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If the COVID-19 pandemic has proved anything, it is good things are worth waiting for.

That includes the annual Swinomish Days summer festival.

The local celebration of Coast Salish culture normally held in August and which regularly draws visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, has been postponed at least one month, “until possibly September 2021” as a public health precaution Swinomish Tribal Community Cultural Affairs Director Aurelia Bailey confirmed last week.

“With new (virus) variants recently hitting Skagit County,” Bailey said, “we must postpone all large gatherings. Our Swinomish Tribal leaders are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe during these uncertain times.”

As of now, a golf tournament held in conjunction with Swinomish Days at nearby Swinomish Golf Links is still on, Bailey noted.

Launched in the summer of 2014, Swinomish Days is designed to celebrate Native American cultural traditions, drug and alcohol-free lifestyles and be fun for all ages.

Canoe races, stick games, a powwow, three-on-three basketball and food and craft vendors are festival highlights.

While she served as Swinomish intergovernmental affairs liaison, prior to her election as a state lawmaker, Debra Lekanoff (D-Bow) noted that Swinomish Days and similar tribal events provide an opportunity to teach the public about time-honored Coast Salish values, including respect for natural resources.

Tribal officials will continue to assess the situation to determine when Swinomish Days can be rescheduled.