Smokey Point Carnival aims for higher attendance in year 2

SMOKEY POINT — James Eubanks hopes that four new rides, a variety of food and a family day with live country music will nearly double attendance at the second summer Smokey Point Carnival.

“The thing I learned from last year is that every year you

can do something to make it better,” said Eubanks, who chairs the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce’s carnival committee.

About 28,000 people attended the carnival last year, which was the event’s first go-round and a learning experience for volunteer coordinators, Eubanks said.

This year’s carnival starts Thursday and wraps up Sunday at the corner of 172nd Street and 51st Avenue, near the Stillaguamish Athletic Club.

The goal is to bring in 50,000 people, Eubanks said. He’ll weigh the success of this year’s carnival to determine how much more can be done in the future. While he was involved in last year’s carnival, this is his first year coordinating the event. He plans to continue in the role next year.

Though there’s a goal for the carnival head count, chamber director Stacie Roark said this year’s most important objective is to raise as much money as possible for Oso mudslide relief efforts. Chamber volunteers will staff a booth where people can make donations. Local country musician Jesse Taylor also will perform two free shows on Sunday and sell CDs, with $5 from each sale going to Oso relief efforts.

The carnival is designed to be a fundraiser for the chamber. Last year’s event generated about $39,000, said Mary Jane Harmon, former managing director of the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce. A portion of the revenue goes to pay off carnival costs, and the rest can be funneled back into other community events, like the chamber’s Fourth of July children’s carnival, she said.

While the first Smokey Point Carnival drummed up a fair amount of interest, organizers say it had a few hiccups, like rides crammed too close together, lack of food options and minimal marketing,

“People thought it was this rinky dink thing until they got into it,” Harmon said. “We learned we can set it up as a big, full, all-the-way-down-the-street carnival, and hopefully we fixed all the glitches from last year.”

This year’s carnival line-up includes a long list of food vendors, a dozen rides and a family day on Sunday with live music and discounted meals, according to the chamber.

The chamber also chose to extend the hours. Last year’s carnival was an evening affair, opening at 4 p.m. all four days. This year’s celebration will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

“Last year’s event was more catered to kids probably up to 13,” Eubanks said. “This year we’re bringing in more rides and things that are for teenagers and adults.”

It had been more than five years since Arlington enjoyed a big carnival when Harmon and fellow volunteer Debbie Whitis got in touch with Butler Amusements last year, Harmon said. Eubanks said he hopes to continue growing the festival.

“This is going to run real smooth,” he said. “I’m already thinking about next year.”

Wristbands for all-day rides are $15 until 4 p.m. Wednesday and $19 during the carnival. People can purchase wristbands at the Union Bank branches in Smokey Point and Arlington, the Schoolbox Bookstore, Coastal Community Bank and the chamber’s office at 104 North Olympic Ave. in Arlington.

General admission to the carnival is free.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Alan Edward Dean, convicted of the 1993 murder of Melissa Lee, professes his innocence in the courtroom during his sentencing Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bothell man gets 26 years in cold case murder of Melissa Lee, 15

“I’m innocent, not guilty. … They planted that DNA. I’ve been framed,” said Alan Edward Dean, as he was sentenced for the 1993 murder.

Bothell
Man gets 75 years for terrorizing exes in Bothell, Mukilteo

In 2021, Joseph Sims broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Bothell and assaulted her. He went on a crime spree from there.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tesla driver on Autopilot caused fatal Highway 522 crash, police say

The driver was reportedly on his phone with his Tesla on Autopilot on Friday when he crashed into Jeffrey Nissen, killing him.

(Kate Erickson / The Herald)
A piece of gum helped solve a 1984 Everett cold case, charges say

Prosecutors charged Mitchell Gaff with aggravated murder Friday. The case went cold after leads went nowhere for four decades.

Boeing firefighters union members and supporters hold an informational picket at Airport Road and Kasch Park Road on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
After bargaining deadline, Boeing locks out firefighters union in Everett

The union is picketing for better pay and staffing. About 40 firefighters work at Boeing’s aircraft assembly plant at Paine Field.

Andy Gibbs, co-owner of Andy’s Fish House, outside of his restaurant on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City: Campaign can’t save big tent at Andy’s Fish House in Snohomish

A petition raised over 6,000 signatures to keep the outdoor dining cover — a lifeline during COVID. But the city said its hands are tied.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
After Stanwood man’s death, feds open probe into Tesla Autopilot feature

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating Tesla’s recall on its vehicles with the Autopilot function.

Dorothy Crossman rides up on her bike to turn in her ballot  on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Repeat and hopeful politicians can file for elections this week

Do you think you have what it takes to serve in the Legislature? This week, you can sign up to run.

Pacific Stone Company owner Tim Gray talks with relocation agent Dan Frink under the iconic Pacific Stone sign on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The business will be relocating to Nassau Street near the intersection of Marine View Drive and California Street. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Will readerboard romance on Rucker survive long-distance relationship?

Pacific Stone is moving a mile from Totem Diner, its squeeze with another landmark sign. Senior housing will be built on the site.

The site of a new Uniqlo store coming to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington on May, 3, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Clothing retailer Uniqlo to open Lynnwood store

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based chain, offers clothing for men, women and children. The company plans to open 20 new stores this year in North America.

A dog looks up at its trainer for the next command during a training exercise at a weekly meeting of the Summit Assistance Dogs program at the Monroe Correctional Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
At Monroe prison, dog training reshapes lives of humans, canines alike

Since 2010, prisoners have helped train service animals for the outside world. “I don’t think about much else,” one student said.

James McNeal. Courtesy photo
Charges: Ex-Bothell council member had breakup ‘tantrum’ before killing

James McNeal was giving Liliya Guyvoronsky, 20, about $10,000 per month, charging papers say. King County prosecutors charged him with murder Friday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.