4/21/08

Posted by Britta Echete, (360) 336-1931

We had our share of snow up here on Saturday but every year, we wonder how ANYTHING could possibly top the past year of earth day and then the next year seems to have some aspect that continues to grow.

As with all the other earth day events, it would be impossible to say that this was the perfect year -we  had a few mishaps, not enough tools and not enough cooks, but you know, learning how to cook rice for 350 is a good skill to have, and I was thankful to have my food handlers permit!

I was not able to get out and see the service projects, but it was very inspiring around lunch to hear about all the ivy removed, interesting beach debris, and to meet the elders whose homes we had worked on that day.

Skagit Transit was beyond pleased to have close to 100 riding the bus, a majority from Skagit Valley College, and  they are committed to partnering with us again in future years for this event, which is extra-wonderful news!

Ray Tryzinka from Puget Sound Energy was also in attendance this year, and it was wonderful to meet him and thank PSE for the thousands of dollars of support they have now given to North Sound area projects (earth day and
Storming the sound)

There is a nice article in the Herald, with a few inaccuracies, but we helped the reporter with directions over
the phone as to where she was going.  In all, though, we had the best publicity we've ever had for this event, with
3 ads paid for by the county, posters galore at the Childrens Museum, pre-event articles, web postings, and on
and on.

We had plenty of food for all, and 300 lbs of salmon, 400 pieces of fry bread, and all the usual vegetables, fruit and 4 Costco cakes went quick!

The afternoon was wonderful, with Eagle Heart, Swil Kanim and Peter Ali, and a very appreciative and interested
crowd of attendees  (and dance participants).  Kevin Paul was feeling well enough to do some drumming and craft
activities.  Brian Cladoosby spoke in the afternoon -and really, we had the best tribal participation this year, as
the word continues to get out that this event is happening -and many thanks were delivered to the organizing team.

Attendance wise was similar to last year, around 350, with some participants arriving in the afternoon, as opposed to
trudging through the snow at 9AM, but what was a most important is that we were all there together!  All but 2
of the 36 conservation display organizations were able to participate, and all the crafters except for staff from  the historical museum.