Pioneer Picnic, a La Conner summer tradition, scheduled Aug. 7

As has been the case for more than a century, history comes alive in La Conner again this summer.
 
The 121st Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic and General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, at 11:15 a.m., at Pioneer Park near the Rainbow Bridge.
 
The time-honored program promises something for people of all ages.
 
There will be live music on the grounds, historic photographs and biographical accounts of this year’s Pioneer Families of the Year and Pioneer Spirit Award recipients, Skagit County historical information, and opportunities to reminisce with old-timers and newcomers alike.
 
Special honorees will be members of the McMoran and Wolden families, who across generations have forged lasting legacies in Skagit County with pursuits ranging from agriculture and public service to business and education, as the 2025 Pioneer Families of the Year.
 
Also being recognized is the Cascade Two Cylinder Club, this year’s Pioneer Spirit Award selection and which since 1993 has been devoted to the preservation of vintage John Deere agricultural machinery.
 
This year’s Pioneer Picnic will be highlighted as well by the dedication of Pioneer Park’s covered bandstand in memory of late La Conner Mayor and Pioneer Association officer Bud Moore.
 
In addition, the Skagit County Historical Society & Museum staff will be on hand with a variety of publications. The museum, located in La Conner, is the primary beneficiary of the event, which is held annually on the first Thursday in August.
 
All are welcome to attend, especially those interested in Skagit County and its rich history.
 
For the cost of $30, those in attendance receive a colorful commemorative ribbon, event program, memorial pamphlet, and ticket for the complete barbecue salmon dinner prepared by the “Good Girls” of La Conner and served by members of the La Conner Civic Garden Club.
 
Coffee, tea, and other beverages will be made available by the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank, with proceeds going to its service projects.
 
Pioneer Association President Troy Hanson will call the organization’s business meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. The agenda includes an invocation, flag salute, group singing, brief association officer reports, and a memorial tribute to departed pioneers.
 
Elections for the association’s 2025-26 administrative year likewise will be held.
 
The Pioneer Picnic attendance ribbon allows free admission to the Skagit County Historical Museum Aug. 7-10.
 
The Skagit County Pioneer Association was founded in 1891, but with quite restrictive requirements, it soon disbanded. In 1904, a group based in Sedro-Woolley revived the association under less stringent guidelines, and Pioneer Picnics and General Meetings have been held annually ever since---other than 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.