Yellow Pages
It could be a ferry celebration like no other — with the chance it may be the last weighing heavy on revelers’ minds.
The first spring sailing of the Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, ferry run on Sunday, March 29 will be a cause for celebration this year, but also an opportunity to make a statement, said Duane Clark, Anacortes ferry advisory chair and Save Our Ferry committee member.
The run is an asset in the state’s struggle with current economic conditions and “is and has always been a huge economic stimulus package,” he said.
Whether the run will be eliminated as suggested in Gov. Christine Gregoire’s 2009-2011 budget proposal and the Washington State Ferries long-range plan is being discussed in the current legislative session.
The Senate Transportation Committee’s version of the budget is due out by Monday and the House Transportation Committee’s version is due out by March 30, said Mayor Dean Maxwell.
With the state facing a deficit of $8 billion or more, tough decisions are coming across the board.
“The way I hear, there’s still a really big shortfall. A lot of programs may have to be cut,” Maxwell said. “But I’m hopeful.”
In the meantime, the tradition of Anacortes city officials, Chamber of Commerce and Sister Cities Association members taking the first Sidney ferry run of the year will continue. As always, once they land at the Sidney terminal, they’ll be greeted by Canadian citizens, including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and the town crier, and served coffee and treats before they re-board to take the return trip home.
“This year, in view of the possible demise of this run, we want to see a huge crowd of people, either in the ferry terminal or along the seawall by the terminal to show support for this ferry service,” wrote Sidney Sister Cities Association member Katherine Huot in an e-mail to residents. “Bring the family, friends, neighbors and Canadian flags and let’s give the ferry a huge show of support from Sidney.”
This year’s trip to Sidney will include a large delegation of Anacortes folks who will be joined by more riders and supporters at stops along the way at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor, Clark said.
“Clearly this event takes on new meaning this year,” Clark said. “If the elimination of the run occurs in September as planned, this would be the last such celebration.”
WSF is providing 50 free round-trip passenger tickets to Anacortes Sister Cities and Chamber members and San Juan Islanders. Other adults will be charged the $32 round-trip fee.
Passengers are being asked to wear Save Our Ferry pins, T-shirts or sweatshirts available through Sister Cities member Jo Fuqua at and carry U.S. and Canadian flags.
“This is an opportunity for SOF supporters to make a statement to the media to hopefully successfully save this ferry run,” Clark said.
Others planning to be on board this year include Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen and Rep. Judy Clibborn and their husbands. They are chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees respectively.
“So we have two transportation chairs and that’s where most of this work is going to be done — in those committees,” Clark said.
Others from the Washington Legislature have been invited but confirmations of whether their schedules will allow them to attend are up in the air.
On the Sidney side, several residents, including Mayor Larry Cross, are planning to make the return trip to Anacortes, have some fun that evening in town and catch the ferry run the next morning after overnight home stays with Sister Cities members.
“We’re trying to make this a celebration even though we’re under a cloud,” Clark said.
Opening day of Sidney ferry run
Passengers are asked to be at the Anacortes terminal at 7 a.m. for the 7:45 sailing to Sidney, B.C. The ferry will stop at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor. It will arrive in Sidney at 10:45 a.m.
The return trip sails at 11:40 a.m., makes a stop in Friday Harbor and reaches Anacortes at 2:45 p.m.
Round-trip passenger tickets are $32 for adults, $16 for seniors and $25.60 for youth ages 6 to 18. For a vehicle and driver, the cost is $85.90.
