EVERETT — The Lowell neighborhood is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding, and Stan Boreson, a former resident, plans to serve as grand marshal of the Lowell Parade on Saturday morning.
Boreson, now 88, is legendary throughout the Northwest as a singing, accordion-playing comedian, the “King of Scandinavian Humor.”
Generations of kids, many now gray-haired, grew up watching Boreson, crack jokes and sing silly songs on KING-TV’s “King’s Klubhouse.”
“He hasn’t made many public appearances in quite awhile, but Stan went to Lowell School and said he is honored to be in the parade,” said Lowell history expert Gail Chism. “And we are honored to have him.”
Lowell was founded in 1863 by pioneer E. D. Smith who later built Lowell’s first paper mill.
The mill was an important employer in the Lowell area of Everett for more than 80 years. Members of the Lowell Historical Association said that many people worked their entire adult lives in the mill.
The Lowell Civic Association is hosting the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. in front of Lowell Church at the corner of S. Second and Main streets. Lowell’s old fire truck, classic cars and lots of children plan to participate. Last-minute entries are welcome, and more information is available by calling 425-252-6265.
From noon to 4 p.m., the celebration continues at Lowell Neighborhood Park, 4605 S. Third St. Parking is available at Lowell Riverfront Park on Lowell-Snohomish River Road, where people can pick up the trail and use the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to get to the neighborhood park.
Neighborhood people are encouraged to walk to the park, bring their lawn chairs and picnic baskets for the afternoon gathering, which includes the serving of birthday cake at 12:30 p.m.
Also scheduled are crafts, games, activities for children, a visit from Everett firefighters, live music and local food vendors.
Everett Library’s resident historian David Dilgard plans to present a school bus tour of the Lowell neighborhood.
Chism also plans to open her house, 4601 S. Fourth Ave., to those interested in historical displays.
Boreson plans to stick around for awhile to shake hands and sell some of his CDs, Chism said.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our anniversary and the pride we have in our neighborhood,” Chism said.
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