DARRINGTON — Smokey Bear, local musicians, aspiring artists and a hometown hero are among the guests expected here this weekend for the annual Darrington Day Celebration.
Festivities kick off in downtown Darrington at 10 a.m. Saturday and wrap up at 3 p.m.
Martha Rasmussen, one of four event coordinators, is proud to say this is the fifth annual celebration.
“We came so close to not doing it last year,” she said.
After the deadly Oso mudslide on March 22, 2014, putting together a community festival wasn’t a priority. By May, though, event coordinators had decided to go forward with the event as a sign of strength and unity. Highway 530, which had been blocked by the slide, reopened the day of the festival.
Not many people came from out of town last year because no one knew for sure when the highway would reopen. Rasmussen hopes this year’s celebration draws more people, especially those who haven’t had a chance to spend much time in Darrington.
“Just come out and celebrate, Darrrington style,” Rasmussen said. “It’s not a huge event, but it’s been growing over time.”
Saturday’s agenda includes: tours of the Hampton Lumber Mill; kids’ activities at the library; book signing at Mountain Loop Books and Coffee; archery lessons at the Darrington Archery Range; and the Whitehorse Farmers Market Garden Swap and Shop.
The Upriver Art Show is celebrating its second year as part of Darrington Day, highlighting local painters, photographers, wood carvers and more at Mansford Grange.
Rasmussen has noticed more entries in the art show and more people around the Stillaguamish Valley pursuing their passions.
“We’re just discovering more and more local artists,” she said “It’s interesting. Since the slide, so many people are taking chances with their dreams. Maybe time’s just gotten a little more precious.”
A number of Darrington Day activities are planned at Old School Park at Givens and Riddle Streets, where organizations focused on trails, bikes, horses and archery are available to answer questions and offer suggestions.
“We’ll be helping people plan their outdoor adventures for the summer,” Rasmussen said.
New this year is the Hometown Hero award for a dedicated local volunteer. Janet Cabe is being recognized for 65 years of service with Darrington Funeral Dinners, an organization that provides meals for families after a loved one’s funeral in town. The award presentation is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Old School Park, followed by cake and live music.
Darrington Day events are free, Rasmussen said. The festival is put on by Darrington Strong, Inc.
Darrington isn’t the only community celebrating this weekend. Oso is having its annual Mill Day on Saturday, where craftsmen and wood artists can showcase their work at the Oso Mill just off Highway 530 between Arlington and Darrington. People also can learn about the day-to-day operations of a mill.
For more information and a complete list of Darrington Day events, go to www.darringtonwatourism.com/festivals-events/darrington-day.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439, kbray@heraldnet.com
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