The La Conner Firefighters Association and more than a dozen local restaurants are dishing up a truly tasteful fundraiser on Saturday in support of the Town’s long-sought goal of acquiring a new fire and rescue vessel.
The association’s first Chowder & Chili Cookoff is 3-6 p.m. Jan. 25 at La Conner Elementary School. The cook-off kicks off a campaign to acquire a custom-built boat to protect the Town’s historic waterfront, local marinas and shorelines, and provide crucial rescue services for mariners in distress.
For $20 per person over the age of six, cook-off participants can taste each entry and receive a cup of the chowder or chili they select as their favorite.La Conner firefighters have set a $30,000 fundraising goal.
In December, the Town Council entered into a $366,923 agreement with Full-Time Custom Fabrication & Machine Shop to build the emergency services watercraft. The Sedro-Woolley firm submitted the lowest of three project bids, according to Town Administrator Scott Thomas.
In 2024, the council committed $163,500 toward purchase of a fire boat.
Thomas said the Port of Skagit, which maintains La Conner Marina, has pledged $100,000 for 2025 and another $100,000 for 2026 to fund the boat. The La Conner Thrives Association is also holding a raffle to raise funds for the fire boat.
During a special council session in December, Thomas added that the Town is also seeking fire boat funds from Washington state and the March Point refineries.
In the meantime, folks with good taste can do their part by participating in the Chowder & Chili Cookoff.
