Granite Falls celebrates the glorious railroad days

Summer is over, the sun plays hide-and-seek with gray clouds, and we await the next party — Halloween.

Not so fast.

There is another celebration on hand Saturday at Granite Falls Railroad Days.

Thank goodness there is one more beer garden before winter sets in.

The grand parade with Seafair Pirates is at noon downtown. The Historical Society offers a spaghetti dinner and dance at 5 p.m. with music by Snakebite at Granville Grange.

For more information, go to www.granitefallswa.com.

Railroad Days aims to celebrate the era of steam trains that puffed through town beginning in 1892.

Andrew Taylor from Seattle will be front and center.

“It’s a lovely small town parade,” Taylor says. “I’m a great fan of Granite Falls: The garage and towing company there treated us with great kindness and skill when our car broke down on Mount Pilchuck some years ago.”

Folks last weekend picked up free plastic pots for planting at the Camano Animal Shelter Association on Can Ku Road.

Scott Chase says the WSU Waste Wise event was a hit.

“We had several volunteers from the WSU Waste Wise and WSU Beach Watchers programs helping with the recycling, as well as a number of teenagers from Project Serve in Stanwood,” Chase says. “Several hundred pounds of plastic pots were collected, and many folks came by to pick up pots they needed for their spring planting.”

One woman took the vast majority, he says, filling her truck a few times.

“She plans on starting a nursery, and these are just what she needed,” Chase says. “It’s great to see these being reused, instead of going into the landfill.”

Bless the animals Sunday

Be it finned, scaled, furred, feathered or stuffed, all are welcome to Blessing of the Animals on Camano Island.

It’s planned for 10 a.m. Sunday at St. Aidans Episcopal Church, 1318 Highway 532.

Bring animals in a carrier or on a leash. Large animals can be tethered outdoors. There will be organ and choral music and a “Parade of the Species” as well as individual blessings for each animal.

Bring a photo for blessing if you can’t bring your pet.

Teddy bears are welcome.

Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com

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