Some of the 37 guest poets and artists participating in this year’s Skagit River Poetry Festival are crossing oceans to reach La Conner.

Others just have to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Canadian poet Karen Solie, flying in from St. Andrews, Scotland, is coming the farthest.

Katherine Paul of the band Black Belt Eagle Scout can just stroll down the street. Her dad Kevin Paul can commute from Swinomish Village.

Father and daughter will open the festival’s Thursday, October 6 program, “Welcome to Indian Country: A Reading to Celebrate our First Nation Roots” with music and blessings.

Two of the thre...