La Conner’s small-town spirit was on full display last week as more than 30 volunteers and a packed house of locals came together at the La Conner Pub & Eatery for the second annual La Conner Fire Association “Tavern Takeover” fundraiser — a lively evening that raised more than $10,000 in support of community programs and the Town’s volunteer fire department.
Community packs the Pub to support La Conner firefighters
A packed house at La Conner Pub & Eatery showed just how much this town loves its volunteer firefighters. Locals came hungry and left inspired, helping raise $10,000 for civic projects and programs.
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The event transformed the downtown tavern into a hub of generosity and gratitude. Firefighters and fire association members donned aprons and hit the floor as servers; they also joined Chef Aki Nystrom and Chef Justin Hinchen from Calico Cupboard; Chef John Nopson, formerly of Oyster & Thistle; and Chef Josh McGaughey from Nell Thorn in the kitchen.
“We love to support our firefighters. We can’t pay you back enough for the services you provide us,” said La Conner resident Ginger Perry, who showed up to share her support.
Volunteers served nonstop from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., while a steady stream of diners filled the Pub, ordering food, dropping donations into firefighters’ boots, and leaving generous tips — all of which will go toward scholarships, care packages, and community traditions like the Easter egg hunt and Christmas giving tree. Funds also support the Town’s new fireboat construction project.
The event is the brainchild of Pub owner Julie Lennartz, who approached Chief Reinstra in early 2024 with a bold idea: let the firefighters run the restaurant for a night. With the help of Lennartz, her daughter Jasmine, and her sister Sherry Thostenson, the now-annual event has become a high-energy evening of food, laughter, and deep community appreciation.
“We are so grateful for Julie’s, Jasmine’s, and Sherry’s generosity to host, help, organize, and donate to the Fire Association,” said LCFA spokesperson Jaime Stroebel-Reinstra.
Chief Reinstra spent much of the evening moving from table to table, thanking diners personally — although he admitted later he couldn’t catch everyone in the crowd.
“The community is always great for these kinds of things,” he said. “We’re so happy that the Pub lets us do this. It’s a great fundraiser and I don’t know of anywhere else where they do something like this.”
Patron Michelle Piatt already had suggestions for 2026: “Next year, we want you to do line dancing.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
