MUKILTEO – Thanks to volunteers and donors, there will be a 39th Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival.
But more volunteers are needed for the Sept. 10-12 event.
Facing budget problems, the city discontinued funding the festival. It has been providing staff to organize and supervise the festival – to the tune of $35,000 last year – since 1995.
When the city dropped out, the fate of the festival was thrown in doubt. Enter a group of rookies.
“The community has stepped up to the plate, and we’re in there pitching,” festival spokeswoman Terry Preshaw said. “Pretty much everybody who’s doing it are new players.”
Up to 150 people have come forward, she said.
Preshaw is doing publicity and offering legal counsel. Festival director Darlene Conkle brought experience in event planning for nonprofit groups. Mukilteo artist Lisa Helker designed the T-shirts and buttons, artist Ron Hansen designed the logo, and Dan Gardner built the Web site, all free of charge.
Mayor Don Doran said he is thrilled with how things have turned out.
“I’m pretty darn impressed with their success so far,” he said. “I’m really optimistic that this is going to be an annual event using the volunteers as a method for putting it all together.”
The volunteers are casting a wide net for donations, and have received cash contributions from large companies such as Boeing in addition to in-kind contributions, Preshaw said. They have raised about $24,000 and are looking for about $10,000 more, she added.
They also need another 150 volunteers to help with the art show, at the festival booth selling T-shirts, with children’s activities and the Run-a-Muk 5K and-10K run walk.
Also featured are a salmon bake, lighthouse tours, a parade and fireworks.
For more information, call 425-353-5516, e-mail info@mukilteofestival.org or go to www.mukilteofestival.org.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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