Community aims for full reopening

Yes, there will be a La Conner parade and fireworks show July 4th. With Gov. Jay Inslee reopening Washington statewide June 30, Town Administrator Scott Thomas notified his staff Monday of those plans.

La Conner Hook & Ladder is ready to “support and help anyway we can,” Chief Aaron Reinstra wrote in an email. That may be a commitment that their 1941 white firetruck will lead the parade.

There will not be a concert or community picnic until next year, however. Maple Hall and the Civic Garden Club can be scheduled, as others already have. Senior Center activities will return after July 4, but specific activities and dates are not set.

Thomas is planning in-person town council meetings with continued remote participation as early as June 8.

Graduation will be outdoors June 18 at La Conner High School, Superintendent Rich Stewart wrote in an email. There will be summer school, with STEAM activities for grade 1-8 students and classes for credit for students in grade 9-12. The school district is planning to start school in the fall full time every day with a remote component.

Put the La Conner Chamber Classic Boat & Car Show on your calendar for Aug. 7, reports Director Heather Carter.

The Skagit County Historical Museum will now expand its plans for its Skagit City School Picnic at the Moore Road property July 18. Visitors can visit the museum galleries at “full capacity” starting June 30, wrote Director Jo Wolfe.

While the Museum of Northwest Art is looking forward to welcoming visitors “into the Museum,” as was done in the past, Director Joanna Sikes says they will “continue online programming as it allows us to have stronger outreach education projects for all ages throughout the four counties we serve,” an adaptation from the pandemic.

The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum will “actually expand our online programming going forward,” Director Amy Green wrote. They have “dramatically increased our reach, with more people from outside of our immediate area participating. ... It also allows us to offer certain programs at a significantly reduced cost, passing these savings on to the participants.”

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate “delegated authority to our enterprise managers to review and adjust their COVID-19 protocols as appropriate in light of the new CDC guidance so that they can operate safely and best serve our patrons,” Chairman Steve Edwards reported.

The La Conner Regional Library’s Director Jared Fair noted that they “are excited” and will follow ongoing guidance from state and local governments.

These insittutions’ staff are asking people to take appropriate precautions, with Thomas expecting people “in good faith” will be fully vaccinated if attending an event in person and Carter noting businesses may request mask wearing.

The Skagit County Sheriff’s office will be abiding by the governor’s guidelines Sgt. Jeff Willard wrote in an email Monday. If staff find conflicts with state guidelines, organizers will be directed to contact the Skagit County Health Department for guidance.

Fire District 13 Chief Wood Weiss responded that his staff will continue to wear and use the same level of Personal Protective Equipment until this crisis is over and follow all cleaning, handling and social interaction protocols. He wrote, “I have no control over the public in this matter but I strongly recommend that they continue to take precautions and get vaccinated.”

And, as Sikes wrote, “Welcome back, everyone.”