ARLINGTON – Before the ducks could even be counted, there were some concerns 

about whether they would make it down the Stillaguamish River.


There were some concerns before the Fireworks Show, too. So much so that thousands

of gallons of water were sprayed on nearby trees.

The river levels were so low Saturday, July 4, that several swimmers were able to wade

out into the middle of its waters without getting much deeper than their waists.

Although it took them 45 minutes, rather than the usual 20, the Rotary Club of

Arlington's fleet of yellow rubber ducks did reach the shores of Haller Park for its 27th

annual Great Stilly Duck Dash.







Dale Duskin served as emcee of the Duck Dash, which awarded $1,000 each to the first

10 finishers, and $100 each to the second 10. Rotary reported that it raised $212,275.

Ticket sales made up $71,625 of that total, since Rotary sold more Duck Dash tickets

than ever in the event's 27-year history, while sponsors donated $90,650 and the

Stillaguamish Tribe provided another $50,000.

"I'm thrilled with our record-breaking results, but not surprised, as our community is

such a giving place," Duck Dash Chairman Erik Granroth said. "The funds we raised this

year will benefit many organizations in our communities, and the Splash Pad, once

Rotary completes fundraising for it, will be enjoyed for years to come by families and

kids at Haller Park."

The $1,000 winners were Lyle Ryan, Mabel Newton, Annie Grieb, Judy Claxton,

Karlyn Ames, Chuck Patten, Randy Demoss, George Reid and Mark Shapiro, the latter

of whom won twice. The $100 winners were Elizabeth Briggs, Julie Dickhud, Muriel Place,

Pioneer Nuggets, Ryan McDuffy, Nancy Truitt Pearce, Mary Timmerman, Tiffany Barton,

Rocky Ogden and Kirk Boxleitner.

At least $50,000 will go to help build the Splash Pad, plus the $50,000 match from the

Stillaguamish Tribe. Rotary will build the Splash Pad over the course of two multi-year

phases. It will continue to fundraise through sponsorships, donations from Friends of the

Park, and through partnerships with the city to obtain grants.

"It's not about what Rotary wants," Duskin said. "It's about what you want. I'm a

fourth-generation Rotarian here, so I'm a little prejudiced, but Arlington is a great place

to raise kids, so we all want to build something for them."

Meanwhile, firefighters took no chances during the fireworks show.

With the delayed completion of the Rotary's Duck Dash and sunlight lingering slightly

longer than previous years, fire crews had more time to prep the area surrounding the

display at Bill Quake Memorial Park

Arlington Fire Chief Tom Cooper noted that the tree line was misted down with 30,000

gallons of water from the department's ladder truck, due to concerns sparked by the

series of brushfires along I-5 earlier that week.

"Better safe than sorry," Cooper said. "Arlington got off pretty easy compared to our

surrounding communities.  We had only a few minor injuries and no major fire responses."

Being safe didn't mean being less showy, though, since Rotary partnered with

Entertainment Fireworks to set off $7,600 worth of pyrotechnics, in the open sports field

just north of the Arlington Boys & Girls Club.

For Claire Cundiff and her husband and daughter, Phil and Zoe Undercuffler, this year

marked their third Fourth of July fireworks show in Arlington.

"Of all the years we've seen fireworks shows at different places, this is the one where

you get to see the fireworks closest," Cundiff said.

"You see people in blankets, getting comfortable. Everybody's friendly."

Michelle Gray echoed Cundiff's assessments that Arlington's fireworks show presents an

impressive display and offers a relatively non-crowded venue.

Gray's group recommend people arrive early and bring plenty of party supplies, which

in their case consisted of soda, chips, homemade guacamole, summer sausage and

comfortable chairs.

"There's not a huge group," Gray said. "It's more personable."