Welcome to Skagit County

August 26, 2002

COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZE TULIP AS "COUNTY FLOWER"

SKAGIT COUNTY -The tulip is now the official flower of Skagit County. The Skagit County Tulip Festival made an official request today to the Skagit County Commissioners to proclaim the tulip as the county's official flower and the Board of Skagit County Commissioners voted unanimously to give the official designation.

Audrey Smith, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, made the appeal to the commissioners.

All three commissioners commended Smith on her work at the helm of the Tulip Festival. "It's not just little old Skagit County," said Commissioner Don Munks, referring to the Tulip Festival. "It is a national and an international event."

Commissioner Ted Anderson commended Smith for turning the Tulip Festival into a county-wide event. He said that the event has benefits for the entire county, reaching as far as Marblemount. "It's a tremendous benefit to all of us."

Commissioner Dahstedt commented on the changing face of agriculture in Skagit County. "The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a catalyst for more things to come."

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461