Skagit Pioneer Picnic, a La Conner summer tradition, scheduled for Aug. 3

As has been the case for more than a century, history comes alive in La Conner this summer.

The 119th annual Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic and General Meeting will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Pioneer Park near the Rainbow Bridge.

The time-honored event promises something for persons of all ages, especially those interested in Skagit County and its rich history.

There will be live music on the grounds provided by John Anderson and Friends, historic photographs and biographical accounts displayed for this year’s Pioneer Family of the Year and Pioneer Spirit Award recipient, Skagit County historical information and opportunities to reminisce with old-timers and newcomers.

Special honorees will be members of the Benson/Berentson Family, which has made its mark in pursuits ranging from agriculture and public service to business and publications, as the 2023 Pioneer Family of the Year and Pioneer Spirit Award selection Suzanne Marble, who guided La Conner High School volleyball teams to seven state championships over a 30-year coaching career.

In addition, Skagit County Historical Museum staff and Skagit County Historical Society volunteers will be on hand with a variety of publications, including the 2023 edition of the Skagit River Journal.

All are welcome to attend.

The cost is $20. Attendees receive a colorful commemorative ribbon, event program, memorial pamphlet and ticket for the complete barbecue salmon dinner prepared by the “Good Girls” and served by members of the La Conner Civic Garden Club.

The luncheon serving starts at 11:15 a.m. Coffee, tea and other beverages will be made available by the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank, with proceeds going to its service projects.

Pioneer Association President Peggy Stowe will call the business meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. The agenda includes an invocation, flag salute, group singing, brief association officer reports and a memorial tribute to departed pioneers.

Elections for the association’s 2023-2024 year will also be held.

The attendance ribbon allows free admission to the museum through the weekend.

The Skagit County Pioneer Association was founded in 1891, but with requirements excessively restrictive, it soon disbanded. In 1904, a group based in Sedro-Woolley revived the Association under less stringent guidelines and Pioneer Picnics and General Meetings have been held annually ever since – other than 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.