“Now is the time to seize the day!” And on April 19, that’s exactly what we did.
Local News Night at Disney’s Newsies—brought to life by the Theater Arts Guild at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon—was a spirited celebration of storytelling, solidarity, and community power. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County, the evening spotlighted the vital role of local journalism in keeping our democracy strong and our communities connected.
Staci and I joined forces with fellow newsies from The Concrete Herald, Salish Current, and Cascadia Daily News—a mighty lineup of independent local media alongside the Skagit Valley Herald. We tabled in the lobby before the show, sharing stories, answering questions, and proudly representing La Conner Community News. It was a chance not just to connect with theatergoers, but to remind folks that, like Jack Kelly and his crew, we’re out here every day—reporting the truth, rain or shine.
Editor and Publisher Kari Mar joined other local news organizations during Newsies Night at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon Saturday, April 19.
Photo by Gary Brown
The show itself? A rousing, high-energy call to action. Newsies tells the tale of underdog newscarriers in 1899 New York who fight back against powerful publishers to demand fair treatment. It’s a story as relevant today as ever—about standing up, speaking out, and believing in the power of your voice.
We thank the League of Women Voters for recognizing that local journalism is worth standing up for. And to everyone who came out: thanks for cheering not just for the actors on stage, but for the real-life newsies working to keep our communities informed and empowered.
Kari Mar: kari@laconnercommunitynews.org. Kari is editor and publisher.
