History Museum seeks ‘Magic Skagit’ essays and poems

The Skagit County Historical Museum staff and volunteers are looking forward to going back in time through stories submitted to an inaugural essay and poetry writing contest that runs through the month.

“It’s a way to get public engagement in the history of Skagit County,” La Conner Rotarian and museum advocate Patsy Good told the Weekly News on Thursday.

Good said those with compelling stories to share or who consider themselves wordsmiths are encouraged to pen or keyboard stories and poems about the lives and people of Skagit County.

Contest coordinators and judges will welcome entries from three age divisions (youth 13 and under, youth 14-18 and adults 19 and up) in essay and poetry categories.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to go out to the schools,” said Good, noting that the youth perspective is valued now and going forward.

“My quote,” she said, “is always: ‘Today’s current events become tomorrow’s history.’”

Museum Director Jo Wolfe and contest organizers have dubbed it the “Great Hunt for Magic Skagit Stories.” The goal is to invite stories of the Magic Skagit that have yet to be told or shared.

The possibilities are endless.

Topics can include contemporary themes, such as how a writer’s community within Skagit County has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Or entrants can relate favorite stories shared by grandparents about growing up from an earlier era. Lasting memories of the Skagit experience or accounts of first views of snow geese or tulip fields are also fair game.

So, too, are reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement or how Skagit County residents have supported one another through the isolation and loss that marks the pandemic.

“It’s a pretty neat project,” Good said. “We’re interested in entries from a lot of different ages and perspectives.”

To participate, Good said entrants must write and submit no later than April 30 an essay or poem related to the theme “The Great Hunt for Magic Skagit Stories.” Submissions may be sent via mail or email. The museum’s mailing address is P.O. Box 818, La Conner, WA., 98257. Essays and poems can be emailed to [email protected].

Winners will be notified June 3, with prizes awarded in each category.

Good said “an esteem panel of judges” has been recruited to assess entries. Each will be judged 75 per cent for content and creativity and 25 per cent for mechanics and writing style.

The contest, projected as an annual event, is in keeping with the museum’s task of preserving and presenting the unique and rich history of Skagit County.

“We hope to inspire writers and poets young and old from diverse communities and cultures within our county to join in the “Great Hunt for Magic Skagit Stories,” Good said.