Welcome to Skagit County

LA CONNER – The 110th Annual Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic and Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Pioneer Park, near the Rainbow Bridge in La Conner, according to President Ron Wesen of Burlington.

There will be live music on the grounds, plenty of “old-timers,” historic pictures displayed for the Honored Families, an old car show, and historic information available. The event is open to all people interested in Skagit County history and heritage.  For a cost of $12.00, registered “pioneers” will receive a colorful ribbon, program, Historian’s memorial pamphlet and ticket for the complete barbecue salmon dinner that will be served by members of the La Conner Civic Garden Club.  Lunch begins promptly at 11:15 a.m. Coffee, tea, and other beverages will be available through the efforts of the 4-H Craft and Critter Club of Anacortes, to raise funds for special projects.

The Skagit County Historical Society and Museum, always there in support of the annual Picnic, will have tables under a tent with historical publications related to local Skagit County history. The staff can also field questions on county history. The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society is sharing those tables with the museum staff to help answer any genealogical questions concerning your Skagit County ancestors.

The Business Meeting of the Association will be called to order by President Ron Wesen at 12:45 p.m. and will include an invocation, flag salute, and group singing. Brief reports will be made by officers of the Association, and a memorial tribute offered for departed Pioneers. Honored guests will be recognized for their contributions to the Skagit community and history.  This year the Lagerland Family of Burlington will be honored as Pioneer Family of the Year, and Bertha Fohn of Mount Vernon will be honored as contributing to the Pioneer Spirit. Elections for the coming year’s officers will also be held.

The Skagit County Pioneer Association was originally formed in 1891 but with requirements so restrictive that it soon came to an end. In 1904, over a century ago, a concerned group from Sedro-Woolley revived the Association under less stringent requirements, and the annual meetings and picnics have been held regularly ever since.