TOURISM TODAY

An Industry Newsletter for Snohomish County-based Tourism Businesses

September 2016

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September 2016 Page 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

News You Can Use 3

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5

News from VIC Services 7

The Sports Pages 9

Around Snohomish County 11

Get Out & About 11

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September 2016 Page 3 News You Can Use 7 Free Promotional Opportunities to Reach Visitors When business and leisure travelers visit Snohomish County, they want to play, explore, shop, dine, and sleep at places that fit their interests and budgets. They look for ideas on Snohomish.org, connect with us on social media, stop in one of our visitor information centers, or read about Snohomish County from articles or online postings written by travel writers we’ve assisted. They are looking for businesses like yours! The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau offers seven free promotional opportunities you can use to reach visitors.

#1 Free Event Calendar Listing on Snohomish.org #5 Join in Our Industry Education Program Organizing an event in Snohomish County? List it for This program aims to educate Snohomish County hos- free on our event calendar at Snohomish.org. Our staff pitality staff about the tourism assets in our area, so will post it after review. We choose much of our con- that they can more effectively cross-promote to their tent for our newsletters, social media postings, and visitors by sharing their first-hand knowledge. You can sales outreach efforts from this events calendar. Go participate by offering discounted or free products, to www.snohomish.org/events-calendar to enter your tickets, services and more from your business for events information or email [email protected] if them to experience what you have to offer. To partici- you need help. pate, email [email protected].

#2 Free Business/Attraction Listing on Snohomish.org #6 Introduce Your Business to Our VIC Volunteers Any visitor-related service or attraction in Snohomish The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau operates County is eligible for a free listing on Snohomish.org. three visitor information centers that are staffed by Visit www.snohomish.org/explore to see our primary volunteers. Several times a year our volunteers go on categories, and if you feel your business would be a familiarization tours to various businesses so they can good fit, email [email protected]. see for themselves what our county has to offer, and in turn better promote these places to our visitors. For #3 Send Us Your Media Releases more information on making your business a stop on a Add [email protected] to your media distribution familiarization tour, email [email protected]. lists so we can stay informed and your publicize news and events accordingly. #7 Free Ad on Snohomish.org Buy advertising space in our bi-annual visitor guide #4 Connect with Us on Social Networks and get a free ad on our website. The guides are print- Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and ed and distributed Instagram; we’ll follow back and do our best to repost through our visitor infor- and retweet any relevant content. mation centers, mailed out in response to • www.facebook.com/SnoCoTourism requests from individu- • www.twitter.com/SnoCoTourism als, handed out at trade • www.instagram.com/SnohomishCountyTourism shows and local events, and made available at • www.facebook.com/SnoCoSports other locations display- • www.twitter.com/SnoCoSports ing tourism brochures within the region. Cur- rent and back copies are available for download on Snohomish.org as well. For more information, con- tact [email protected].

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September 2016 Page 4 Last Chance to Register: American Indian 2016 WTA Tourism Summit, October 14 Tourism Conference, Sept. 12-14 Work is underway for the sixth annual Tourism Alliance Summit. The summit features key- The 18th annual American Indian Tourism Conference note speaker Roger Dow, president and CEO of the is quickly approaching. This is your last chance to U.S. Travel Association. Panel speakers will provide an register for this important conference at the Tulalip update from the Legislative Workgroup and overview Resort Casino. of the WTA grassroots efforts, including how you can be more involved and next steps for all of us. The annual tourism conference provides educational forums that share knowledge and best practices from Mark your calendar for Friday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. tourism programs around the U.S. with tribes and to 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport (17338 tribal businesses. Expert speakers will share their ex- International Blvd.) across from SeaTac Airport. periences and provide resources and training to help tribes with their travel and tourism initiatives. More information including agenda, registration dates and hotel accommodations will be posted at “Cultural tourism can contribute to economic devel- www.watourismalliance.com. opment of tribal communities while allowing tribes to keep their culture alive and tell their story in their own WTA Legislative Workgroup Discussion way,” said Rowena Yeahquo, AIANTA Pacific Region board member and Northwest Technical Assistance Update Program director, in a press release. In the most recent Washington Tourism Alliance e-newsletter dated June/July 2016, Becky Bogard Attendees will learn more about tour packaging, and Kathryn Hedrick provided an update on work to attracting tour operators, creating itineraries, position- support state tourism promotion through the state’s ing their tribes for the international tourism market, legislature. They are lobbyists and legislative counsel tourism assessment and inventory development, new for the WTA. technologies and strategies for marketing and media, “A core group of legislators from tourism dependent protecting intellectual and cultural property, working districts and/or who serve in key committee positions with state and federal agencies, and more. in the state legislature came together with industry representatives in May to have the first of what will be Go to www.aitc2016.com for registration and more several informal meetings aimed at developing a long information. term, stable mechanism that will fund a statewide tourism marketing program.

“Participating legislators included: Senators Sha- ron Brown (R., Kennewick) Kevin Ranker (D., Orcas Island), Christine Rolfes (D., Bainbridge Island) and Dean Takko (D., Longview); Representatives Cindy Ryu (R., Shoreline) Cary Condotta (R., Chelan), and Gael Tarleton (D., Seattle). Other legislators who have agreed to join the group include Reps. Drew MacEwen (R., Union), Andrew Barkis (R., Olympia), and Hans Zeiger (R., Puyallup).

“Participants were briefed on how, and the level at which, other states fund local and statewide tourism Image courtesy of the AIANTA Pacific Region efforts. A substantial amount of time was dedicated to briefing and discussing the use of lodging taxes in Washington State given the particularly complicated laws which govern and the regional options which www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY

September 2016 Page 5 [WTA Legislative Workgroup Discussion Update cont.] have been instituted. Finally, the three major legisla- “The group will meet again in late July and most tive proposals from the past two years were described likely will have another meeting soon thereafter. It is and discussed. our goal to have the solid framework of a proposal in place to share and receive feedback on at the October “While the goal of this first meeting was to simply Tourism Summit. bring key legislators to the same table with industry and ensure we are all working from the same set of “We look forward to a fruitful discussion and believe facts/foundation, the end result was encouraging with this process will lead to a modified legislative proposal all legislators clearly understanding the impact tour- for the 2017 session.” ism has, sympathetic to the historic context which has brought us to where we are, and determined to find Go to www.watourismalliance.com for more informa- a solution that balances the industry needs and what tion including membership and marketing opportuni- they view as the state’s responsibility to contribute ties. some level of financial support. Discussions were pro- ductive and quite candid. The impact of the McCleary education decision on the budget is clearly a concern given the implication it has for the availability of state general funds. Additionally, the need to balance the state’s budget on a four year basis might also impact fund availability.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Tourism Partners Promote County’s Venues at WSAE Executive Director Amy Spain and Group Sales Man- ager Brad Zorich attended the annual Washington So- ciety of Association Executives (WSAE) Conference in Spokane, June 12-14. This event brings together the leadership of Washington State’s association directors and staff along with tourism partners. The association meeting market is one of the most important business sectors for Snohomish County’s hotel and meetings venue partners.

Representatives from Embassy Suites Lynnwood, Lyn- nwood Convention Center, and Tulalip Resort Casino joined Spain and Zorich to market the county’s array of meeting options and to network with key meeting planner decision makers.

Over 120 WSAE members attended this event. The Snohomish County tourism partners established nu- merous new relationships and renewed past connec- Representatives from the Tulalip Resort Casino and other tions. venues participated in the WSAE Conference.

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September 2016 Page 6 WTA Announces Stanton-Masten Departure as Executive Director In the Washington Tourism Alliance’s June/July e-newsletter, the organization thanked Louise Stanton-Masten for her leadership as the organization’s executive director.

“The Washington Tourism Alliance would like to thank Louise Stanton-Masten for over three years of valuable leadership as Executive Director of our organization. Under her stewardship, the WTA helped pass a bill that provided $1 million of bridge funding to the organization over the 2014-2015 biennium. Additionally, with Lou- ise at the helm, the State Legislature passed a Tourism Funding bill in 2014 that was instrumental in initiating the conversation among lawmakers about the importance of tourism to our state’s economy and has led to the legislative workgroup convening this summer. As the leader of the WTA, Louise continually served as a vital and visible advocate for the importance of tourism marketing for Washington.

“Before moving on to her next challenge, Louise will enjoy a summer sabbatical sailing around the Puget Sound. We sincerely appreciate that Louise leaves the WTA in a considerably better position than when she took over as Executive Director and we wish nothing but the best for her in all her future endeavors.”

On behalf of the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau’s board of directors and staff, we also thank Louise for her hard work. Happy sailing!

Sneak Peek at Everett’s Newest Hotel When the Courtyard® Seattle North/Everett opens in downtown Everett later this year, the hotel will offer busi- ness and leisure travelers the sophistication, comfort and service that is the hallmark of Marriott International.

“We’re so excited to join downtown Everett’s community,” said Shannon Myers, general manager, “and for the hotel be a part of the city’s growth and to add to its economy on multiple levels. I’m certainly looking forward to meeting everyone! I also hope to see locals enjoying our beautiful Bistro restaurant for breakfast or dinner, or to simply stop in to enjoy Starbucks coffee.”

The main entrance on Colby Avenue welcomes guests with its spacious yet inviting lobby with flexible spaces to work and relax. The walk-up, S-shaped bar named The Bistro will offer guests healthy choices in breakfast and dinner selections, an evening bar, and specialty beverag- es made with Starbucks® coffee. The adjoining media room will be the perfect location to watch a televised game with colleagues and friends. Expect the outdoor lounge area to feel like a private oasis with its lush landscaping, warm fire pits, and a low wall to define the space.

From corporate events and conferences to weddings and galas, the 3,742-square-foot meeting space offers five event rooms and several flexible floor plans to make any event a success. The exquisite glass- blown lighting fixtures and contemporary décor provide an upscale yet discreet backdrop that keeps everyone’s attention focused on the spe- cial event. Host a snack break on the second-level, outdoor terrace for a refreshing change of scenery. The tasty and innovative catering menu is filled with delicious ideas for every occasion. The rooms at the Courtyard Seattle North/ Guests will be able to unwind after a busy day or adhere to their exer- Everett feature beautiful, soothing colors cise routine in the fitness center with its heated pool, whirlpool, and and modern accessories. workout equipment.

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September 2016 Page 7 [Sneak Peek at Everett’s Newest Hotel continued] The views from each guest room are dramatic. The Plans are in the works to fully develop the hotel’s rooms and suites on the uppermost floors showcase retail space facing Colby Avenue and Wall Street. the Cascade Mountains or Puget Sound. Every room provides a long, lingering look of bustling downtown Conveniently located at 3003 Colby Avenue, the Everett and the intriguing architecture of its many Courtyard Seattle North/Everett is within walking dis- historical buildings such as the 1925 Second Renais- tance of Xfinity Arena at Everett, Imagine Children’s sance Revival-style Monte Cristo Hotel and the 1910 Museum, Schack Art Center, Historic Everett Theatre, Mission Revival-style Snohomish County Courthouse. and numerous restaurants and shops.

The rooms’ peaceful color schemes of light marine To book meetings and events, contact Jamie Johnson, blues, grays and whites flow seamlessly to the world sales coordinator, at [email protected]. beyond the wall-to-wall windows. Guests will sleep dreamily upon beds with thicker mattresses, lush To book a room, go to http://bit.ly/2boOeyr or call linens, and fluffy pillows. 425-259-2200.

News from VIC Services Fond Farewell to Jennifer Bravo Jennifer Bravo, Visitors Services Manager, has resigned her position after 13 years at the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. Jennifer and her husband have an opportunity to spend one year in Puebla, Mexico, her hus- band’s home town. Jennifer wrote, “I would like to take this chance to ex- Congratulations to Stacey Pfeiffer press my appreciation to the board and executive direc- tor Amy Spain. It has been my distinct pleasure to work Congratulations are in order for Stacey, who has with such a talented and dedicated group of people over accepted the position of visitor services and these last 13 years. It has been such a great learning training manager, replacing Jennifer as the team experience for me, and I truly appreciate each of you. leader for the visitor information program. It has been my good fortune to engage and learn from Stacey has served as visitor ser- your skills and talents and I leave the bureau enriched vices coordinator for three years, by having been a part of your team. I wish each of you working hand-in-hand with continued success in all of your endeavors.” Jennifer to manage the visitor information center program, in- Jennifer has been a valued employee, bringing wisdom cluding recruitment and training and patience, and established genuinely warm personal of the volunteer force and managing three VIC relationships with the staff and more than 80 volunteers facilities -- one each in Lynnwood, Snohomish and in the visitor information center program that she built Mukilteo. Stacey’s previous professional expe- over the last 13 years. She has been dedicated to creat- rience prior to joining the team at the Snohom- ing and presenting a welcoming face of Snohomish Coun- ish County Tourism Bureau includes operations ty to all visitors who have traveled here from all points management for Deaconess Children’s Services, around the globe. It is through her leadership that the administrative assistant with Bastyr Center for volunteer program has successfully trained volunteers to Natural Health, and volunteer experiences with be travel counselors, helping to guide and direct visitors AmeriCorps National Service. to experience more of Snohomish County. Please congratulate Stacey on her promotion! She Please join us in wishing Jennifer a bon voyage and best can be reached at 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or wishes to her husband and her as they embark on this [email protected]. great adventure!

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September 2016 Page 8 Amidst Busy Season, Volunteers Keep Share Your Knowledge; Learning Become a VIC Volunteer The volunteers at the three visitor information centers Would you like to share with visitors your favorite plac- kept a busy summer schedule helping travelers with es to dine, shop, play, explore, and more? Then join fully experience the numerous activities, attractions, our volunteer family and make new friends. and amenities within Snohomish County. You’ll also learn more about Snohomish County’s Many of the volunteers attended two educational secrets and surprises that you and your family can meetings to stay up to date with the latest develop- enjoy, too. Monthly training meetings focus on specif- ments, trends, and topics in travel and tourism within ic topics such as “Rainy Day Tourism,” “What’s New Snohomish County. They also participated in familiar- in Snohomish County,” “More than Pumpkins,” and ization tours at the Inn at in June and “Shop Local” with area businesses talking about their the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood in July. operations and providing samples. So far this year, volunteers have participated in several familiarization The purpose of familiarization tours is to acquaint the tours including touring downtown Arlington, visiting visitor information center volunteers with the various businesses in Sultan, going behind the scenes at the attractions, activities, and amenities within Snohom- Lynnwood Convention Center, and seeing Temple Dis- ish County that serve our visitors. This enables the tilling and sampling a few of its spirits. volunteers to share firsthand information and experi- ences with guests so they, in turn, can maximize their Choose one or more centers to volunteer your time experience to our area. and knowledge: • East Snohomish County Branch, 1301 First To host a familiarization tour, please contact Stacey Street, Snohomish (From Hwy 2 or Hwy 9) Pfeiffer, visitor services and training manager, at 425- 348-5802, ext. 100 or [email protected]. • Snohomish County Visitor Information Center at Future of Flight Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Volunteers Enjoy Annual Picnic, Aug. 24 Field, Mukilteo (I-5 exit 189 west) The potluck picnic was held at Legion Park in Everett. • South Snohomish County Branch at Heritage Along with the fun and games of the summer picnic, Park, 19921 Poplar Way, Lynnwood (I-5 exit volunteers from the three visitor information centers 181 east) enjoyed renewing relationships, meeting new friends, exchanging recipes of their potluck dishes, and Each visitor information center has varying hours of sharing knowledge, tips and secrets about Snohomish operation that allow for flexibility in scheduling volun- County’s numerous attractions, activities, and sights. teer shifts.

The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau thanks our For more information, call or email Stacey Pfeiffer, volunteer team, without whom we could not offer the 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or [email protected]. array of visitor services that we do!

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September 2016 Page 9 The Sports Pages

From to triathlons, competitors and spectators saw plenty of action this summer. Here are some of the highlights: Legends Baseball Tournaments, June and TriMonroe Triathlon: USA Triathlon Youth July (4 weekends) & Junior Elite Race, June 18 The Legends Baseball Club hosted four separate youth Some of the best youth and junior triathletes tested baseball tournaments at Sky River Park in June and their swimming, biking, and running skills in a very July. With age groups ranging from 8U to 13U, a total competitive TriMonroe Triathlon at Lake Tye Park in of 85 teams visited Monroe over the span of the four Monroe. A total of 259 athletes attended this USA tournaments. Local teams were joined by several from Triathlon-sanctioned race. Many of them and their British Columbia and eastern Washington. families stayed in the area for several nights leading up to the competition. Total Room Nights: 165 Economic Impact: $402,990 Total Room Nights: 700 Economic Impact: $315,458 Harvey Cup Boys Lacrosse Tournament, June 11-12 USA Badminton Junior Nationals, Snohomish Boys Lacrosse Club welcomed 36 teams July 3-10 for its 2016 tournament. Games took place next to Harbour Pointe Badminton Club hosted 350 junior Harvey Field airport in Snohomish, which made for badminton players over eight days of competition. a beautiful setting. Teams were mostly from western About 900 people traveled from across the United Washington, but did include several clubs from east- States to attend the event. ern Washington. Total Room Nights: 393 Total Room Nights: 70 | Economic Impact: $148,599 Economic Impact: $905,580 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour, July 9 More than 1,600 spectators came out on a cool summer’s day to watch the return of Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour to Lake Tye Park in Monroe after being absent for a year. Twenty men pro wakeboard competitors performed to capture the event’s title. New in 2016 was the Men Pro Wakesurf competition where six competitors competed. The competition was the third in the five-competition wakeboard tour.

Snohomish United Invitational, Total Room Nights: 97 | Economic Impact: $105,785 June 17-19 Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournament, The three-day soccer tournament attracted 157 youth July 15-17 soccer teams to play at Stocker Fields in Snohomish. The event kicked off the tournament season for Sno- More than 2,000 people attended the Kla Ha Ya Adult homish Youth Soccer. Soccer Tournament at Stocker Fields during Snohom- ish’s Kla Ha Ya Days festival. This annual event draws Total Room Night: 90 adult teams from across the Puget Sound region. Economic Impact: $1,474,845 Total Room Nights: 15 | Economic Impact: $264,462

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September 2016 Page 10 NFAA Outdoor Field Nationals, July 25-29 INT League Northwest Wakesurf Open, More than 400 archers from across the United States July 29-31 competed in the National Field Archery Association’s Eighty of the best male and female wake surfers com- championships. Archers competed in Junior, Amateur, peted for cash, prizes, and pride on beautiful Lake Tye Senior, or Professional divisions during the five-day in Monroe. Festivities included a live music party on competition. July 29.

Total Room Nights: 600 Total Room Nights: 50 Economic Impact: $368,715 Economic Impact: $52,405

The INT League Northwest Wakesurf Open on Lake Tye

Cascade Cup Girls Lacrosse Tournament, Washington Rush Cup, August 5-7 July 29-31 More than 315 competitive youth soccer teams ages The grassy areas of Harvey Field airport once again eight to 19 played in the three-day soccer tournament hosted the annual girls’ lacrosse tournament. at Meadow Wood Equestrian Center. Teams traveled from around Washington to compete in this annual This year, 26 event which held its first of many upcoming soccer teams compet- tournaments in Snohomish County. ed to become champions in Total Room Nights: 6,000 their respective Economic Impact: $4,584,105 middle school and high school Lake Tye Triathlon, August 6 A and B divi- The seventh annual event welcomed 316 age group sions. triathletes to compete in the sprint and Olympic-dis- tance races and collegiate competition. After the age Total Room group races, 68 kids from under 8 to 15 years old Nights: 150 competed in the Youth Triathlon. Among the cheering Economic spectators were 846 family and friends. This triathlon Impact: at Lake Tye Park in Monroe is popular with triathletes $171,239 of all levels because of its flat race course.

Total Room Nights: 38 | Economic Impact: $79,956 www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY

September 2016 Page 11 Around Snohomish County The Latest News in Liquid Arts Crucible Brewery is a new craft brewery producing a variety of beers including IPA, Double IPA, Hefeweizen, Blonde Ale, and American Stout. Located at 909 SE Way, Building D, in Everett, the pub is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. and is kid- and dog-friendly. Go to www.cruciblebrewing.com for the beer list and its Facebook page for event and dining information.

Lynnwood’s Temple Distilling, makers of small batch gins and handmade limoncello, won gold and silver awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The gold went to their London Dry Gin and silver for their Navy Strength Gin. Visit www.templedistilling.com.

In case you missed it: The Red Door Distillery closed at the end of 2015. Producers of vodka made from wheat grown in Washington State, the distillery opened in January 2014 in Everett.

Altitude Trampoline Targets Late August The 28,000-square-foot indoor facility features over 100 interlocking trampolines, perfect for jumping activities and sports such as dodge ball, battle beams, basketball slam dunking, and more. Launch yourself into the foam pit! It will also be a fun place for birthday parties and large group events.

Altitude Trampoline Park is located at 6610 64th Street NE in Marysville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 2-10 p.m. on Sunday.

As of press time, owners were preparing for a late August opening, though construction may push that opening into early September.

Call 360-510-2409 or go to www.altitudemarysville.com for more information.

Get Out & About: Fall Fun in Snohomish County The leaves may be falling, but spirits are soaring because there are so many fall activities and events to be en- joyed by the whole family! We’ve highlighted a few here; find plenty more at www.snohomish.org/explore. Catch a Game: AquaSox & Silvertips Grab your mitt for chances to snag a foul ball at an AquaSox’s game! Though the regular season wraps ups on Monday, Sept. 5, the AquaSox baseball team is looking toward post-season play. The bat-cracking action takes place at .

For hot hockey action, get to Xfinity Arena in Everett for a fast-paced Silvertip game! Pre-season play starts Sept. 2 and the regular season opens Sept. 24. Go cheer on the home team!

• Go to the Everett AquaSox website for the team’s playoff status, tickets, and more information. • Go to www.everettsilvertips.com for tickets, game schedule, and more information.

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September 2016 Page 12 Savor the Flavors of the Red Rooster Watch Spectacular Fireworks at Mukilteo Route Lighthouse Festival Discover a delicious world of farm-fresh, just-picked, Zombies, zombie hunters, and spectators will expe- locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm edibles pro- rience the Zombie Apocalypse in historic Snohomish duced by family farms in Arlington area now through on Sept. 17 in an evening of fun and laughter. More October. Stay and enjoy the various agricultural activi- information is online at http://bit.ly/2aMCkyE. ties as well. Search for Orcas and Whales • Arlington’s Farmers Market Join Puget Sound Express to see the beauty and mys- • Bryant Blueberry Farm & Nursery tery of orcas and other whales along Puget Sound and • Foster’s Produce & Corn Maze around the San Juan Islands. You’ll travel aboard the • Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm comfortable and fast Chilkat Express, a 60-passenger • Rhodes River Ranch catamaran that cruises at over 40 miles per hour! • Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum Half-day, 4.5-hour tours depart at 9:30 a.m. from the Edmonds Marina. Plan your adventure now! • Go to the Download Guides & Brochures web • When: The season is expected to continue page to download the Farm Trail mobile tour through Oct. 23. Sailings may continue into guide. November and December, depending upon de- • For more information on the Red Rooster Route, mand and weather. click here. • More information at http://bit.ly/2bjLwWW. Party with Vikings Watch Spectacular Fireworks at Mukilteo The second annual Viking Fest and Pub Tour in Lighthouse Festival Arlington, Oct. 1-2, is a celebration of Viking culture Dazzle the whole family with brilliant fireworks shows and games. On Saturday night, local pubs and saloons over Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on Friday and Satur- will host a pub tour for adults with Viking re-enactors, day nights, Sept. 9-11. Don’t miss the outdoor mar- games, food, and drink at each stop. More information ketplace of artists and artisan works, beer and wine is online at http://bit.ly/2aHznJO. garden, live music and performances, Avenue of Food featuring mouthwatering delicacies, and lots of chil- Run a Half Marathon, 10K or 5K dren’s activities. Free admission for the festivities at The fall season is one of the best times of year to run Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and Rosehill Community for a personal best or fun with friends. The Snohomish Center. More information is online at River Run, Oct. 9, offers a beautiful half marathon or http://bit.ly/2b00H8W. 10K course along the river. Burn off calories before your Thanksgiving feast by running or walking the family-friendly Mukilteo Turkey Trot, a 10K/5K course, on Nov. 24!

Seek Your Way Out of a Corn Maze Challenge your friends and family to see who can be the first to find their way out of a corn maze by day- light or flashlight! The Snohomish Valley Festival of Pumpkins, Oct. 1-31, features seven family farms with corn mazes, pumpkin patches and plenty of fam- ily friendly activities. More information is available at http://bit.ly/2b9gfd8.

For more family-friendly fun things to do and see in Snohomish County, go to www.snohomish.org/explore. www.Snohomish.org