Historic and Fun La Conner Smelt Derby!
Sponsor: The Rotary
Club of La Conner
Saturday, Feb. 25
Contacts: Lee
Carlson, (360) 466-0127 or Sandy Stokes (360) 466-3315
History-making in 2012
Over the years
families have made a tradition of taking the children, grandchildren and even
great grandchildren to the historic smelt derby. It’s a special family event. You don’t last 47
years without offering something to those who participate and the community
that supports the events. Each year local merchants donate over 100 prizes and
others provide substantial cash sponsorship to keep the derby going.
Over the years
the Smelt Derby has developed a fun, family day to remember. Here are the events:
·
Breakfast:
As in years past, the Rotarians will serve up pancakes, eggs and all the
trimmings at Maple Hall from 8 to 10 a.m. The breakfast benefits the La Conner
Senior Class
·
Smelt
Run: Work off the meal with the Skagit Symphony’s USATF Certified 5K or 10K
run. Or take the family fun walk around town, see the town’s award-winning
public art displays and maybe even glimpse one of La Conner’s town turkeys. 10
a.m. start.
·
Fishing: The
Smelt Derby fishing contest is on the town docks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can win cash prizes of $100 for bringing
in the largest smelt. Other prizes for
unusual catches from the channel. Pick up a life jacket at derby headquarters.
·
Kid’s
activities: Kids will love the fishing action and the free fun at Maple
Hall, the site of the famous “fish printing” where the budding artists can
create a masterpiece out of a dead fish and paint. 10 am. to 2 pm.
·
Boat
tour: Also for the youngsters, La Conner Sea Scouts will offer tours of
their historic schooner, “Rejoice.”
·
Raffle
and more: Adults can spend $2 to try their luck in a raffle with over 100
fabulous prizes and a $750 cash Grand Prize.
They can feed the kids and families can enjoy $2 hot dogs. Meals for $4
with a polish hot dog.
·
Meet the
Smelt Queen and hear what smelt has meant to her.
·
Participate
in a geocaching contest. Prizes are located
throughout the town.