Skagit Valley Fall Recreation Guide 2019

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Skagit Mount

Skagit Skagit

ces • ervi S t en chm i r • En tion eserve • a nd e a r c earch R s s e e k R R r & ne Pa ks on uari r t n s a r ion • E P e ecreat R on nal nt V t & u o g o i s • M lin Nat Park y y Kid Insider Bur t a n • B y Cou illa brar t i i d L a y g t P Vernon Ci Ska ct • i • r t s s rm n Di Conservatio y Fa l i m f Fa o l a iv Valley Fest

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10441 Bay View-Edison Rd Mount Vernon WA 98273 With questions please call 360-428-1558

To register for programs, click on “Education” at padillabay.gov

Our programs are free and they fill up. To be among the first to be notified of new programs, sign up for our Newsletter email service. Click on “Newsletter” at padillabay.gov

Fall programs at padilla Bay reserve

Junior Ecologists are 6-9 year olds who have fun

For Kids

exploring the estuary. Excursions to the beach, science

a new topic each month, with stories, games, hands-on

experiments, games, art projects, and studying life in the bay–this program is guaranteed fun!

observations, art projects, and plenty of action. Call the

Call the Interpretive Center or register online.

Interpretive Center to register or register online.

September 13 & 14, 10:30AM-12:00 noon

September 18 & 19, 10:00AM & 1:00PM

Art in the Uplands–Come explore Padilla Bay’s upland

Why Animals Don’t Wear Clothes–Feathers, shells,

trail through the eyes of an artist. We’ll hone our

scales, and slime: estuary animals have all sorts of ways

observation skills and let our creativity fly.

to dress.

October 16 & 17, 10:00AM & 1:00PM Mammals at Padilla Bay–What makes a mammal a mammal, and why do mammals love Padilla Bay.? Come learn with us.

Come and find out what’s new and exciting in our aquariums.

Join aquarist, Mark Olson for a behind-the-tanks view of the system, and a close-up look at the amazing critters in the tanks.

Saturday, October 26, 11:00AM.

October 18 & 19, 10:30AM-12:00 noon Super Salmon–Salmon are amazing - travelling from their redd in a cool, clear stream to the deep ocean and back. Learn all about one of our favorite northwest fish.

November 20 & 21, 10:00AM & 1:00PM

November 15 & 16, 10:30AM-12:00 noon

How Animals Move—Crawling, slithering, swimming,

Eagles are Terrific–Bald eagles love Padilla Bay and we

creeping, estuary animals have all sorts of ways to get

love them. But they aren’t so bald after all. Learn all

around.

about this year-round member of our estuary family.

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Mini Explorers are the 3-5 year old learners. We look at

For Families Aquarium Tour and Fish Feeding

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MOUNT VERNON PARKS AND ENRICHMENT SERVICES

1717 South 13th St., Mount Vernon • Parks, Programs & Reservations (360) 336-6215 • e-mail: mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov Online registration: https://apm.activecommunities.com/mvparks • website: www.mountvernonwa.gov

RECREATION PROGRAMS

SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP CLASS

Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation invites individuals with special needs to participate in our programs. Please call in advance if accommodations are necessary for successful participation.

This class will teach the basics of effects make up, such as fake blood recipes, 3D wounds, creature effects, and mold making. We will go through traditional, inexpensive options as well as cutting edge, professional materials and techniques. Students will gain an understanding of the different possibilities for achieving their desired special effect and gain skill in techniques through hands on practice.

Dates: Friday, October 18 Time: 6-8pm Location: Vaux Retreat Center Fee: $30 Instructor: Daniel Salas

YOUTH PROGRAMS Child and Babysitting Safety Class The Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program is a community education program that covers child safety and basic care techniques for infants and children. CABS stresses the priority to keep the babysitter and the children you care for safe. Some of the topics covered in the program: before the parents leave, playtime, telephone calls/stranger knocks, hand washing, meal times, bedtime, and providing emergency care (first aid and CPR).

DATES: Friday, September 27th or Monday, December 23rd TIME: 9am-3:00pm Age: 10 years and older Location: Hillcrest Park Recreation Building Fee: $50 Minimum: 10 Instructor: Sheila Davis, Certified First Aid/CPR Instructor American Safety & Health Institute Note: Bring lunch and a drink

ADULT PROGRAMS Pickleball – A Lifetime Sport!

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and around the world. This game can be played by folks of all ages.

Elementary school children to folks in their 90’s can all enjoy this game. The game combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The game is played on a badminton sized court with a paddle and a plastic ball. No previous experience is necessary. Court shoes and the ability to freely move around the court is required.

Child care is not provided.

Dates: Mondays Session 1: October 7, 14, 21, 28 November 4 Session 2: November 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16 Time: 5:30-7:30pm Ages: 18 years+ Location: Washington School Fee: $20

HALLOWEEN MASK MAKING Learn how to make latex Halloween masks at home! In this class we will go through the steps of mask making. You will be given sculpting tips, shown how to cast a mold and create lifelike detail using an airbrush.

Date: Saturday, October 19 Time: 12-4pm Location: Vaux Retreat Center Fee: $40 Instructor: Daniel Salas

INTRODUCTORY SPANISH FOR ADULTS A friendly and practical introduction to the Spanish language for adult learners to provide a framework on which to build foreign language knowledge and the confidence to use it, to include: pronunciation, noun number and gender, adjectival position and agreement, verb formation, basic vocabulary and an opportunity to continue learning Spanish at the end of the course.

Days/Times: Wednesdays, 7-8pm weekly homework / online activities Session 1: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 Session 2: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 Options for continuing learning available, call MVPR! Fee: $50 per adult includes all materials Location: Vaux Retreat Center Instructor: Giles Kilvert, Spanish teacher at MV Christian School with over 14 years experience teaching in Spain, UK and USA

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PUPPY BOOT CAMP Puppies 12 weeks to 8 months will learn doggie social skills, good manners, and basic commands including: sit, down, stay, leave it, give it, heeling and walking, wait at door, come when called and much more. Hand signals and verbal commands will be taught. Owners will learn how to handle jumping, nipping, and biting. Learn the best potty training techniques as well as the most effective and humane ways to stop bad habits from setting in. Puppies will have fun doing confidence building exercises like tunnel runs and “walking the plank”. Clicker training will be demonstrated, but use is optional. Well-behaved children, 12 years and older may attend this class.

Days/Dates: Wednesdays for 5 weeks Session 1: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 Session 2: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 (skip 11/27) Time: 6:30-7:30pm Age: 12 years and up Min: 6 Max: 10 Location: Hillcrest Park Recreation Building Fee: $99 Instructor: Carmen Williams, CPDT-ka, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Owner of Sunny Lane Canine Dog Academy: www.sunnylanek9.com Note: Please bring treats, collar, leash and mat or rug to class

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that has been a daily prescription for health and longevity for hundreds of years. Tai Chi focuses on balance, posture, relaxation, breathing, visual and mental concentration. The very graceful and fluid movements promote mind and body harmony. This class is open to new as well as experienced students. Yang Family Style Bow 52 form section 1. Wear loose fitting clothes. Ongoing weekly sessions.

Session 1: Mondays, September 9 - October 28 Session 2: November 4 - December 23 Time: 6:00-7:15pm Location: Hillcrest Park Lodge Ages: 15 years+ Fee: $85 Instructor: Bob Shapiro, a Tai Chi/Qigong practitioner for over 40 years, has been teaching Tai Chi for over 28 years

TAI CHI/QIGONG FOUNDATIONS FOR EVERY BODY Participants learn a simplified series of movements using Tai Chi principles. This class is an excellent introduction for those who are interested in Tai Chi and prefer a morning class. It is also excellent for Tai Chi or Qigong practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of Qi. Wear loose fitting clothing.

Session 1: Fridays: September 6-October 25 Session 2: Fridays: November 1 – December 20 Time: 10:00-11:15am Ages: 15 years+ Fee: $85 Location: Hillcrest Park Recreation Building Instructor: Bob Shapiro, a Tai Chi/Qigong practitioner for over 40 years, has been teaching Tai Chi for the past 28 years.

SPECIAL EVENTS “BREAKFAST WITH SANTA” Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with Santa and listen to holiday music in the warm atmosphere of the Hillcrest Lodge. Enjoy a scrumptious pancake breakfast and don’t forget to bring your camera for some great photo opportunities! Tickets can be purchased at the door.

DAY & DATE: Saturday, December 7 TIME: 8:00am – 11:00am COST: $5.00 for all ages Cash or Check only.

LOCATION: Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon

CHILDREN’S SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA Kids!! Don’t miss this great shopping opportunity geared just for your budget. All items are priced $5.00 and under. You will find something for everyone in your family from parents and grandparents to sisters and brothers and all of your friends. **If you are interested in being a vendor, please call M.V.P.R. to reserve your table!** DAY & DATE: Saturday, December 7 TIME: 8:30am-1:00pm Location: Hillcrest Park Recreation Building

FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE Families are invited to a FREE showing of a holiday movie at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

(Movie title coming soon!)

Date: Sunday, December 8 Time: 3:00pm Location: Lincoln Theatre: 712 South 1st Street, Mount Vernon

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Mount Vernon Residents! Enjoy the new...

Experience the new facility for FREE! The Skagit Valley Family YMCA and the City of Mount Vernon’s partnership allow opportunities for YOU and your FAMILY to enjoy the new facility for FREE!

These awesome opportunities include: 

A drawing for FREE 6-month membership passes: Participants must be residents of Mount Vernon and can enter on the City of Mount Vernon’s website, via phone or in the Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment office.



Opportunities for FREE walking on the new indoor track.



Swim Pass Eligibility

M.V.P.R. (360) 336-6215 Check out more details on our website: www.MountVernonWA.gov/parks

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City of Mount Vernon

Saturday, November 9th, 2019 1pm to 3pm

Hillcrest Lodge 1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon

Guest Speakers Coffee & Light Refreshments

Everyone Welcome

For more information please contact: City of Mount Vernon Parks and Enrichment Services * (360) 336-6215 * mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov

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...Where pumpkins fly and zuchinnis zoom!

SATuRdAy, SEPTEmbER 28 10 AM - 4 PM

SKAGIT RIVER PARK 1100 S. Skagit Street, Burlington

PumPkin Pitch 11:30 Am Accuracy and Distance Competition Public Viewing in Pit 10 AM - 11:15 AM

Food VendoRs Food, Snacks, and more!

kids Zone ALL FRee! Pumpkin Painting • Pony Rides Inflatables • Zucchini Car Races

Free Wagon Rides From Parking Lot No admission, Activity or Parking fees

Brought to you by City of Burlington Parks & Recreation Burlington Parks & Recreation needs your extra zucchinis! All shapes and sizes welcome. Gourds and squash, too.

Thousands of gourds and zucchinis are needed to supply the Zucchini Car Race activity booth. Drop Off your zucchinis at the Burlington Parks & Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave, anytime between Sept. 23-26. Questions? Call Burlington Parks & Rec 360-755-9649 or burlingtonwa.gov/pumpkinpitch.

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burlingtonwa.gov/pumpkinpitch • 360-755-9649

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“Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs”

Technology has changed the way we experience and interface with our family, friends, neighbors, and surroundings. In an era of social media, news travels at lightning speed. In wildlife rich Skagit County, a steady stream of wildlife pictures and sightings are delivered daily with our morning coffee. Rumors have often whirled around about bears and cougars in Anacortes over the years but as an island community with limited areas to roam, it rubs against the grain of biological principles.

When I worked in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands as a new parks employee, I usually met the sightings with a healthy dose of skepticism. Did they see something that looked like a bear? Was the reported cougar possibly a bobcat or coyote?

From the Director’s Chair Director Brian Adams, Skagit County Parks and Recreation

Trappers in the Anacortes area in the sixties and seventies claim coyotes didn’t appear in Anacortes until the early to mid-seventies. Prior to the coyotes, red foxes were distributed broadly across the island. Cap Sante, Ginnett Hill, the airport, and Little Cranberry were places where foxes were spotted in regularity. Chuck Arneson lived and trapped in the Campbell Lake area and once flaunted his capture via the technology of a prior generation i.e. grainy but reliable Polaroid pictures. Chuck snared a lot

(360) 416-1350 www.skagitcounty.net/parks

of animals over the years but coyotes were absent from his collection of photos. Along with coyotes, barred owls soon appeared. I remember seeing the first grey squirrel in Anacortes in ‘98. As these venturing animals appeared, other native wildlife such as the red fox and douglas squirrel slowly waned in numbers.

The year 2019 has its own story of roaming wildlife.

This past spring, a young nomadic bear (Rusty) woke from his winter hibernation, packed his picnic basket, and ventured on a summer trip west towards Fidalgo Island.

After a photo emerged of Rusty raiding a birdfeeder on a “Ring” door camera, Rusty the nomadic bear waded out into the Salish waters and onto several neighboring islands before circling back to Anacortes and east toward Mount Vernon. Once Rusty emerged in Mount Vernon his wanted poster made him a wanted bear. Rusty was on the run with a band of wildlife agents on his tail. An escape artist by trade, Rusty shook the agents near Home Depot before tripping a trap at another stop. Rusty’s little island vacation ended with a drowsy trip back to the hills where he might find a few less adventurous bears. His two week journey was tracked by a torrent of cell phones and game cameras—we were all rooting along our wayfaring bear.

Though the animal kingdom may be ever-changing,

the lore is everlasting.

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A Wayfaring Bear

27th Annual Fall Garage Sale, Antiques & More Skagit County Fairgrounds Phone: 360-416-1350 E-Mail: aricg@co.skagit.wa.us Web: www.skagitcounty.net/garagesale

pm Friday, September 20th, 2019 9:00 am ~ 4:00 pm Saturday, September 21st, 2019 9:00 am ~ 4:00 Admission: $3.00 On site parking: $3.00

7th Annual Fall Car Showdown!!!

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Either sign up to sell your goods at an affordable booth space or come find new treasures for yourself.

Bring your family & friends and enjoy Great Food, Live Music & Much More! Over 150 vendors and 5,000 visitors each year attend this event. Visit our website for vendor application forms.

Check Out the Car Show!!!

Saturday 9:00am-3:15pm

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Adult Sports Leagues Fall COED VOllEyball lEaguEs TWO divisions to choose from on either Wednesday or Friday nights! COED teams in this league consist of 3 females and 3 males (6 on 6) aged 16 years or older. Divisions of play include Open & Recreation. The season will include an 8-match regular season at various sites in Skagit County and conclude with a single elimination league tournament. In all divisions it is a “call your own” officiating format.

Register by: Wednesday, October 9 OR Friday, October 11 Ages: 16 years and older

Ages: 16 years and older

Ages: 4th – 8th graders

Day/date: Saturday, November 9

Day/dates: Saturdays – November 16, December 7, December 21

Time: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Time: Varies

Location: Mount Baker Middle School

Location: Skagit County Gyms

Fee: $125.00 per team

Fee: $140.00 per date (If doing all three dates teams will receive

Special Notice: Sports officials are needed for youth & adult basketball. Help your body and your wallet through exercise and additional income! Experience is desired, but training can be provided. Interested persons should contact the Recreation Division at 360-416-1350 or tonyt@co.skagit.wa.us.

Y

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a $60.00 discount)

2020 bOys s.W.i.s.H. baskEtball lEaguE Hands down….The LARGEST & BEST Boys Basketball program in the area! Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Hoops (S.W.I.S.H.) is open to all boys in the 4th-8th grades. Participants may either register as a team or individually (individuals will be placed on a team by community or school

beginning October 18

Youth Sports Camps Leagu League runs outh portS eagueS &affiliation).

Special Events & Tournaments

Time: 6:00 – 9:30 pm

2019 girls s.W.i.s.H. baskEtball lEaguE

Location: Various area gyms

Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Hoops (S.W.I.S.H.) is

Fee: $225.00 per team

THE BEST girls basketball program in the area! It is open to

Days/dates: Wednesdays, beginning October 16 OR Fridays,

MEn’s Fall OPEn baskEtball lEaguE

all girls in the 4th-8th grades. Participants may either register

for 10 weeks and includes a minimum of 11 games.

Practices are determined by team coaches.

as a team or individually (individuals are placed on a team by

Registration Requested by: Monday, December 9 (Late

community or school affiliation).

registrations will be accepted only if space is available)

League runs for 8 weeks and

Ages: 4th – 8th graders

includes a total of 11 games.

Day/dates: Saturdays, beginning January 11

Practices are determined by team

Time: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (times will vary depending on game

coaches.

schedules)

Registration Requested by: Friday, October 4

Location: Various area gyms

(Late registrations will be accepted only if space is available)

Fee: $810.00 Team $110.00 Individual

Day/dates: Mondays, beginning October 14

Ages: 4th – 8th graders

Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Day/dates: Saturdays, beginning October 26

2020 bOys MastErs baskEtball lEaguE

Location: Skagit Valley College Gym

Time: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (times may vary depending upon game

Fee: $470.00 per team

schedules)

This league is open to men 16 years and older. Games will be played Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings at Skagit Valley College. This 8-game season will be followed by a single elimination league tournament.

Same colored and numbered shirts are required.

Register by: Monday, October 7 Ages: 16 years and older

gObblErs ClassiC - COED VOllEyball tOurnaMEnt This is a competitive Adult COED Tournament in which

Location: Various area gyms Fee: $810.00 Team $110.00 Individual

Two Divisions to Choose From! This basketball league is for boys NOT on a high school basketball team. Separate divisions are offered for 9th/10th and 11th/12th grades, though divisions may play cross-over games as needed. The season consists of a minimum of 8 games. Same colored, numbered shirts are required and each team must have a coach/manager who is 21 years or older on the bench

teams will play several single game

2019 bOys PrE-sEasOn baskEtball gaMEs

round robin matches and then are seeded into a double elimination

This a chance for Boys 4th-8th Grade Basketball teams to get some for each game. pre-season games in ahead of the Boys SWISH Basketball League Register by: Friday, January 17

championship bracket. The

that begins January 11th. Teams will be grouped by 4th/5th/6th and

Ages: 9th – 12th grade boys

Championship team will receive

7th/8th grades with consideration given to match-up teams as

Day/dates: Sundays, beginning January 26

commemorative shirts. Hurry and sign up quickly…this

competitively as possible. Teams will play doubleheaders on dates Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

competition is limited to the first 12 teams!

selected.

Location: Skagit Valley College (SVC) Gym

Register by: Wednesday, October 30

Registration Required by: Friday, November 1

Fee: $440.00 per team

For more information or to register with a VISA or MasterCard call SCPR at 360-416-1350.

Skagit County Parks and Recreation • (360) 416-1350 • www.skagitcounty.net/parks • www.VisitSkagitValley.com “Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs” 11765-001

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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A LIBRARY CARD? READ BOOKS WATCH MOVIES

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

GET EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS & STREAM

CULTIVATE A NEW SKILL

GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD NOW! We now offer library card registration ONLINE! Scan this QR code or visit www.mountvernonwa.gov to get started.

(360) 336-6209 | 315 Snoqualmie St. Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Fall 2019 Watershed Masters Program

Explore the wonders of local watersheds!

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• Receive 40 hours of FREE training, which covers an introduction to local geology, water quality, Fall 2019 Training Dates: Pre-Registration marine life (including local shellfish), biology and habitat needs of local salmon, stream ecology, climate change, forest practices, sustainable landscaping, storm water and low impact development, Class will begin on Requested by and much more!

Friday, Sept. 20th WED. SEPTEMBER 25th • Learn from many LOCAL EXPERTS on a variety of topics and issues. (register early to reserve your spot) from 6 pm to 9 pm • Become familiar with the complexity and dilemmas involved in managing our natural resources.

Contact: Kristi Carpenter and continues every • Participate in local field trips.

Skagit Conservation District Wednesday evening through • Receive a FREE comprehensive reference notebook.

(360) 428-4313 ext. 1080 or November 13th • Meet new friends and participate in meaningful community projects!

Email: Kristi@skagited.org Sat. field days are scheduled for • After completing the training, participants return 40 hours of volunteer service, undertaking www.skagited.org Sept. 28th, Oct. 12th, & Oct. 19th projects designed to protect and/or enhance water quality, or to educate the public on these same issues (usually completed within 2 years of completing the course.)

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Oc tober 5 & 6, 2 019 • 10am - 4pm

ACRES OF FUN FOR EVERYONE! FREE Admission and Parking!

www.farmtour.com A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald & the Anacortes American

goskagit.com

2019 Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms

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FALL CALENDAR OF

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms

On this weekend, you can have a handson-experience learning what it takes to run a farm, from growing crops to feeding animals. It is an opportunity to talk to your farmers and follow your food from the fields to the table. Our participating farms offer fun-filled festival activities for everyone including: educational exhibits • farm tours • harvest markets • gardening demonstrations • free samples • kids activities • corn and hay mazes • animal exhibits • pumpkin patches • scenic tours and more!

Our farmers are dedicated to producing high quality products, as well as sustaining our environment and they look forward to sharing their knowledge and products with you.

10am-4pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

NEW! Mom & Son Game Night

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Veterans Day Parade & Heritage Plane Flyover

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

“Breakfast with Santa”

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, and don’t forget to bring your Join the Skagit community in honoring our camera for some great photo veterans and their families and show your opportunities with Santa! COST: $5.00 for community support for their service. all ages, per person Enjoy events before and after the 11am parade. Parade day events include: Pancake For more information: 360-336-6215 8am-11am | Mount Vernon Parks & breakfast & soup/sandwich lunch at the Recreation Hillcrest Park Lodge American Legion Hall (free to veterans) & military display at Burlington Chamber.

For more information: 360-755-9649, burlingtonwa.gov/parkandrec 11am | Burlington Parks and Recreation Downtown Burlington-Fairhaven Ave (Walnut to Skagit Street) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Veteran’s Day Celebration

There are over 2,000 veterans in Daddies & daughters don’t Skagit County and thousands get to have all the fun! Ready for an active of active duty military within a evening with your 4-12 yr old son? Pizza, cookies and juice provided along with games, 50 mile radius of Mount Vernon. Join us for photo booth, special activities, and an “all in” guest speakers and light refreshments to Mom/Son dodgeball game from 7-7:30pm. celebrate our Veterans!

For more information: (360) 336-6215 $22 per couple, $6 additional son.

1pm-3pm | Mount Vernon Parks & For more information: 360-755-9649, Recreation Hillcrest Park Lodge burlingtonwa.gov/parkandrec 5:30pm-7:30pm | Burlington Parks and Recreation Center-900 E. Fairhaven Ave

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Children’s Shopping Extravaganza Kids!! Don’t miss this great shopping opportunity geared just for your budget.

All items are priced $5.00 and under.

For more information: 360-336-6215 8:30am-1pm | Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation Hillcrest Park Recreation Building 11769-001

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 & 6