An engaging Sultan Shindig

Snohomish County Fire District 5 traditionally has a large presence in the Sultan Summer Shindig parade, but this year volunteer firefighter Steve Tonkin had something special in mind.

As it has in the past, the district's parade procession included a collection of fire apparatus, both historic and modern. The department's 1905 horse-drawn pumper and hand-pulled hose cart led the way, followed by a 1923 Model T, a 1937 Howe fire truck and a 2006 Kenworth water tender.

It was when the bright red water tender pulled up to the judges' booth that things took an unexpected twist for Sultan resident and volunteer Shindig parade photographer, Amanda Howe.

As the emergency vehicle came to a stop, Tonkin hopped out. Without speaking a word, he proceeded to the rear of the truck and climbed to the top, displaying a banner that had been tucked out of sight. As the crowd read the words, "Amanda, will you marry me?GÇ¥ Tonkin leaned over the truck and gazed at Howe while holding out an engagement ring.

Howe's camera was momentarily forgotten. Her response to the proposal was given without hesitation.

"Of course,GÇ¥ she said.

The Sultan High School marching band didn't miss a beat, seeming to cheer Tonkin on with its triumphant melody and flashing fuchsia-colored flags.

Tonkin began planning the proposal in February, enlisting the aid of Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Copple, who helped him hatch his scheme. Initially, the two discussed having Howe serve as one of the parade judges, in order to ensure she would be in an optimal position to view the proposal. They decided that judging might not be the best idea, since once the marriage proposal took place, it would likely be challenging for Howe to resume her duties as a judge.

When Tonkin mentioned he had purchased Howe a camera for Christmas, Copple sprang into action. She approached Howe about volunteering as the parade photographer, requesting she stand near the judging area to take the photos.

She then approached longtime parade announcer Darnell Koenig, letting him know what was going to happen, so he could prepare. Tonkin got busy on his end, planning all aspects of the proposal and arranging it with the fire department.

He approached Howe's parents, Sylvia and Andy Howe, requesting their daughter's hand in marriage, and letting them know he planned to make the proposal memorable. Sylvia captured the moment on video, so she could show Andy, who was in the hospital and unable to attend the parade.

While a few key people knew about the event, all managed to keep it under wraps.

"I'm so excited,GÇ¥ Howe said. "I can't believe everybody kept it a secret.GÇ¥

The timing was serendipitous. The parade took place on Saturday, July 9, which just happened to be the birthday of Howe's 12-year-old son, Alec. It also happened to be the one-year anniversary of when Tonkin and Howe started dating. The two had been acquainted for a while, Howe recalled, but after Tonkin surprised her with a Cub Scouts vest for Alec's birthday last year, she found herself smitten. The two began spending more and more time together, taking walks and enjoying each other's company. Tonkin began cultivating a relationship with Howe's sons, Alec and 6-year-old Eli, who both adore Tonkin and are excited to have him in their lives, she said.

"The kids are really excited,GÇ¥ Howe said.

The proposal went mostly as planned, although they were nearly called out to assist Monroe Fire District 3 with a residential fire. They were in line waiting for the parade to start when the call came in, Tonkin said.

"They were calling the water tenders out, which we were on,GÇ¥ Tonkin said. "They called Monroe's tender and District 4's tender, and we were waiting to see if we'd get paged out.GÇ¥

Water tenders are designed for transporting water to the scene of a fire, and are often employed in areas not serviced by fire hydrants. Luckily, Sultan's tender was not summoned, and Tonkin was able to proceed as planned.

After the parade was over, the two gathered at Howe's home to celebrate Alec's birthday. Alec has been an active member of Sultan Cub Scout's Pack 52, and will now move on to Boy Scouts. He is learning to play the trumpet and was a member of the Sultan Elementary School unicycle team. Born with a severe cleft lip and palate, the child has undergone a total of nine surgeries, Howe said, making his accomplishments even more significant.

When asked to blow out his candles and make a wish, the young boy said it already came true.-á -á