La Conner buzzed with activity all weekend as bright, crisp winter sunshine drew crowds into town and left parking at a premium. Sidewalks stayed busy from morning to evening, shops and restaurants hummed, and nearly every corner of town offered something worth stopping for.
The La Conner Birding Festival helped drive the energy, drawing bird lovers, nature enthusiasts and curious newcomers from across the region. Maia Tekle, event coordinator for the festival and a La Conner Chamber of Commerce board member, said Saturday that attendance was on pace to surpass last year’s record of 743 attendees, with visitors traveling from as far away as Portland, Oregon.
“The big surprise this year was the popularity of the morning guided tours,” Tekle said. “They sold out in a matter of days. We are absolutely offering a wider variety next year.”
Among the vendors was La Conner watercolorist Jessica van Wagner, who returned for her second year selling delicate paintings of local birds, including Great Blue Herons. Last year marked her first time participating in the festival.
“I’ve been painting since I could hold a paintbrush,” van Wagner said as attendees browsed her work.
Seven-year-old Nico Diller of Anacortes proved to be the birder in his family. After a morning soccer game and lunch nearby, Diller and his family decided to stop by the festival.
“I like the King Bird of Paradise the best,” he said. “It has blue feet.”
Saturday morning kicked off with the La Conner Firefighters Association’s 2nd Annual Chili & Chowder Cookoff, a lively, good-natured competition that packed the room with hungry supporters and hometown pride. The fundraiser supports the restoration of Truck 41, with firefighters, cooks, volunteers, sponsors and community members all pitching in to make the event a success.
While winners had yet to be announced, Bellingham resident Derek Guy said Santo Coyote’s chili from last year was so good he returned again — this time with friends.
Friend Nikaila Bennett favored Oyster & Thistle’s offerings this year.
“It’s a cool idea for a fundraiser,” Bennett said. “I’m really enjoying La Conner. It’s cute — I like it. I grew up in Port Angeles.”
Art lovers gathered Saturday evening at the Museum of Northwest Art for the Opening Soirée, a celebratory night featuring artist Nancy Mee, guest curator Matthew Kangas, the Lincoln Theatre, musicians from the Skagit Symphony and a dedicated team of volunteers who helped bring the exhibitions and festivities together.
On Sunday, the Birding Festival continued — but at 3:30 p.m., the town collectively went quiet. Sidewalks emptied, televisions flickered on, and residents and visitors alike tuned in to watch the Seattle Seahawks face the Los Angeles Rams for the NFC title.
When the Seahawks clinched a thrilling 31–27 victory, the quiet broke into cheers and celebration. With the win, Seattle now heads to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara in two weeks.
Kari Mar is the editor and publisher of La Conner Community News.
