his first business at 24.

recent transplants, to familiarize the newcomers with traditional logging practices.

Time is a funny thing. You can’t always tell where you stand in the scheme of things or see the progression Bill Praegner

of the years from a large enough perspective. As a cultural heritage and dying art, the Shindig creates a throughline, a continuity from has won multiple Bull of the Woods awards (maybe eight or nine of them — he’s lost count). The Bull of the

the logging days that shaped the Skykomish River Valley -- from Frank Roesler’s journey to spotted owls and the story of Joshua Randall.

Woods title comes with a cash prize,

You can experience for yourself

trophy, and sometimes a custom

the current chapter of this storied

engraved throwing ax.

river valley this summer at the

“I appreciate the Sultan Shindig games

Bill Praegner

And he seems to be a natural. Joshua

Sultan Shindig.

Visit for more information

because the event brings together the old guys in the valley and keeps [the logging spirit] alive,” said Josh.

And this logging spirit... well, it may be as endangered as the spotted

Sultan-Sky Valley Information Center Cascade Loop Visitor Information Stop and Experts On All Things Sky Valley!

owls as the Sky Valley drifts further from its timber-based heritage. “I see very few participants of the next generation,” said Josh. “We’re trying to pull new people [into the lumberjack games].”

The Sky Valley has also seen a recent increase in population. There are close to 8,000 new homes in the valley, most of them built since the pandemic. By most accounts, many of the recent transplants are former city folk, drawn to a quieter locale, a smaller city, and the desirable option to telecommute.

Joshua Randall feels the imperative to share this his tor y with the

p Pick U ee r Your F g Hi k i n Guide

skyvalleychamber.com/visit 320 Main Street, Sultan • (360) 793-0983 SPRING-SUMMER 2024

11

Looking Back

Following the Iron Goat Trail: The Tragic History of the Wellington Disaster

T

The Iron Goat Trail is a beautiful, easy hiking trail found east of Skykomish on the Stevens Pass Greenway. The trail is an excellent example of

and snow sheds that date back to before the 8-mile

Cascade tunnel that opened in 1929. It’s important not to forget the tragic events that have occurred along this picturesque corridor. The town of Wellington, now known as Tye, shares a tragic past with the Iron Goat Trail, as it was the site of the Wellington Disaster.

Gary Krist’s book, “The White Cascade: The Great Northern Railway Disaster and America’s Deadliest

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, CUR723

railroad archaeology as it follows the former rail grade

Avalanche,” offers a detailed account of the tragedy. in 1893, was considered a marvel. The switchbacks and tunnels that cut through the snowiest region in the Lower 48 were the handiwork of John F. Stevens, who would later become the Panama Canal chief engineer. Watching over this line was his valued employee, James O’Neill.

In late February 1910, two Great Northern trains, the Spokane Local passenger train No. 25 and the Fast

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, CUR724

The Great Northern Railway’s Cascade Line, completed

Mail train No. 27, were traveling towards Puget Sound from the eastern side of the mountains. Due to heavy were forced to stop near Wellington, a small-town housing mostly Great Northern Railway employees. On February 26, an enormous snowstorm hit that forced the trains to a halt. The situation worsened as the hours and days passed, telegraph lines snapped that cut communications, and coal supplies dwindled. Due to a thunderstorm with lightning flashes and strong winds, a series of avalanches occurred, making it impossible for

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, CUR735

snowfall and avalanches blocking the tracks, the trains

the trains to continue their route beyond the Cascade Mountains. The trains remained trapped for four days.

On March 1, a massive avalanche struck the two trains in the middle of the night, plunging the trains 150 feet down into the Tye River Valley, and later named the “Wellington Disaster”. The avalanche caused the death of 96 people, making it one of the worst train disasters in US history and one of the deadliest natural disasters to have occurred in the state of Washington.

The Great Northern Railway took three weeks to repair the damaged tracks before it could resume train services over Stevens Pass, and it took several months to recover all of the victims. The 23 injured survivors were sent to Wenatchee and Everett, while the bodies of the deceased were transported on sleds down the west side of the Cascade Mountains to trains that carried them to Everett and Seattle. Later on, the Wellington Disaster led to the renaming of the rail town to Tye to improve the perception of the Great Northern Railway and minimize the impact of this disaster and its loss of reputation.

To prevent the recurrence of such tragic events, the Great Northern Railway stopped producing wooden train cars and replaced them with large riveted-steel cars.

Additionally, the Cascade Tunnel, an 8-mile-long tunnel that runs through the side of the Cascade Mountain range, was constructed. The tunnel was completed in 1929 and is still in use today, regularly carrying passengers on the Empire Builder Route from Seattle to Chicago and freight throughout the United States.

The Great Northern & Cascade Railway Productions is working on a video production and a documentary about the Wellington Disaster called “Avalanche,” which will be released in the summer/fall of 2024. Visitors can also stop by the Great Northern & Cascade Railway Museum in Skykomish to ride a scale train and learn more about the Railway’s history in the area. The museum is open every weekend from May through October.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

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together in the shadow of the famous Index Rock Wall to display, create, share, and sell their work. It is not limited to the fine arts but embraces the spoken word, drum circles, and aerialists doing ribbon dances above the Skykomish River. From paintings to sculptures, jewelry to pottery, there is something for everyone at the Index Arts Festival. Make it a weekend by booking a room at the Historic Bush Mark Klein

House Inn or one of the area’s cabins or glamping opportunities.

Capturing the Art in Majestic Nature:

A Journey Through the Beauty of the Great Outdoors

T

Another fun, unique event is the Skykomish Music in the Park festival, held in mid-August. This year, it will take place on August 17, 2024. This festival celebrates all things musical and artistic, featuring an eclectic mix of musicians, performers, and artists.

It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music and experience Sky Valley’s unique and vibrant artistic culture at

he Skykomish River Valley

Index Arts Festival. In its 20th year,

the Skykomish ballpark campground

is beautiful and rich

this creative event will take place

surrounded by evergreen forest. Call

with natural beauty – an

on August 3, 2024. This festival

Skykomish City Hall to reserve your

inspiration for all art forms. From

showcases the creativity and talent

camping spot if you stay overnight.

majestic waterfalls to rocky cliffs,

of local & regional artists. They come

Or book at the Cascadia Inn or one of

the scenery is breathtaking, and it’s no wonder it inspires artists of all kinds to create stunning works.

While hiking in the area, you might find a painter settled on a rocky outcrop, painting the creek spilling over, or a photographer perched, waiting for the perfect light to hit the peaks of Mt. Persis in the late summer light.

One of the region’s most exciting events that celebrates art is the 14

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Milkwood, Index

Milkwood, Index

the beautiful vacation rentals nestled

During the summer months, you will

collective of artists and creatives has

in the surrounding area.

find photographers gathering and

been working tirelessly to provide

show-casing their shots on the back

a platform for artists to showcase

viewing deck at the Espresso Chalet

their art, give a creative space for

- Owner Mark Klein is a photographer

artists to work, and deliver classes

who, along with other talented

to connect with the community. They

photographers, is happy to share

organize exhibitions, workshops, and

tips, tricks, and some favorite spots

events that unite artists and art lovers,

to capture everything from the flora,

creating a vibrant and supportive

fauna, night sky and majestic views.

artistic community.

Sk y Ar tworks is a cooperative

The natural beauty of the Sky Valley

organization that promotes and

has inspired artists of all kinds to

supports the arts in the region. This

create unique works of art. From the

Ye a r-ro u n d , M i l k wo o d H o m e Decor and Edie Everette showcase handmade items. Milkwood’s owners, Allan and Edie, craft beautiful furniture, custom-created fabrics, paintings, quirky clothing, accessories, and more in their cute tiny shop beside the Historic Bush House Inn in Index, WA.

Index Arts Festival to the Skykomish Music in the Park festival and the work of Sky Artworks, there are plenty of opportunities to experience and celebrate this beautiful region’s unique and vibrant artistic culture.

Be sure to pack your sketchbook, brushes, and camera to capture Sky Valley from Sultan to Skykomish.

Mark Klein

Milkwood, Index

glimpses of the majestic nature of the

For more info, go to VisitSkyValley.com or SkyValleyChamber.com.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

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Unforgettable Memories Under the Summer Sky

T

he Sky Valley is a bustling

bouldering, fishing, off-road areas,

One of the year’s most anticipated

collection of six communities

and more, it’s a perfect destination

events is the Sultan Farmers Market,

located at the foothills of the

to unwind and have fun.

a perfect summer experience. The

Cascade Mountain range. People from different walks of life gather to celebrate the joys of summer along the Stevens Pass Greenway. With

What makes the Sky Valley even more exciting are the various events it hosts throughout the valley, offering a variety of activities to explore. These

community event is often punctuated with music, activities, fresh produce, fruit, eggs, and local artisan goods.

It was established to support nearby

a myriad of outdoor experiences,

events range from the Sultan Farmers

farms, promote freshness and

such as hiking, mountain biking,

Market to the Gold Dust Day, and

sustainability, and connect residents

river rafting, kayaking, climbing,

there is something for everyone.

with their neighbors, businesses,

Foxtrot Fencing

and local farmers. Visitors can find local organic produce, honey, eggs, flowers, and hand-crafted goods, most of which come within 20 miles of the market. The market is hosted every Saturday at River Park, near the confluence of the Sultan and Skykomish Rivers. Locals often refer

Andy Lamond

General Contractor 360 348 0348

16

a.f.lamond@gmail.com www.skyvalleyfence.com Building community, not just fences License - FOXTRF*794KP Bonded, Insured, industry certified

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

to this as where the Sultan meets the Sky. Enjoy the market throughout the summer until September 28.

As summer lingers into late July, the

the Salmon to the local waterways.

experiencing various activities at

fun small-town community event Gold

Visitors are invited to a round dance,

working farms, and enjoying free

Dust Day brings the residents and

listen to music, art, and stories from

games. There is also a pumpkin patch

travelers together to celebrate the

members of the Lummi, Tulalip,

to explore, a corn maze to cruise

area’s mining past. This event features a

and Yakima tribes, and learn how to

through, grapes to stomp for the

parade, street fair, family fun activities,

protect the Salmon Watersheds to

first crush, and wine tasting. Visitors

and a vintage car show. A new addition

preserve this age-old return of the

can even swing on a rope in the hay

to the event was announced this year:

salmon for future generations.

loft, take a tractor tour to the river,

the Gold Rush Miners Cart Race!

Community members and businesses are building their miner’s carts to race

The Sky Valley Farm Festival is a delightful family event to celebrate

ride horses, try their hand at apple slingshots, and meet the cows.

the start of the harvest season. This

All these events offer a fantastic

yearly event is held in early October

oppor tunit y to enjoy exciting

along Lower Fern Bluff Road in

activities, support local communities,

Monroe. Visitors ride in a free hay

and soak up the summer vibes.

wagon to tour all the farms. Each farm

Whether you are a local or a visitor,

If you’re a basketball fan, the Shoot for

has unique activities and attractions,

we invite you to join the fun and make

the Sky 3-on-3 basketball tournament

including exploring beautiful flower

unforgettable memories in the Sky

held at River Park in Sultan is for you.

fields, meeting adorable chickens,

Valley this summer.

for the “Big Nugget.” Gold Dust is held every year on the fourth Saturday of July, with this year’s event set to take place on July 27.

It attracts nearly 50 teams from 13 different communities and runs for about eight hours with almost 950 spectators, with music playing throughout the day. Food trucks and the Sultan Farmers Market are also available nearby for those who want to grab a bite to eat or snag some local products. This event takes place on the third Saturday of August, so mark your calendars for August 17, 2024, to join the tournament.

As summer draws near its end, the community gathers again to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Skykomish River Valley at the Return of the Salmon Celebration. This event occurs on the fourth Saturday of September at Osprey Park in Sultan, where everyone honors the legacy of Chief T’seul-Ted, the city’s namesake, and witnesses the annual return of SPRING-SUMMER 2024

17

LLEY

Mars Miller

SK

Y

VA

STOP #1

Sky Valley Chamber

Chief Sultan d healer and guide.

Chief John T’seul-Ted was a renowne which stands today in Jerry Carter sculpted a statue of him, recently refurbished and Sultan’s Riverside Park after being . moved out of the flood zone

STOP #2

Whistle Stop David Hose Sultan’s Historic Train Mural is a beautiful artwork located near U.S. Rte 2 on 4th Street. It features real citizens of Sultan and showcases what the train station would have looked like in the past.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

ber Sk y Valley Cham

STOP #3

Annette Pitts

Joe Beavers

Fire House This Firehouse Mu ral by David Hose is on the side of th Now-Post Office e Facing U.S. Rte 2.

The Mural is base photos of the volun d on old teer Firefighters wh o built the building .

STOP #4

Gateway Sign- Gold Bar This recently restored sign by local artist, Shanna Lyn Thoresen, brings a new take to this beloved weathered wood sign created in 1995.

STOP #5

Harry ptid” by ngton’s Most Famous Cry Named “Home of Washi nderson He . Index’s iconic Harry King 5’s Evening Magazine On social p. sto s mis Chalet is a not to statue at the Espresso new 200 and 50 en twe tue gets be media channels, this sta r. me sum selfie posts a day in the

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

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Pet Friendly Travel in the Skykomish-Snohomish River Valleys

T

he Skykomish-Snohomish River Valleys is a perfect destination for pet owners looking for a fun adventure with their furry loved ones. With

various pet-friendly activities and accommodations, you and your pet will have a great time exploring the region’s beautiful trails, lakes, and natural areas. Plus, you’ll find plenty of dog parks and businesses that welcome pets, making it easy to enjoy off-leash fun, local craft beverages or tasty treats after a day of adventure.

Just remember to follow trail etiquette when hiking with your dog, respect the rules unique to the trail or region you are exploring, and always pick up and pack out your pet’s waste.

So, pack your bags and head to the SkykomishSnohomish River Valleys with your furry family for an unforget table experience!

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

PET-FRIENDLY LODGING D & A Cabins 49315 Index Galena Road, Index (425) 446-9483

Nighthawk Lodgings Sultan (360) 793-2777

Wallace Falls Cabins 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar (888) 226-7688

Cascades RV Resort 14201 339th Ave SE, Sultan (425) 308-5929

Tree Line Vacation Rentals www.treelinerentals.com (206) 735-3231 Cascadia Inn 210 Rail Road Ave E, Skykomish (866) 677-2030 Dutch Cup Motel 918 Main Street, Sultan (800) 844-0488

Fairgrounds Inn 18950 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe (360) 794-5401 Evergreen Inn & Suites 19103 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe (360) 863-1900 Best Western Sky Valley Inn 19233 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe (360) 794-3111

TEN QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR ADVENTURE! 1.

DOG PARKS Cavalero Hill Park 7708 20th Street SE, Lake Stevens

Travelers “Bark” Off Leash Dog Park U.S. Rte 2, Sultan

Wiggly Field Off Leash Dog Park 413 Sky River Parkway, Monroe

Highway 2 Off Leash Dog Park Gold Bar

Dogs on First Off Leash Dog Park 700 1st Street, Sultan

Be kind and respectful to others. We’re all here to have fun and enjoy the beautiful Sky & Sno area, so let’s make sure we do it in a positive and friendly way.

2. Follow the rules unique to the trail or region you are exploring. Some trails may require leashes or have specific guidelines, so check before you go.

3. Pick up and pack out all of your pet’s waste.

It’s not only the law but also a common courtesy to other guests and the environment.

4. Be considerate of other hikers and pets on the trails. Yield the right-of-way to hikers and horses, and be sure your dog is wellbehaved and doesn’t disrupt other guests’ experiences.

5. Only allow your dog off-leash in designated areas. This ensures your pet’s safety as well as that of other guests.

6. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Don’t rush through the trails or activities.

Take it all in and enjoy the moment.

7.

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Know your and your pet’s limits. You won’t undertake a challenging or steep hike your first time out. Don’t do that to your pet, either.

8. Stay hydrated and bring snacks for yourself and your pet. Whether hiking or exploring, it’s always a good idea to have some water and snacks on hand to keep yourself and your furry friend fueled and energized.

9.

Support local businesses that welcome pets.

From breweries to cafes, there are plenty of places to visit with your furry family members, so be sure to stop by and show your support.

10. Have fun and make memories! The Sky & Sno area is a beautiful and exciting place to explore with your pets, so take advantage of all the fantastic activities and accommodations and create some unforgettable memories.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

21

The Nautique WWA Wakeboard & Wakesurf National Championships will bring world-class athletes to

Summertime Shreds: Wakeboarding Champs Flock to Monroe

Monroe this summer. The event will be held July 25- 28, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Lake Tye Park (14964 Fryelands Blvd. Monroe, WA). The championships are hosted by the World Wakeboarding Association, offering a stage for top-tier watersports athletes. The 2024 Nautique Wakesurf Series, the largest wakeboarding event in the United States, includes competitors of all ages and skill levels in a format designed for competitive-based fun for the whole family. The results from the Nautique WWA Nationals will also determine who will represent the United States at the WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Both events are free to the public. Grab a blanket, pick up some food from the restaurants paralleling Fryelands Blvd., and snag a spot in the grass and watch competitors from

By Richard Porter

22

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

all over the country give it their all.

T

he professional and semiprofessional athletes arrive at the water’s edge. They are

uniformly fit, most are tanned and their hair is sun bleached. They come from about 30 countries around the world, brought here by their passion for watersports. Listen and you’ll hear them conversing in Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.

These riders take turns plying their craft by shredding the waves on Lake Tye in Monroe. A 42-acre manmade lake. Harnessed to a speeding boat, they navigate the water’s surface @RodrigoSnaps

on a specialized board, performing an array of daring maneuvers. The best wakeboarders in the world -- literally -- carve through waves, executing sharp turns with precision

spins, splashing in the crystalline

human anatomy? Is it grit and brawn?

water and summer sun.

Yes to all of the above.

the air, soaring above the water. They

Is it dancing? Is it gymnastics? Is it a

Whether gliding across smooth waters

twist and spin with agility and control.

choreographed tension between the

or conquering waves, wakeboarding

Athletes defy gravity with flips and

elements, motorized technology and

is an adrenaline-fueled adventure

and grace. As the boat accelerates, participants launch themselves into

that captivates both participants and onlookers with its dynamic and mesmerizing action.

Athletes have arrived here in Monroe, Washington because Lake Tye is the perfect body of water for wakeboarding: a controlled environment with minimal wind and virtually no choppy water. Moreover, it ’s an oblong , manmade lake

@RodrigoSnaps

conveniently surrounded by grassy slopes, a park, restaurants, and a walking trail. This place is perfect for a watersports event. Comfortable surroundings and functionality are key SPRING-SUMMER 2024

23

features of the venue, to say nothing

Some of the original creators of

Each generation of wakeboarding

of the sparkling waters and rolling

wakeboarding, including the president

athletes invents and experiments

green hills surrounding Lake Tye.

of the WWA, are still around and

with new techniques and approaches.

have become legends within the

It’s very much an activity in flux;

for its proximity to Snoqualmie, the

community.

it’s a sport defined by innovation,

epicenter of PNW wakeboarding

It’s an ever-evolving sport, creating

Monroe is valuable to these athletes

culture. There’s a strong wakeboarding community in these parts. Ninety-nine percent of the boards and equipment that these athletes ride and use at this event was made near Seattle.

spinoffs and subcategories as it progresses, including activities like foiling, mono skiing, kiteboarding,

not tradition. That’s part of the excitement. You can experience history in the making.

And history, in this case, looks like

and “skurfing.” Athletes pioneer and

aerial flips and aquatic shredding.

master new tricks like the toeside

ORIGINS

Wakeboarding and its related water

edge, heelside edge, the ride switch

activities are relatively young sports.

and 180 spin.

I n m a ny w a y s , t h e s to r y o f wakeboarding closely mirrors the story of Shannon Starling, president of the WWA. Not at all surprising, given that Shannon and three of his friends founded the Association in 1989.

They started their competition with a practical problem: who was going to buy the Coors Light? “ H o n e s t l y, we s t a r te d a s a n organization to compete for bragging rights. We were highly competitive.

The question was who’s the loser?

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

That’s who was going to buy us beer!”

among other countries.

the culture of early wakeboarding,

Starling says the trio of proto-

This who’s going to buy the beer?, wild

according to Starling. Wakeboarders

wakeboarders literally drafted the rule

west, anything-goes ethos comprised

of the 1990s formed communal

book for the event the night before.

It was unbelievably short, clocking in at one page. The rule book took into account the unknown danger of this event. It was the wild west.

“We had a kind of a joke,” said Starling.

“If you have a compound fracture, you automatically win. Unless you die... in which case, we’ll send the trophy to your parents.” Yikes!

Yet, wakeboarding turned out to be a viable and marketable sport, and it soon attracted folks from across the nation. Young athletes congregated to grassroots events, arriving from anywhere that offered a body of water: Knoxville, Austin, Malibu, and Florida.

“Now, flash-forward. We’ve got friends all over the world,” said Starling. Indeed, a look at the WWA global rankings show top-tier athletes from Spain, Portugal, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Argentina SPRING-SUMMER 2024

25

@RodrigoSnaps

relationships, often living in houses,

off the water. It’s not uncommon

knit athletes, bound into a subculture

traveling, and eating together.

to see groups of athletes speaking

by their mutual love for this sport.

According to Starling there were

different languages while goofing

the occasional rivalries, but mostly

around a fire, eating tacos after a day

the community was and is known

of wakeboarding. It’s clear that there’s

for a sense of camaraderie on and

a true international network of close-

There seems to be something about wakeboarding that hooks folks. It’s an all-or-nothing type of endeavor: passion over pastime. For example, take the story of Corrie Wilson.

Today she’s the Executive Director of the WWA, but she began her journey as an athlete beginning at the age of twelve. One day, Wilson’s folks brought home a wakeboard from a flea market. Wilson was immediately infatuated. She practiced. And she practiced more. She was soon known internationally by her name, in what was then a male-dominated sport.

Besides ranking in the top five wakeboarders in the world, she was idolized by many for her unique style, which was largely informed by snowboarding-style jumps and flips.

Today, Wilson is very humble given her athletic prowess, so it may come as a surprise that she’s featured in “The Voyage,” one of the mostwatched feature-length videos about

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

a group of wakeboarders who travel down the Mississippi.

Wakeboarding has come a long way since the 1990s, but the formality and organization of the competition don’t detract from the thrill of summertime shreds. Wilson and Starling will tell you: the adrenaline rush is simply part of this sport.

THIS YEAR’S EVENT So, what can folks expect this year at the 2024 Nautique WWA Wakeboard & Wakesurf National Championships? First of all it’s a free festival, which is remarkable for a professional championship. It’s also a series of events that lets you get close to the action.

In short, if you visit the Nautique WWA

Everyone walks away from this event

Wakeboard Championships in Monroe,

feeling like a champ.

you’ll enjoy a full weekend of splashing, savory treats and general summersports camaraderie. You’ll experience top athletes as they flip, carve, and shred their way to international fame.

Visit for more information

Savor yummy grub from local food hubs, score giveaways, and gather signatures from professional athletes.

The event will culminate on Saturday and Sunday when the international pros will take to the waters of Lake Tye to vie for the title of champion.

Are you planning a stay? You’re in luck.

Monroe, Washington is a lovely place to explore.

Apart from nearby accommodations you can enjoy visiting the shops in historic downtown Monroe. Explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest at any of the dozens of hiking trails that wind through the foothills and nearby peaks. After a

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this mighty town is known as the gateway to the Cascades.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

27

Looking Back

History of the Evergreen State Fair Park

T

he Evergreen State Fair Park, located near Monroe, WA, has been a prominent yearround event facility in Snohomish County since

1949. The 193-acre park attracts hundreds of

thousands of visitors each year and is the proud host of the annual Evergreen State Fair every summer. The fair is the largest event held at the park and this year’s event will be the 115th fair. The property is also home of the Evergreen Speedway which entertains crowds with a variety of events like NASCAR races, Drift, Autocross, and other special events.

Snohomish County has a long tradition of bringing together agriculture, education, community, and entertainment through a variety of fairs such as The Monroe District Fair, Snohomish County Fair, and Cavalcade of the Valleys. These were all agricultural fairs that offered exhibits of dairy products, livestock, farm education, manufacturing, and ladies’ useful and fancy work.

Snohomish County Fair history began in 1874 with The Pioneer Agriculture Fair which was held on 40 acres in Snohomish. Around 1895 the Snohomish County Fairgrounds moved the location to an 8-acre piece of land on Tenth Street and Avenue D in Snohomish. From there the Snohomish County Fair was held in Granite Falls from 1916 until the Depression. Local granges were at the heart of these fairs and supported them throughout the Depression.

From 1937 through 1939, the Tualco, French Creek and Cherry Valley Granges coordinated the fairs and parades in Monroe. The first Cavalcade of

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

the Valleys was held in 1941 at a site near Powell and Park Streets in Monroe. It featured a parade, carnival, and a focus on agriculture. Due to World War II, it was canceled the following two years but resumed in 1944. The Snohomish County Fair returned in 1946, ending the Cavalcade of the Valleys, and in 1949 the Snohomish County Fair moved to its current location at the new county-owned fairgrounds and changed its name to Evergreen State Fair Association. The 1950 Evergreen State Fair ran for four days and included the dedication of a new harness racetrack, then in 1955 it expanded to five days ending on Labor Day. Today, the Fair continues the tradition of ending on Labor Day. Snohomish County took over the operation of the Evergreen State Fair in 1964, and in 2019 the Evergreen State Fairgrounds officially became the Evergreen State Fair Park; one of hundreds of Snohomish County parks.

Over the years the Evergreen State Fair Park has seen a lot of growth, both in terms of space and events. It offers a variety of facilities that can accommodate year-round events like trade shows, swap meets, animal shows, training seminars, festivals, and car shows. On the north end of the grounds there are indoor and outdoor arenas for local, state, and regional equestrian events and motorsports in the winter.

The Evergreen State Fair welcomes about 340,000 guests during the 11-day fair and remains the largest county fair in Washington State. The fair continues the tradition of early-day fairs by offering a space for youth development, agricultural education, community engagement and tradition.

The 2024 Evergreen State Fair will be held August 22-27 and August 29-September 2. More information can be found at www.evergreenfair.org.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

29

training facility in Puyallup. When they opened the doors for the first show, Linda said the line stretched forever. The event has been a big hit since opening day.

Monroe was the second show location, opening in 2016. Linda raved that Monroe never disappoints – whether there is rain, snow, or ice, people always come. “We love Monroe” Linda said. Many local vendors are at the Monroe show, but some travel from as far as Southern

The Great Junk Hunt: From Treasures to Unique Experiences

E

xperience an award-winning

marketing; and Linda runs the show

vintage and home goods

operations.

market in Monroe. The Great

Junk Hunt comes to the Evergreen State Fair Park in February and November every year. The event features over 135 booths to shop, plus cocktails and live music. You are sure to be in junkin’ heaven.

This event has been a family affair since its origin. Founder Linda Albers’ mother was a thrifter/junker, and she grew up regularly visiting the local thrift shops. As a kid, she hated this, but little did she know, the life of junkin’ got into her blood.

Today, Linda’s husband helps with the finances, her son JT, who joined the show full-time in 2017, covers the 30

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

California, Alaska, Idaho, Las Vegas, and Arizona. The vendors for this particular show fill up faster than any other of their markets. It also proudly displays the most authentically vintage and true antiques than any other market – a true representation of our region.

With 13 or 14 markets a year, the Great Junk Hunt continues to grow

The first Junk Hunt was held in 2009.

and expand. The Albers mission is to

As the show started to form, Linda

get more younger people interested

took over her husband’s athletic

in vintage and they are discovering

that it’s working. JT says the “show wants to be coast to coast.” To help with this mission, the market is venturing into Tennessee for the first time this year in hopes of tapping into a younger generation.

JT calls Tennessee “the gateway to the East Coast.”

Even if you don’t need anything, go for the experience. The market allows you to step back in time and reminisce. Linda speaks of a particular

On another occasion, an attendee

guaranteed to walk away with unique

whose family business had sold years

treasures you can’t find anywhere else

ago, was shopping when they found a

or live without.

sign from their family business in one of the booths.

story that stands out from a previous

You truly never know what you will

show. A mom and daughter came to

find. At the Great Junk Hunt, you are

Visit for more information

the show. The mom picked up an old newspaper from a booth and read it while her daughter was standing there. Her daughter kept repeating “mom, mom, mom!” And said, “mom look at the back of the newspaper!”

When the mother finally turned

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attendees will step into an age of piracy at the Village of Merriwick. Watch as buccaneers compete for the title of the most formidable pirate ever to sail the seven seas. After feasting on sea fare, ale, and the finest rum, you’re sure to walk away with treasure! Some of these bad-to-the-bone pirates will return for weekend three of the event:

Choose Your Alliance: Villain or Hero.

However, you won’t just see pirates this weekend, the bravest of heroes, heroines and notorious villains will be making appearances. The fourth

Renaissance Comes Alive in the Village of Merriwick:

A Summer Adventure Just Outside Monroe

T

weekend plays tribute to the Vikings and Barbarians by venturing into

Warriors of the Wild: Swords & Shields.

Learn about these most intriguing warriors and live as they did, if only for one weekend in Merriwick. The final weekend reveals Mystical Realms: A

Fantastical Finale. Be transported by dark magic to a place where there are

he Washington Midsummer

experience. The event starts with

Renaissance Faire has made

A Magical Midsummer Celebration,

its way around the state and

which celebrates the splendor and

Marketing Director, Shana, remarks, “a

has landed just outside Monroe, in

tapestry of the Elizabethan era. The

unique aspect of our Renaissance Faire

the Village of Merriwick. Originally

second weekend showcases Pirates’

is the blend of historical education

the Washington Renaissance

Plunder: A High Seas Adventure where

with whimsical fantasy. While we

no boundaries to the imagination.

Fantasy Faire, this event grew

celebrate the Renaissance Era, we

into the Washington Midsummer

also welcome a variety of fantastical

Renaissance Faire, the largest in

characters like faeries and all sorts of

the state. The event extends over

mythical creatures. This fusion creates

five weekends from July into August

a vibrant and magical atmosphere

and transforms Sky Meadows Park

where history meets fantasy, offering

into what the Renaissance Faire

a fun and imaginative experience for

calls the “Village of Merriwick.”

Each weekend, an estimated 20,000 attendees will make the journey to

attendees of all ages. It’s a place where the past and the fantastical come alive in a spectacular celebration!”

attend the show. Every weekend has

Take advantage of the unique camping

a specific theme, making each a unique

experience offered on Friday and

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Saturday nights. Stay the entire weekend onsite with one all-inclusive ticket. Throughout the weekend, you will see an abundance of entertainment like live performances and a costume contest where you could win tickets for the following year’s Faire. Be sure to check out the many vendors the Faire has to offer. You’ll find everything from accessories and clothing to pottery, metalwork, and art. Lastly, there is no shortage of food and drink options for everyone in the family!

Enjoy thrilling jousts, explore artisanal markets with merchants who have traveled from all over the country to attend, delight in vibrant performances, and savor traditional fare. A weekend of historical adventure and entertainment awaits.

Visit for more information SPRING-SUMMER 2024

33

M

O

NR

OE

Located between Monroe and Snohomish, Lord Hill Regional Park is the perfect location to get outdoors. With multi-use trails, the park welcomes hikers, walkers, trail runners, bikers, and equestrian users.

The park’s family friendly trails are available for all activity levels. Here is a sneak peak of just a few trails that the park offers.

Chris Hendrickson

Sterling Hammer Photograpghy

Visit for more information

STOP #1:

Beaver Lake Trail This trail is true to its name and take s you to Beaver Marsh Lake. 2 miles out and back, this is an easy, multi-use trail for all to enjoy. Grab the kids, enjoy the roughly 50-minute walk and hopefully your kiddos will get to see some horses along the way. *Insider Tip: For closest entr y park at the Upper Parking Lot.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

STOP #2:

Main Trail the middle of the The main trail makes its way through ssing the array acce to way gate your park and will be rs. *Insider Tip: For of trails Lord Hill Regional Park offe ing Lot. Park er closest entry park at the Upp

Chris Hendrickson

STOP #3:

Chris Hendrickson

Steamshovel Trail Another multi-use trail, this trail is named for the abandoned steam shovel . Just a short hike from the parking lot, and children friendly. Looking for a firs t date hike? This could be the one, not too short but can be longer if you choose to keep going. *Insider Tip : Access this trail through the Tes ter Parking Lot.

STOP #4:

Chris Hendrickson

Riverside Trail r as you make your way on Enjoy views of the Snohomish Rive views or looking for a longer the Riverside Trail. Want more river Riverview trail. *Insider Tip: path? Continue on and link into the ing Lot. Park er Test Access this trail through the

STOP #5:

Quarry Loop Trail 1.5 mile multi-use trail takes about 42 minutes to complete.

Looking for a quick trail run location without too many recreators? This is the trail for you. *Insider Tip: Access this trail through the Tester Parking Lot. SPRING-SUMMER 2024

35

Andrew Hoyle

The Lake Stevens Film Festival is an annual event that

Lake Stevens Film Festival: A Cinematic Celebration at the Water’s Edge

By Richard Porter

attracts filmmaking talent from across the region and the country. Volunteers founded the festival in an effort to foster a creative community in Snohomish County. This year’s festival will be held September 27-29 at assorted venues in Lake Stevens. The public is encouraged to attend. Tickets will be available in the weeks prior to the event at www.lakestevensfilmfest.com.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! The whole thing feels like a scene from a movie.

On a late summer evening, the waterfront of a sparkling lake comes alive with the clinking of cocktail glasses, and laughter. Filmmakers, cinephiles, and just plain garden-variety movie buffs from across the region (and even the country) congregate here. Socialites.

Artsy types. Auteurs who can talk shop about Adobe Premiere and iMovie.

This diverse crowd of enthusiasts has convened to celebrate the art of DIY motion pictures.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Mama Kat Photography

The party pauses for a moment. The

films is meticulous, with a dedicated

While there are no strict criteria, the

face of Hollywood superstar Chris

screening team watching every

vetting team relies on gut feelings

Pratt appears before them in a custom

minute of the (about) 150 submissions

and a sense of connection to the

prerecorded video message. Pratt

that they receive. Last year the judges

region. The panelists ask some guiding

urges attendees to pursue their art

-- all of them experts in their field --

questions. “Are you from here? Did

passionately and to craft hyperlocal

were selected from California, New

you grow up here? Is it something that

movies. His thesis? The movie industry

York, and Seattle.

moves us? Have we seen it before?”

needs more outsiders and more local color. Pratt very much still identifies as a guy from Lake Stevens. He knows that bringing a fresh vision to cinema is what keeps the art of filmmaking interesting.

When you think of film festivals, what do you imagine? Cannes? Sundance?

Think again.

The Lake Stevens Film Festival (LSFF), an annual gathering of movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, transforms this serene locale into a hub of creativity, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Remarkably, the film festival is an organic, volunteer-driven event. It’s transforming the image of Lake Stevens.

BEHIND THE SCENES Here’s how the event works.

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The selection process for festival SPRING-SUMMER 2024

37

And mobilized they are. The Lake Stevens Film Festival is a beacon to creative types who want to meet likeminded cinephiles. Dru Miller, a Lake Stevens-based filmmaker and host of the opening night reception describes the event as a “wonderful place to market yourself.”

Mama Kat Photography

The festival showcases new films and also ser ves as a platform for filmmakers to connect and collaborate. Attendees are treated to screenings of thought-provoking This year will be the festival’s third

the festival. “There’s this desire for

season.

community in filmmaking -- people

“There’s this great camaraderie,

who work in close-knit communities

films, followed by engaging Q&A sessions that add an educational dimension to the experience.

making stories. Turns out there’s

The festival’s themes go beyond

this whole tapestry of filmmakers

mere entertainment, focusing on

something out of nothing,” said

in Washington; you just need to

the representation of women and

Emily Timmer, Artistic Director for

mobilize them.”

minorities in the film industry.

Mama Kat Photography

a sense that together we made

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Mama Kat Photography

Where else can you see a documentary

film community and creating more

“What I needed was an artistic,

about Granite Falls or Marysville?

opportunities for artistic engagement

creative community,” she said. So,

in the Lake Stevens area.

she built one from scratch.

It’s all happening. And it’s all in Lake Stevens.

A LEAP OF FAITH Filmmaker and actor Laura Bettelheim, who currently serves as the Executive Director of LSFF, hails from Lake Stevens. She spotlights filmmakers from the Lake Stevens area and the broader Northwest region.

After completing film school in San Francisco, she and her husband resided in New York City for six years before returning to Lake Stevens in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During her high school years at Lake Stevens High School, she helped organize the school’s inaugural “Viking Film Festival.”

Now back in the city where her passion for film blossomed, Laura is dedicated to building a vibrant local

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

39

Mama Kat Photography

In 2021, the city’s call for proposals for

The Lake Stevens Film Festival was a

And it’s only increased in popularity

festivals and events sparked an idea.

leap of faith that paid off. Laura had

since.

This call to action catalyzed Laura to

the vision, rallied volunteers, and

create an artistic haven within her

raised money. By all accounts, the

hometown. She knew what she had

whole festival came together relatively

Want to join the festivities? Here’s

to do.

easy, as if by serendipity or fate.

where to start, according to Laura

PLAY A ROLE

Bettelheim, who currently serves as the Executive Director of Lake Stevens Film Festival.

I t ’s p ret t y si m p l e (o r m ay b e deceptively complex). You just have to write and shoot, make art, consume quality films, keep trying until you have something you’re proud of, and Mama Kat Photography

then submit it to local film festivals.

In the era of infinite digital media and content creation, you likely have the tools you need in your hands or your pocket. Why not shoot a 40

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

high-resolution masterpiece on

come together, share their stories, and

your iPhone? Edit on a free app?

celebrate the magic of cinema.

what are my interests, passions, and talents?

When you visit Lake Stevens, be sure to stop by CreatorZone, a new maker space in Frontier Village. The film festival utilizes this creative space,

THAT’S A WRAP What makes a great film, anyway?

Compelling characters? Action? An epic adventure wherein an unknown protagonist travels into unknown realms to become her true self?

but it’s also available year-round for

These dynamic, artistic elements

STEM projects, wood carving, screen

are mirrored in the growing, evolving

printing, and other artistic activities.

world of Lake Stevens Film Festival as

At Creator Zone, would-be

it defines its identity.

filmmakers will discover an array of

This year, you can join in this hero’s

state-of-the-art maker labs designed

journey as a young outsider film

to ignite their creativity and foster

festival finds itself just off the beaten

innovation. The offerings range from

path in the Pacific Northwest.

Laura Bettelheim

It’s totally possible. Ask yourself:

soundproof recording studios for recording and editing podcasts, videos, and music.

COMING SOON TO A THEATER NEAR YOU As the film festival evolves, this year’s theme is open-ended, allowing the programming to revolve around different moods and subjects. Lake Stevens is primed and ready for the creative economy flourishing in the region. As the Greater Seattle Area continues to expand, the artistic community that defines the Pacific Northwest grows and diversifies. This lake town is having its moment.

The Lake Stevens Film Festival is not just a cinematic event; it’s a testament to the power of community and storytelling.

As the festival continues to expand and attract artists, it serves as a beacon for filmmakers, both local and from afar, to SPRING-SUMMER 2024

41

Looking Back

Lake Stevens Aquafest through the years

F

or nearly six decades, Lake Stevens Aquafest has been a cherished summer tradition in Snohomish County, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate this picturesque region’s beauty and

community spirit. From its humble beginnings, Aquafest

has become one of the largest festivals in Washington State, leaving a permanent mark on the history and culture of Lake Stevens.

The Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce organized the inaugural Aquafest, which took place in 1969 and coincided with water-skiing competitions, boat races, and a variety of water-based activities to bring focus to the largest lake in Snohomish County. It originated as a fundraiser by Clubs Incorporated to reconstruct the Community Hall which had been partially destroyed by fire. The Lake Stevens Stevens Water Club, and other groups joined forces to put on this first annual affair. The festival’s success in its first years laid the foundation for future events, which grew in size and popularity with each passing year. By the 1970s, Aquafest had established itself as a signature summer event, attracting thousands of attendees and earning

Blue Roan Photography

J.C.’s, Fire District 8, the Lion’s Club, the Legion, the Lake

recognition as one of the premier festivals in the region.

In July 1971, Aquafest settled on the last full weekend of July as its ongoing, traditional event date.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Aquafest expanded its offerings, introducing new attractions such as live music performances, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, and Lake Stevens. These additions transformed Aquafest into a multi-day extravaganza, drawing visitors from neighboring cities and even across state lines.

The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for Aquafest which embraced modern technologies and

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Blue Roan Photography

a grand fireworks display that illuminates the night sky over

entertainment trends while staying true to its communityfocused roots. The festival embraced social media platforms to engage with a wider audience, promoted eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, and Blue Roan Photography

collaborated with local businesses and organizations to showcase the best of what Lake Stevens had to offer.

In recent years, Aquafest has evolved into a diverse celebration that caters to people of all ages and interests.

The festival now features a wide array of activities including a grand parade, a beer and wine garden highlighting local breweries and wineries hosted by the local Kiwanis Club, a pancake breakfast at the firehouse each day, a classic car show among other events. The recent addition of a large video board in North Cove Park has allowed for the many Blue Roan Photography

water events to be watched by a larger number of visitors.

And as always, the concert and fireworks on Saturday night remain attendees’ favorites.

One of Aquafest’s defining characteristics is its emphasis on community involvement. From the dedicated organizers who plan and execute the events included in Aquafest to the countless volunteers who contribute their time and energy, it is a true labor of love that exemplifies the spirit of unity and collaboration within the Lake Stevens community.

Over the years, Aquafest has encountered challenges such as inclement weather, logistical hurdles, and economic fluctuations. Yet it has remained resilient thanks to the unwavering support of its loyal attendees and the dedication of its organizers and sponsors. The festival’s ability to adapt and innovate, while staying true to its core values, has ensured its continued success and relevance in an ever-changing world.

Looking ahead, Aquafest is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved summer tradition, offering unforgettable experiences for generations to come. New events and attractions are always being added, and the festival is Blue Roan Photography

continuing to look for organizers and volunteers to carry the event into the future. As it enters this new era, the festival remains a beacon of fun, friendship, and family bonding, embodying the timeless allure of Lake Stevens and the enduring spirit of Aquafest.

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Head of the Bull Trout Regatta

A

nnually in September, rowing teams from around the region descend on Lake Stevens for

the Lake Stevens Rowing Club’s Head of the Bull Trout Regatta. This is not the typical rowing race you may have seen on Seattle’s Green Lake: start at one end of the lake, with straightline racing to the finish at the other.

The Head of the Bull Trout Regatta is a 5k race that circumnavigates Lake Stevens, providing exciting opportunities for teams to challenge one another, and spectators to view the action. Teams are released at intervals and navigate the course around Lake Stevens, running against the clock as much as against the other boats on the lake.

Starting in North Cove and heading southwest across the lake, then following the shoreline south past Davies Beach, crossing the lake to follow the eastern shoreline northward past Sunset Beach back into North Cove and the finish line.

There are several opportunities to view the race. Last year, teams from more than ten clubs around the area participated in the event.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

The Lake Stevens Rowing Club started

more strategic event that may not

from single rowers up to eight person

the regatta as a way to connect

always be won by speed alone. The

teams, and youth teams under age 17

with other clubs in the region in a

longer format is also run with a

to masters class participants aged in

competition that goes beyond the

handicapping formula for different

their mid-60s and up! Truly, there is

typical sprint format: it’s a longer,

age groups. Classes include everything

a spot for anyone who is interested.

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45

Gaming By The Lake:

May the Fourth Be With You

A

long time ago, in a city far, far away,

Aung Khant Maung on Unsplash

a group gathered to prepare their outfits and warm up their dice

in preparation for their next adventure.

They sought to be the next Aragorn, saving the world from the Orc invaders, or they scoured the stars looking for a destination, seeking others who shared their interests. The goal is to find others like them, desiring conversation, camaraderie about gaming pop culture, and those who wanted to participate in new experiences. They grabbed their X-Wings, boarded the Enterprise, and booked passage on the Moya to set off on their quest. Fortunately, they did not have to search long. The City of Lake Stevens held the treasure they sought!

The City of Lake Stevens Parks & Recreation Department invites all who love dice, games, costumes, and sci-fi/ fantasy culture to join them in the City of Lake Stevens on May 4 for Gaming by the Lake, a day full of family-friendly activities centered around sci-fi/fantasy and gaming culture. This year’s theme is Star Wars: May the Fourth Be With You! Display your inner Jedi as part of a fashion show! Join our Star Tug where we pit Trek vs War fans and see who can emerge victorious! Master your control of the force through tests of skill!

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Besides themed activities, the City

The year’s event starts at 11:00 a.m. on

of Lake Stevens will have many other

Saturday, May 4, with the last activity

offerings for participants to enjoy,

ending at 8:00 p.m. (final demo

covering a range of other subjects

seating is at 7:00 p.m.). It is family-

and franchises. Dress in your finest and

friendly and open to all interested

participate in the cosplay parade. Learn

parties. Organizers encourage visitors

to play a new game at the tabletop and

from neighboring star systems as

collectible card demo areas. Try your

well as the local galaxy inhabitants.

hand at being an adventurer in the

All events will be held in the Lake

tabletop roleplaying adventure space.

Stevens Downtown area, centered

Test your geek knowledge in the trivia

around The Mill and North Cove

contest. Learn to paint miniature figures

Park. A full schedule of events will be

to enhance your tabletop experience.

available closer to the event. Check

Create a stunning work of celestial art.

the City of Lake Stevens website for

Sample some interplanetary foods from

more details at www.lakestevenswa.

the Mill Spur vendors. Explore the wares

gov/595/Parks-Recreation or call the

from the far reaches of the galaxy in the

Parks and Recreation Department at

vendor bazaar.

(425) 622-9406.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

47

K

EVENS

LA

E

ST

STOP #1

Eagle Ridge Park is a 28-acre park, named after an eagle’s nest along Lundeen Parkway. The park includes nature trails winding through the wetland headwaters of Hulbert and Eagle Creeks. This park is also the home of the Eagle Ridge Community Garden and the Lake Stevens Senior Center. Public parking is available south of the Eagle Ridge Community Garden.

STOP #2

en. out the Eagle Ridge Community Gard Before you start your hike, check own their t plan to s able garden bed Residents can rent one of the 74 avail you can see all kinds of varieties of year the ut ugho Thro . food flowers and d group of volunteers who grow icate plants growing. They even have a ded ens Community Food Bank. and donate produce to the Lake Stev

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

STOP #3

After admiring the community garden, head southwest along the gravel path between the tall evergreen trees to the entrance of this out and back 0.7 mile trail. Turnaround when you arrive at the sidewalk along the Lundeen Park Way. Once you make it back to the trail head, you will have walked 1.4 miles!

STOP #5

As you are walking , make sure to loo k around for any You may spot a ba wildlife. ld eagle in the sky or trees above or banana slug movin a g along moss by th e foot of the path .

STOP #4

Watch your step as you go down the stairs. Thi s trail, just like most in Washington , can be wet and slippe ry after rain.

The path is narrow and very natural. Make sure to stay on the path to enjoy all this short trail has to offer.

Just like all parks in Lake Stevens, this trail is pet friendly. Make sure to keep your pet on leash and clean up after them.

STOP #6

Need to take a seat and rest? There are three benches located along the path to sit and soak in the nature surrounding you. The trail has a maximum elevation of 364 feet and a minimum elevation of 233 feet.

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

49

Family Friendly Restaurants UPPER SKY VALLEY

Sterling Hammer Photography

Red Pepper Pizza 301 Main Street, Sultan Steve and Lorna Bussing have transformed one of Sultan’s oldest and most forlorn business buildings on Main Street into a lively and art-filled dining space. The bright red building boasts a remarkable Steam Punk, inventive and unique appearance. With the opening of their dining room, a delightful family dining experience awaits, featuring quirky industrial art pieces, bronze tubing, and steam engine art.

Serving up large pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more using the freshest ingredients will surely please even your pickiest eater. They also provide gluten-free and dairy-free pizza options.

MONROE Nichole Gaertner Photography

Tuscano’s Italian Kitchen 14919 North Kelsey Street, Monroe Locally owned, Tuscano’s is a casual theme Italian Restaurant with a professional approach. The employees are warm, friendly, and provide guests with a memorable restaurant experience. With a menu featuring a Northwest-focused wine list, 24 rotating craft beers on tap, and a full bar filled with your favorite spirits, Tuscano’s is the perfect restaurant for all. To top it off, the restaurant is conveniently located just off of U.S. Rte. 2.

LAKE STEVENS

Sterling Hammer Photography

RAM Restaurant & Brewhouse 9020 Market Place, Lake Stevens A family friendly restaurant offering a casual dining environment while serving mouthwatering burgers and ice cold, local beer. This restaurant offers a wide variety of American fusion favorites, you are sure to find something for everyone, even the little ones!

With plenty of TVs and outdoor seating you will be entertained while enjoying your new favorite burger.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Date Night Restaurants

Sterling Hammer Photography

UPPER SKY VALLEY

North Fork Kitchen 308 5th Street, Index Located in the gorgeous town of Index, a quick onemile jaunt off of U.S. Rte. 2 and just steps from the Skykomish River. Chef Fabian and his crew make a delightful romantic meal in the painstakingly restored Bush House at the base of the breathtaking Index Town wall. Offering weekend brunch and excellent dinner menu items, reservations are recommended for this perfect dinner for two.

Sterling Hammer Photography

Sterling Hammer Photography

MONROE

Lewis & Main Restaurant & Brewery 101 West Main Street & 104 North Lewis Street, Monroe Recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants, Lewis & Main offers sustainable farm to table dinners accompanied by specialty cocktails. America’s Best Restaurants travels the country visiting restaurants you should eat at on a weekly basis. Using fresh, local ingredients Chef Josh Soult is a master at the science and relationships of transforming different foods. Perfect for date night, this is one stop you don’t want to miss!

LAKE STEVENS

Rustic Cork Wine Bar 901 Frontier Cir E, Lake Stevens Offering a unique dining experience with thought out wine and food pairings. This restaurant not only offers a dinner menu, but at the Lake Stevens location, they offer brunch on the weekends.

Looking to spice up date night? Grab your special someone and check out their upcoming events ranging from paint and sips to comedy nights!

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51

Lodging A Cabin on the Sky 800 Ave A, Index, WA (360) 793-0100 david@acabinonthesky.com Cascadia Inn 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA (360) 677-2030 Bush House Inn 308 5th Street, Index, WA (425) 298-7642 The Wallace Falls Lodge 14424 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA (206) 408-8170 Dutch Cup Motel 101 Dutch Cup Lane, Sultan, WA (800) 844-0488 Nighthawk Cottage 7621 Rustic Way, Sultan, WA (360) 793-2777 Treeline Vacation Rentals Multiple Properties throughout Sky Valley (206) 735-3231

MONROE Evergreen Inn & Suites 19103 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 863-1901 monroeguesthouse@gmail.com Best Western Sky Valley Inn 19233 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-3111 Fairgrounds Inn 18950 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-5401

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

MONROE continued The Grayson B&B 20302 N High Rock Road, Monroe, WA (360) 330-9491 info@graysonlife.com Evergreen RV Park 14390 Cascade View Drive SE, Monroe, WA (360) 805-6700 or (360) 388-6600 Falling Water Gardens Glamping 17516 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 863-1400 info@fallingwatergardens.com

Bush House Inn, Index

Mountain Views Treehouse Joint 14308 Reiner Road, Monroe, WA Tracy@mountainviewsbb.com Ponderosa of Sky Valley 24032 153rd Place SE, Monroe, WA (206) 930-7902 jackie@ponderosaofskyvalley.coms Thunderbird RV & Camping Resort 26702 Ben Howard Road, Monroe, WA (360) 794-4030

LAKE STEVENS

Michaela Fisher

SKY VALLEY

Satterley Tent, Falling Water Gardens Glamping, Monroe

The Mansion Inn Lake Stevens 1513 Mitchell Road, Lake Stevens, WA (425) 610-4746 info@mansioninnlakestevens.com www.mansioninnlakestevens.com

SNOHOMISH Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge 19922 4th Street SE, Snohomish, WA (425) 224-3033 Joek97006@yahoo.com Snohomish Inn 323 2nd Street, Snohomish, WA (360) 568-2208

The Mansion Inn, Lake Stevens

Events APRIL TO JUNE – MONROE

Miracle League Miracle League was formed as a youth baseball league for children with special needs. It offers these children an opportunity to suit up in a uniform, step up to the plate, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form. Located at Monroe’s Rotary Field Saturday mornings.

SATURDAYS MID-MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER – SULTAN Sultan Farmers Market Join us for this hyper-local Sultan Farmers Market from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in River Park. The market runs every Saturday until the last week of September. www.sultanfarmersmarket.com

Scan the QR codes to find full event calendars & more!

Sky Valley

Monroe

Lake Stevens Evergreen Fair Park

THIRD SATURDAY MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER – SKYKOMISH

Open Air Markets This market on Railroad Ave features uniquely hand crafted & local items, from jewelry to books from local artists.

WEDNESDAYS JUNE THROUGH AUGUST – LAKE STEVENS

Lake Stevens Farmers Market Walk, boat, or ride into the park every Wednesday to support the Lake Stevens Farmers Market located at North Cove Park and The Mill. The market offers 80+ vendors with a wide variety of fresh, local produce, artisan culinary goods, and handcrafted items. Enjoy a lake breeze, grab a bite to eat and picnic on the lake-front lawn. Kids will enjoy the large park and splash pad too! www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org

MID-JUNE – SKYKOMISH

Skykomish Tunnel Days Fun-filled, family-oriented festival celebrating community and the completion of the historic 8-mile railroad tunnel through the Stevens Pass. Celebrate Skykomish, the Portal to Adventure for the Upper Sky Valley. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Railroad Ave. www.facebook.com/TunnelDays

4TH OF JULY – LAKE STEVENS

Old Fashioned 4th at the Lake Enjoy a family-friendly celebration full of traditional picnic games for kids of all ages, music, food trucks, and a cornhole tournament at North Cove Park. Stick around to watch the fireworks over the lake at dark. www.lakestevenschamber.com

WEDNESDAYS LATE MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER – MONROE

Farmers Market Head to the Galaxy Theater parking lot from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to find local fresh produce, flowers, meats, fruits, honey, food trucks and artisans. This market showcases over 60+ vendors each week. www.choosemonroe.com

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53

Events continued Sarah Mac Photography

MID-JULY THROUGH MID-AUGUST – MONROE

FRIDAYS IN JULY – MONROE

Music in the Park Grab a chair or blanket, some shades and your dancing shoes and head to Lake Tye Park around 6:00 p.m. to enjoy live music, local food trucks and a beer garden. Insider tip: come early as parking fills up fast! www.choosemonroe.com

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire Taking place over 5 weekends in the summer, this faire celebrates the Renaissance era, while also welcoming a variety of fantastical characters. This fusion creates a vibrant and magical atmosphere where history meets fantasy, offering a fun and imaginative experience for attendees of all ages. The event is a place where the past and the fantastical come alive in a spectacular celebration! See pages 32-33 for more information about this event. www.washingtonfaire.com

SECOND WEEKEND IN JULY – SULTAN

Sultan Shindig Join us for a weekend of music, food, shopping, a parade, logging contests, a car show, fireworks, family fun activities, and all-around fun. The event runs all weekend and is held in River Park in downtown Sultan at 2nd and Main Street. Friday 4:00 p.m.– Dusk, Saturday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. See pages 6-11 for more information about this event. www.sultanshindig.com

MID-JULY – MONROE

Shakespeare in the Park Each summer, Last Leaf Productions tours Western Washington with two, one-hour productions from Shakespeare’s folio. This year the cast will perform Much Ado About Nothing at Skykomish River Park. Don’t miss this family-friendly show! www.lastleafproductions.org

FOURTH WEEK IN JULY – MONROE

Nautique WWA Wakeboard & Wakesurf National Championships Grab the family for this free event at Lake Tye, showcasing world-class athletes completing in the largest wakeboarding event in the United States. See pages 22-27 for more information about this event. www.thewwa.com

LAST WEEKEND IN JULY – LAKE STEVENS

Aquafest A fun-filled family event with so many activities to choose from including food, games, sporting events, arts and crafts, family funfest, children’s parade, grand parade, firefighter’s pancake breakfast, music, entertainment, and fireworks.

There’s no shortage of fun! See pages 4243 for more information about this event. www.aquafest.com

SECOND SUNDAY IN AUGUST – LAKE STEVENS Theater in the Park Theater in the Park returns to Eagle Ridge Park. www.lakestevenswa.gov

FOURTH SATURDAY IN JULY – GOLD BAR

Gold Dust Day A jam-packed, fun Saturday community event from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at Gold Bar Elementary School -419 Lewis Ave. Complete with a parade, music, car show, food, and kid and family activities all day. And NEW this year: Join us for Gold Rush! A Miners Cart Race. www.skyvalleychamber.com/gold-dust-days

THIRD SATURDAY IN AUGUST – LAKE STEVENS

I Love Lake Day Venture down to Lundeen Park and enjoy rain barrel painting, family-friendly activities, and games focused on the ecology of Lake Stevens. Come hungry for food trucks and stay for the presentation of the annual Cascade Award. www.snohomishcd.org

Sky Performing Arts

Presents a musical for the family!

May 10–19 Fri & Sat 7:00 p.m.

Sat & Sun 2:00 p.m.

Wagner Performing Arts Center Tickets Gen. $14, Stu./Sen. $12 online or at the door.

Skyperformingarts.org

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

FOURTH FRIDAY IN AUGUST TO FIRST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER – MONROE

Evergreen State Fair An event that celebrates our area’s rich agricultural culture, traditions, and community. This year’s theme is Bright Lights, Summer Nights. So much more in 2024! www.evergreenfair.org

Events continued FOURTH SATURDAY IN AUGUST – MONROE

LAST WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER – LAKE STEVENS

Monroe Fair Days Parade & Market Everyone’s favorite summertime event, help kick off the Evergreen State Fair by attending the Fair Days Parade & Market on West Main Street. Mark your calendars, pack a chair, and come early for a front row seat to the show! www.choosemonroe.com

Lake Stevens Film Festival Check out multiple venues in Lake Stevens that showcase filmmaking talent from across the region. See pages 36-41 for more information about the festival. www.lakestevensfilmfest.com

LATE SUMMER OR EARLY FALL – MONROE Swift Night Out Celebrate the magnificent migration of the Vaux’s Swift. From 4:00 p.m. until dusk, nature lovers, community groups, families, and anyone with an interest in the spectacular can enjoy an evening on the lawn to watch the Vaux’s Swifts descend into their evening chimney roost at Frank Wagner Elementary School. www.pilchuckaudubon.org

SECOND SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER – LAKE STEVENS BuDu Racing, LLC Triathlon Experience the annual triathlon held in and around Lake Stevens. www.buduracing.com

MID-SEPTEMBER – INDEX

Index Climbers Festival The community celebration of Index climbing and stewardship is held Saturday 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:30 a.m.3:00 p.m. The event hosts a BBQ, climbing activities, live music, games, and an epic raffle. Stewardship Day will take place rain or shine, bring your PNW uniform and help prep the area for winter by cleaning up the crag after the summer. www.indexclimbersfest.com

LAST SATURDAY OF SEPTEMBER – SULTAN Return of the Salmon Celebration Celebration of the cultural heritage of the Skykomish River Valley from 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Honoring the legacy of Chief T’seul-Ted, learn about protecting our Salmon Watersheds & participate in the 5K Salmon Run/1 mile Fun Walk. Hosted at Osprey Park at 801 1st Street. www.skyvalleychamber.com/return-ofthe-salmon

Body Therapeutic Healing Center 117 W. Main Street, Monroe WA

Hellerwork Structural Integration Bodywork Deep Tissue Myofascial Release Injury Treatment / Lymphatic Drainage

By Janaki Rose, Occupational Therapy Advanced Massage Healing Techniques, Michelle Taylor, LMP Energy Healing, Colleen Barker Foot Reflexology, Kellie Reynolds Stress & Tension

Relaxed Balance

Janaki Rose, OTR/L

360-863-2701 or 206-799-6771

The Sky & Sno Adventure Guide is published by Colibri Northwest for the City of Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, the City of Monroe, and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Publisher Peter Philips, Colibri Northwest (206) 284-8285 peter@colibrinw.com Advertising Sales Katie Higgins, Colibri Northwest (206) 914-4248 katie@colibrinw.com Writer Richard Porter Contributing Photographers Annette Pitts, Blue Roan Photography, Brian Copple, Chris Hendrickson, Joe Beavers, Mark Klein, Mars Miller, Nichole Gaertner Photography, @RodrigoSnaps, Sterling Hammer Photography

Monroe, Index and Seattle

SPRING-SUMMER 2024

55

NEW!!his t Coming er Summ

r o f Pan

t a s Gem

m o c . r a B d l o G a z z i P s o c i R . www

a n n o G e r ’ u Yo t a Wh e v Lo ! e t s a T You

or take it to Moring City Park next door

NEW! ROOT BEER FLOATS