I think most of us would agree for a town that is 127 years old, we look pretty good! We have a vibrant, active community today, even in contrast to just five or six years ago. Over the last 15 years we have seen our city experience change, mature and become more influential in the county and the region. The vibrancy can be seen daily, whether in downtown, Westgate, Highway 99, or any other area of Edmonds.
As I talk to folks in our community and in the region, I often hear about, and receive, upbeat comments on the “sense of community” Edmonds has. Yes, I agree, we have that quality about us. Of course there are many reasons, but one of our strengths is the unique way in which we stay in touch with one another. For a town of 41,000 people, we stay in touch with one another very well… and that’s in large part due to our gathering places.
Whether coffee shops, restaurants, walking the waterfront, playing at our parks, attending church, the ECA, or special events, we gather and communicate. We talk to each other one-on-one, in small groups and large groups. We keep up with local news through My Edmonds News and The Beacon and generally, we know what is “going on.”
One of the unique ways we gather is with the many special events organized by a variety of community groups. The Rotary Clubs provide the Jazz Connection and the Waterfront Festival. Our Edmonds Museum provides the Summer Market, and the Edmonds Arts Festival is organized by a group of citizens that has been in business for 60 years. The “recent” addition of the ECA to the community brings thousands of people together many times a year. Remarkable work by remarkable organizations!
The champion of putting together community events, which are important large gathering places, is the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce! Besides furnishing traditional and important business services to our business community, they provide many more events that bring the community together. The chamber brings thousands of people together through A Taste of Edmonds and An Edmonds Kind of 4th, (which includes the Children’s Parade, Main Parade, 5K run and the Fireworks Show).
They also organize the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Classic Car Show, Halloween Trick or Treat Night, and their newest effort, the Clam Chowder competition. All events which provide a time for the community to gather and have good old-fashioned fun!
Oh yes, I do hear some complaints about the three-day Taste event, but the event is the chief fundraiser for the Chamber, and without those funds, the 4th of July Celebration, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Halloween Trick or Treat, Clam Chowder competition and the Classic Car Show would simply not happen! That somehow rings hollow.
So, in the middle of change and growth throughout the region, we have found a way to maintain our small town characteristic. In the middle of the traffic, congestion and change, we have found a way to retain the sense of community that we feel so strongly about and are committed to. We continue to feel small town because we remain close through gathering in so many ways. Maintaining such a quality makes us unique and sets us apart from so many other communities in the region.
So as we transition into summer and all our summertime events, I hope to see many of you at the Summer Market, the 4th of July Parade and festivities, A Taste of Edmonds, or at a local restaurant or café, continuing the tradition of “gathering,” which makes Edmonds such a great community!
— By Dave Earling, Mayor of Edmonds
Thanks for a great summary Mr. Mayor. The Edmonds Beacon distributed a “Guide to Edmonds 2017” today. Pg 24 “Edmonds City Government” has some false information about Mayor Earling. The Beacon shows the Mayor was appointed in 2011 and unlike the elected City Council his term does not expire. Mayor Earling was elected in 2011 with about 64% of the vote. He took office after the election results were certified late November 2011. Mike Cooper the former mayor was appointed. Mayor Earling was elected again in 2015 winning 97% of the vote. The next election for Mayor is scheduled for 2019. Hopefully Mayor Earling will run again and continue to serve our city.
Well said and led again sir. I hope you run in 2019.
Edmonds has recently hosted some well attended marches, rallies, and solidarity events as well. There are many reasons to celebrate calling Edmonds home.