“As La Conner people,” Annali Bell said afterward, “we figured they’d at least run the parade through a second time.”

As those lining both sides of First Street on a beautiful sunny day pondered whether it was time to leave, the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank banner could be seen approaching in the distance. The parade’s “second act” had begun.

The opening stanza had featured a Skagit County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle detail, the gleaming white 1941 La Conner fire engine, the La Conner Hook and Ladder ambulance and two fire trucks, the Meow Mix Catmobile with Glen Johnson alongside dribbling a Spalding basketball, and Town Mayor Marna Hanneman riding in Dale Ragan’s stylish 1958 Corvette.

“It has the original engine,” Hanneman said of her parade ride, “and Dale has owned it for over 25 years.”

Next, the Cascade Two-Cylinder Club motored their lineup of vintage John Deere tractors down First Street. Near the head of the procession was Phil Smoots and Janice Lisherness of Pleasant Ridge.

“We had about eight or nine tractors here and we had another 20 or so that went to the parade in Sedro-Woolley,” said Smoots, a retired heavy equipment operator. 

Trailing the tractors was an array of splendidly painted classic vehicles, anchored by a Mustang convertible carrying patriotic-clad Gilkey Square dancers Jerry and Jeri Kauffman.

As was the case with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Parade here in April, the Town closed First Street to parking. Only one car, a black Lexus, had been left overnight on the narrow street. It ended up being unceremoniously targeted with silly string.

The local parade was a festive celebration of the nation’s founding 249 years ago. It also provided a welcome respite from today’s often tumultuous political scene.

La Conner Middle and High School secretary Sheena Jones, whose children attend school here, wore a headband with bouncy, star-spangled peace signs to celebrate the day. She said attending the parade is a family tradition.

“I like the small-town feel,” she said as she waved to La Conner Braves sports teams that marched past. “I like that everybody knows everybody.”

Jones’ friend and La Conner Schools colleague, special education paraprofessional Corey Catubo, shared that sentiment.

“I’m the lady who stands on the corner and yells at everybody,” Catubo said as her red, white, and blue Mardi Gras beads glittered in the sunshine.

Catubo also wore themed peace sign baubles in her hair, part of a massive swag party pack her husband had purchased to celebrate the day and enjoy at a house party later that evening.

Catubo was happy to see La Conner sidewalks filled with spectators.

“More and more people are coming to the parade now,” she said. “With COVID (in 2020), people didn’t come out, but look around. Now, it’s back.”

Joanna James of Swinomish made a day of parades and Fourth of July celebrations to show her three-year-old daughter, Johanna, the joy in celebrating Independence Day. They went to the parade in Anacortes held an hour before La Conner’s. They made it back in time to find a perfect First Street curbside perch.

“My mom,” said James, “always brought me here, so now I get to bring her, too.”

James nodded to Johanna, who was happily collecting candy as it flew toward her from the parade.

“I want her to enjoy life,” James said, “be happy, and be free.”

La Conner Waterfront Day Spa owner Mari White-Bucy was among event participants who gave candy to children attending the parade. She handed out about 150 brightly-colored plastic sand pails with kid-sized shovels so they had a place to put their loot.

“It’s a whimsical solution,” explained White-Bucy, who has handed out pails for the past three years. “I handed out bags at the Tulip parade and Halloween, too.”

As always on the Fourth of July, she did a bang-up job.  

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Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.