Tell us about one of your favorite community events and why it matters to your city.

One of my favorite events in Mount Vernon is our Illuminight Winter Walk. In the darkest, coldest month of the year, over a thousand of our residents make beautiful luminaries and gather on our riverfront plaza to celebrate music, art, and connection. We push back against the cold and darkness of winter with our lights and the warmth of community. It has become a vibrant and unifying celebration, culminating in a light parade through our historic downtown.
–Peter Donovan, Mayor, Mount Vernon

The Top Dog Parade is one of Chelan’s most beloved traditions. This nearly 40-year celebration honors three generations of the Kelly family, who own the hardware store in our historic downtown. Every St. Patrick’s Day, it fills Wooden Avenue with an energy that ripples through our small businesses at a time they need it most. It’s a reminder of what makes small-town life special: community, heritage, and neighbors who show up for each other year after year.
–Erin McCardle, Mayor, Chelan

Asking me to pick my favorite event is like asking me to pick my favorite child—it can’t be done. All of the events in our community are unique, from the Sandhill Crane Festival in March to Little League Opening Day in April to our annual Fourth of July celebration to the Othello Fair in September to our Miracle on Main Street event in December. One thing they all do have in common is how they bring our community together.
–Ken Johnson, Mayor, Othello