Gilkey Square marketing icon do-over

Called a “re-do” by advocate John Leaver, the draft design of the above 16-foot-wide by 26-inch-tall by 5-inch-thick centerpiece is proposed for the southwest corner of Gilkey Square. Ken Barnes is the designer and Katie’s Inn owner John Durgin is co-champion.

This 2.0 iteration replaces the Peter Whited designed 11-foot-tall structure budgeted by the La Conner Town Council last fall with hotel-motel tax funds for promoting the town to out-of-region tourists.

Leaver, a former council member, answered questions summarizing the project. The group believes the design significantly compliments Gilkey Square: “The various facets of the background pieces (3) tell the story of La Conner with the bridge, boats, farm tractor, Tribal “Hats”, etc. and in conjunction with the seasonal plantings will make an excellent gathering/meeting and YES ... ‘SELFIE STATION.’ It will help attract visitors to the square as well as the surrounding business.”

They are looking for sponsors, “confident that we will be having commercial sponsors appropriate for the location and the ‘Heart of La Conner’ design. These will focus on the plantings, changing them out seasonally.”

Next step is making an “official” presentation to the Parks Commission April 13. The group “believes” it can be fully created/installed within the original budget of $21,800. They are seeking several cost estimates.

The goal is to have it completed/installed in time for the Gilkey concerts kicking off the summer around Memorial Day Sunday.