It's been a couple years since former Sultan City Councilmember Kristina Blair informally proclaimed the phrase "big heart, little cityGÇ¥ as Sultan's city slogan. But for the panel of judges watching the Sultan Summer Shindig parade on Saturday morning, the sentiment had never been more evident.
This weekend marked Sultan's 32nd annual Summer Shindig celebration, a Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce event put together with support from the city, the local business community and an incredible amount of volunteerism. Built on reverence for the city's rich logging history, the event included a parade, carnival, motorcycle and car shows, logging contests, live music, talent performances, fireworks and much more.
As the grand parade proceeded west down Main Street, it was framed on both sides by American flags, thanks to a volunteer
project spearheaded by Sultan resident Christina Sivewright. In recognition of their contributions to the community and their penchant for patriotic volunteerism, Christina and her husband Dave were named the 2015 Sky Valley Citizens of the Year, which earned them a position of honor in this year's parade.
Dave, also known as the Highway 2 Freedom Runner, can often be seen running down U.S. 2 carrying a four-by-six-foot American flag.
The parade was led by Sultan VFW Post No. 2554 Post Commander Chuck Donahue, who recently achieved the honor of being named All-American Commander. Donahue was one of only 130 Post Commanders worldwide to receive the honor. Joining him in the parade was his wife Judy, who serves as the president of the Sultan Ladies VFW Auxiliary, along with VFW members Ann Marie Bunch, Chuck Donaldson and others.
Silence followed in the wake of the VFW members, as the fallen heroes procession made its way down Main Street. A collaborative effort, individuals from numerous service organizations carried banners made with photos of U.S. Military personnel who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Soldiers from Monroe, Arlington, Everett and other areas of Snohomish County were acknowledged and honored.
Senator Kirk Pearson was named as this year's Grand Marshal, in recognition of his years of service to the Sky Valley region as a whole. Pearson, a fourth-generation Snohomish County resident who still lives in the Monroe area, has represented the 39th District for a total of 15 years both in the House and the Senate.
This year's Logging Marshal was George Anderson, a Sky Valley man who has spent his entire life working in the logging and construction industry.
Snohomish County Fire District No. 5 had a large presence in the parade, showcasing its collection of equipment both historic and new. The procession included a 1905 horse-drawn pumper and hand-pulled hose cart, a 1923 Model T, a 1937 Howe fire truck, 2006 Kenworth water tender, 2012 Ford aid car and their brand new 2015 Pierce fire engine.
Thoroughly infused with Sky Valley tradition, the parade also included the Sultan High School Marching Band, the Sultan
Middle School Marching Band, Sultan Cub Scout Pack 52 and Girl Scout Troop 44590, the Sky Valley Eagles FOE No. 4149, Gold Dust Pageant Royalty, Miss Jr. National Teenager Claire Sorgen, the Index Arts Festival, the Boots and Bridles 4-H Club, the Sultan Early Words Toastmasters Club, the Sultan Unicycle Club, the Sultan Boys & Girls Club, the West Coast Country Heat dancers, the Sultan High School Cheer Team, Evergreen Speedway and many others.
Clyde Jelinek, 78, rode in the parade in a classic car. Clyde's mom Doris recently turned 100 years old and was given a key to the city. His father Louis, who passed away in 1992, served as the Sultan Utilities Superintendent, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief.
The entire parade procession took approximately 90 minutes, after which guests transitioned down to River Park to enjoy the carnival rides, live music and logging contests.
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