La Conner tulip parade has long, proud tradition

A spur-of-the-moment idea to have a downtown parade here during the Tulip Festival still has legs more than three decades later.

The 32nd annual “Not-So-Impromptu” Kiwanis Tulip Parade, sponsored by US Bank, is set for 2 p.m. April 14 on First Street.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is recently retired Town Administrator John Doyle, who for a decade during his tenure at Town Hall managed to juggle both planning and managerial duties.

His parade role shouldn’t be nearly as taxing, given the event’s well-established focus on fun.

“All I have to do,” quips Doyle, drawing upon his trademark sense of humor, “is sit there and look pretty. I guess I can do that.”

The popular local event is embraced near and far for its always fun and often zany mix of floats, clowns, mascots, animals, farm vehicles, vintage cars and trucks, marching bands and children’s entries.

No entry is too small or wacky. Nor is there a strict deadline for sign-ups.

All are welcome to attend as either spectators or participants, even up to the last minute. Day of event registrations are more than welcome, with forms available at US Bank branches in Skagit County or via the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival website.

If all that seems a tad bit informal, consider it mission accomplished.

The laid-back nature of the Kiwanis parade is steeped in La Conner tradition and lore.

It all began with the late Luke and Lila Long, who in 1985 had retired to Shelter Bay from Ft. Collins, Colorado. Actually, “retired” isn’t an apt term. The Longs were actively engaged from the get-go in their new hometown, with Luke having joined the local Kiwanis Club upon the couple’s arrival.

Luke, who had earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia, found public service the ideal outlet for his and Lila’s tireless stores of energy.

Thus, in the spring of 1987, with daffodils in bloom and tulip festivities about to commence, Luke suggested a parade here would be in order. In real time, not at some future date.

He made a couple calls to his Shriner friends, who despite the short notice eagerly committed a kazoo band and fleet of crazy cars to the cause. Other talent quickly fell in line, necessary Town approval was obtained, and a good time was had by all.

Initially dubbed an “impromptu” parade, Luke noted that wasn’t quite the case. While somewhat hastily organized, he conceded, there was a degree of planning involved and the Shriners had certainly rehearsed their unique routine beforehand – many times, in fact. Thus, the winding serpentine on First Street was deemed a “Not-So-Impromptu” parade.

The name has stuck.

So has an enduring appreciation for the Longs.

“They deserve all the credit for the parade,” confirms La Conner Kiwanian Chuck Hedlund. “They’re what kept the whole thing going.”

Today the “Not-So-Impromptu” Parade benefits from goodwill fostered through the years plus the support of US Bank, whose employees will be on the scene with parade day giveaways.

In other words, all the elements of a classic fun, hometown parade.