Visitor Newsletter Full Header Pix

The La Connerite

 

 

September 2011 Issue
FEATURED BUSINESS
ARTS
STAY & PLAY
QuickLinks
 
Join Our Mailing List
Featured Businesses
 

 



La Conner New Logo 2010 

 

 

 

 

 

Help us name our new E News!

La Conner E News is getting a facelift next month.  We'd like a new fun name to go with our new look!  Winning entry gets $100 gift card to use anywhere in town!

 

Click Here to take survey

Hello and welcome to our home, the historic waterfront village of La Conner, Washington. We are the La Conner Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center, a non-profit, community agency dedicated to making your visit an enjoyable one. 

"Mayor Ramon Hayes invites you to LaConner.  Please watch our video and see why we love LaConner and would like to share this vibrant experience with you."   Here is the link .


Enjoy our blog:  La Conner Talk

 

Photo by Connie Coleman, painting by Bob Patterson.

FEATURED BUSINESS 
 

Nell Thorne

The Light of La Conner

- Nell Thorn -

From between a small break in the clouds, sunrays strike at the local farm fields of La Conner and warm them in golden brilliance. Rows of lavender, red, yellow and pink tulips deepen in color under the moody shadows. Mount Baker's snowcap peak juts majestically skyward glistening from the glimpse of sun. This ever-changing light of La Conner has inspired our heroine of this story, Susan Schanen, and motivated her profound respect for the environment. Susan and her husband, Casey, came from an extended line of restaurateurs; perhaps this is where the first seeds for their ideas were sown. As a long time resident of La Conner Susan used the illuminating skies as her muse to expand on her dream... a place that would embody her belief in nature with fresh organic locally picked produce and seafood. As a husband and wife team, Susan's vision was realized and Nell Thorn Restaurant was created.
Susan believes deeply in 'what she takes from the environment she must give back' and incorporated this concept into a zero waste policy at Nell Thorn. With the help of the local Waste Management program Nell Thorn has been able to achieve a 95% waste free environment. Even the cooking oil is sold and converted into Eco-friendly bio diesel, with the proceeds going to the local Friendship house.
From the deck of Nell Thorn Susan connects with the fast changing light of La Conner. The skies continue to feed her inspiration to sustain and support not only a healthy and outstanding restaurant for her customers, but also an Eco-friendly environment.
Savor La Conner! Fine dining by the sea & valley with food fresh from the harvest.
ARTS 

 

La Conner Music & Art Festival in September 
The Town of La Conner is proud to sponsor the First La Conner Music and Art Festival Sept 17, 9:30-5:30pm. The goal is to see art and music, and food, flourish in La Conner.  We have unique artists and professional musicians....and BBQ salmon, hamburger, and hot dogs.  And of course cold drinks, energy drinks, and  Great Music and ART!
This first annual Festival will include a variety of music, art, and food.   Location is Pioneer Park, La Conner WA.
   
Historical Museum Logo
Skagit County Historical Museum
Paint Me a River Too! Art Meets History Again" a new exhibit at the Skagit County Historical Museum, opens Friday, September 23. The unique exhibit features the work of over 100 accomplished local artists and reflects their personal view of Skagit history in paint, glass, bronze, clay, jewelry, multi-media, photography and neon. Participating artists include Bob Abrams, Coizie Bettinger, Beckie Fletcher, Larry Heald, Anne Martin McCool, Carol Merrick, Peregrine O'Gormley, Leo Osborne and Cathy Stevens.  All art pieces are available for purchase.  A portion of the proceeds go to benefit the Museum. "Paint Me a River!" continues through December 31, 2011.

September 23rd - Exhibit Opening Reception 4 - 7 PM featuring pianist Cheri Cook Blodgett

 

September 24th - Smithsonian Museum Day.  Free Admission on Smithsonian Magazine's 7th Annual Museum Day.  See www.smithsonian.com/museumday for details.

 

  
Museum of Northwest Art
MONACurrently showing Harold Balazs now until Oct 2. Velocity from the permanent collection now until Oct 2.  Museum of Northwest Art is located at 121 S. First St, La Conner. Open daily, $5 admission. 360-466-4446. Details here

 

  

The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum

Quilt Festival

Currently showing two wonderful exhibits: Mixed Greens and A lifetime of quilts: Remembering Elaine Colvin. Quilt Walk in La Conner Shops, Sept 1-Oct 15, 2011. Over 50 quilts made by members of the Tri-City Quilters Guilt, Eastern WA, will be on display in local La Conner shops. Quilt Festival, Sept 1-October 2.  Free maps can be picked up at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, participating shops, and may be found online here For more information call 360-466-4288. La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S 2nd St., La Conner, WA.  
 
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 

 

Coffee Club & Collecting School Supplies
We have have Coffee Club, open to anyone who would like to attend, on Friday, September 30 at 9:00  AM.  Call the office at (360) 466-2933 to RSVP. Don't  your chance to donate! School supply donations can be dropped off this week with Linda  Ryan 708 E Morris St Ste C, La Conner, WA  98257. Call for details 360 466-2933.
    

Zucchini Contest at Rexville Grocery

September 01, 2011 through September 10, 2011 

10th Annual Zucchini contest at Rexville Grocery.  This popular event, for children 12 and under, offers a prize for the largest zucchini. We have had some whoppers. 

 

Taste of La Conner!

September 09, 2011 4:00-8:00pm.  Purchase tickets at the chamber of commerce office, 360-466-4778.

 

Native Springs Anniversary Open House!

September 09, 2011 4:00-8:00pm Help us celebrate 8 years.  Drop by as you enjoy the Taste of La Conner.  125 Washington Street across from Nell Thorn.

 

Remembering 911

September 10/11, McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center, Skagit Valley College, 2501 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA.  Performance - A special concert performed by a 60-piece orchestra and 112-voice choir; bagpipes and brass ensemble; children's choir.  Program - Graham Kerr (Galloping Gourmet); Peace & Conflict Resolution. Proceeds - "Peace & Conflict Resolution Studies" Scholarship and "First Responders" Scholarships.

 

Bike MS Ride

Annual MS Bike Ride September 10 and 11.   

   

7th annual SICBA Home Tour

September 10, 2011 through September 11, 2011 

The SICBA Home Expo is new for 2011 and will be an exciting event in Anacortes at the Historic Transit Shed Event Center on Pier One at the end of Commercial Avenue.

  
Gardening Workshop at Christianson's Nursery

September 10, 2011 

Gardening workshop 'Using Grasses in the Garden' at Christianson's Nursery on Saturday, September 10, from 11 am - noon. Guest Speaker Ani Gurnee from Aulos Design will review the many varieties.

  

SPF Presentation at Christianson's Nursery

September 10, 2011 

"Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland" informational session at Christianson's Nursery on Saturday, September 10, from 1 pm - 2 pm. SPF Guest Speakers Dave Hedlin and Serena Campbell.

 

Bike MS Ride 2011 

September 10, 2011 through September 11, 2011


Music and Art Festival in La Conner!

September 17, 2011 9:30 am - 5:30pm

   

Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Pitch

September  24, 10am-3pm
Skagit River Park , 1100 S Skagit St. Burlington.  For more information please call Lisa Swanberg at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce (360) 757-0994 or email lisa@burlington-chamber.com
 

Yellow Ribbon Poker Run

September 24, Classic Cars and Motorcycles.  The event will start at Coho Liquidation parking area in Sedro-Woolley at 9am.  Supports sending packages to overseas troops.

 

30th Annual Oyster Run

September 25, 2011, Anacortes.

 

14th Annual La Conner Quilt Festival

September 30, 2011 9:30 am through October 02, 2011 5:00 PM

 

4th Scarecrow Contest at Christinanson's Nursery

October 01, 2011 through October 30, 2011

 

13th Annual Festival of Family Farms

October 01, 2011 10 am through October 02, 2011 4 pm

 

Skagit Valley Farm Pedal

October 02, 2011 10 am

 

Community Wellness Weekend in La Conner

October 07, 2011 through October 08, 2011

 

For details on each of these happenings please click here!

  

MUSIC

Wn Sips
 

La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House

La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House will have live music by Fidalgo Swing in their 1890's Lounge on Saturday, September 10 & 24 starting at 8pm.  The 1890's Lounge offers a new bar menu and daily happy hour from 3-6 pm. La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House is located at 614 S. First St, 360-466-4014. 
 

Seeds

Every Thursday find live jazz at Seed's Bistro & Bar, 5-9 pm 

From Skagit Valley Farms to LaConner's Finest Cuisine, 623 Morris St. La Conner, WA 98257 contact@seedsbistro.com  360-466-3280. 

 

Maple Hall

Gadjo Gypsies play live at Maple Hall in La Conner

October 14, 2011 7:30 pm  

STAY & PLAY
La Conner Hotel ~ B&B
Click here for great choices in delightful lodging if you choose to stay and play another day in La Conner. 
 
Official Best of Washington!
Congrats to our very own Salon Rouge and Wild Iris Inn. 

 

Bellair Sports Shuttle

$23 Round trip

Transport to Seattle Mariners and Seahawks Games

Check the schedule on the following: link 

 

Just for Kids!

  • Playground and picnic bench below Town Hall, on Moore Street (see map)
  • Walk on the Fish Bridge (end of Washington Street), planks are very educational
  • Walk on the beach off Pearle Jensen Way (north end of town)
  • Visit the Book Nook at the Library, buy a children's book for $.25
  • Family Art Day at MoNA, 9/24/11
  • Hike in Pioneer Park (see Skagit County Walking & Trail Guide)
  • Buy an ice cream at La Conner Ice Cream Tower
  • Walk the trail out at Padilla Bay, great for birdwatching (see brochure)
  • Have an Old Time photo taken at Nasty Jack's, dress up in costumes!
  • Visit the Skagit County Historical Museum (2-for-1 coupon in book)

 

Historic Welcome

We encourage you to see what makes this area authentic. We are known for our friendly people, diverse communities, cultural attractions including three museums & outdoor sculpture exhibits, locally owned inns, boutiques & galleries, and an environment of mountains, farms, rivers, islands and the Salish Sea. Adventures from the relaxing to the exhilarating are yours, all in a setting of stunning natural beauty.

 

 

Stroll channel town! Let us show you why we truly are the heart of the Magic Skagit Valley and the BEST tiny town in Western Washington!

 


Sincerely, 

Marci Plank
Director - La Conner Chamber of Commerce