Major donation brightens December’s First on First shopping

The local First on First committee is helping brighten the mood here despite last week’s pandemic restrictions imposed to stem the increase of COVID-19 cases across Washington state.

Committee members will be setting up 400 luminaries along First Street to light up the night Friday, Dec. 4.

The luminaries are being provided by Linda Banaszak, owner of Caravan Gallery, said First on First co-coordinator Rick Dole.

“Enjoy the lights,” he said, “as you pick up your takeout dinner or dine outside where available,” Dole said.

First on First is a campaign to boost retail activity in La Conner with extended shopping hours and outdoor dining on first Fridays. It was launched in September, when there were warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

The First on First team has adjusted to changing seasons and more stringent statewide COVID-19 pandemic restrictions imposed after virus cases soared in Skagit County and around Washington.

There was initial discussion among committee members to delay First on First in December by two weeks in hopes COVID-19 numbers would come down by then, allowing the new sanctions to be lifted.

Donation of the luminaries means Dec. 4 can remain a bright spot on the calendar – with conditions, of course.

“At our First on First committee meeting this morning,” Dole told the Weekly News last Wednesday, “we decided to go ahead and put out the 400 luminaries for Friday, Dec. 4.”

“Remember to follow all COVID rules and be safe,” he cautioned.

Dole has received several offers from volunteers to help put the luminaries in place while safely and socially distanced. He said on Thursday that a plan for doing so is being developed.

The Town Council earlier this month authorized $1,000 for lights and heaters to be used for First on First cold weather nights. Town Councilmember John Leaver, also a First on First organizer, was given the go-ahead to scout out reasonably priced small canopies to be used when the monthly night-time events are beset with wintry conditions