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  1. Calendar Overlay Anacortes History (11)
  2. Calendar Overlay Arts & Culture (1)
  3. Calendar Overlay City Council (4)
  4. Calendar Overlay Finance (2)
  5. Calendar Overlay Forest Advisory Board (2)
  6. Calendar Overlay Housing Affordability & Community Services (4)
  7. Calendar Overlay Library (28)
  8. Calendar Overlay Library Board (1)
  9. Calendar Overlay Museum Events (3)
  10. Calendar Overlay Parks Board (1)
  11. Calendar Overlay Planning Department (2)
  12. Calendar Overlay Public Safety (1)

Anacortes History

  1. People's National Bank Art Show (1960)

    December 1, 2023, All Day

    Historic Anacortes is largely associated with the booms of its early industries, fish processing and wood mills. However, a boom in the 1950's may define today's Anacortes even more than the other two - an artistic boom. Largely propelled by the middle-class women in the area, the Anacortes art scene really began to flourish in the 1960's with the creation of the Anacortes Arts and Crafts Festival. The art scene's female roots can be seen in this People's Bank showcase of Anacortes women's art. The important strides women like this made have been integral in defining the artistic identity of Anacortes.

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  2. Bobo comes to town (1951)

    December 2, 2023, All Day

    There are few Anacortes residents as instantly recognizable as Bobo the Gorilla. Born in the July of 1951, Bobo was taken from Africa to Ohio by a hunter who found him "abandoned." Anacortes fisherman Bill Lowman bought Bobo at an early age and took him to town, where Bobo became quite the attraction. Everyone wanted to know about the family that owned a great ape, and see the gorilla in action - Bobo even got onto the cover of Life Magazine once. Unfortunately, by 22 months it was clear that Bobo was too large and strong for the Lowmans to handle. Bobo was moved to Woodland Park Zoo where zookeepers would attempt in vain to provide him a mate - a gorilla named Fifi. Bobo died at age 17 although his lifespan should have been closer to 50. His stuffed body is now occasionaly displayed at Seattle's Museum of History and Industry.

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  3. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" debuts on NBC (1964)

    December 6, 2023, All Day

    The Rankin/Bass animated television classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” debuted on NBC on this date in 1964. Burl Ives gave an iconic performance in the film as Sam the Snowman, with many of the songs he sang in the film becoming Christmas standards. Sam, Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the misfit elf and several other characters became honorary citizens of Anacortes a couple of decades later, when the folk singer moved here and commissioned Eddie Strivens of Anacortes to paint a set of large mural cutouts of them. They were displayed in front of the Oakes Avenue home he shared with his wife Dorothy during the holidays for many years, but now make their holiday appearances at the Anacortes Museum.

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  4. Bettye Bryant becomes first female mayor of Anacortes (1976)

    December 6, 2023, All Day

    “I don’t know if I’m ready or if the city is ready for me,” Bettye Bryant (1924-1990) told the Anacortes American when she became the first female mayor of the city on this date in 1976. She had served three years on the Anacortes City Council when, under the council-city manager system, when she was elected mayor by her fellow council members. Bryant’s father, Joy Busha, was a Skagit County Commissioner. Her children remember her as a single mother with four kids and two jobs. She moved to Anacortes in 1955, the year she and May Carpenter were hired by Scott O. Richards as the city’s first female real estate agents. She opened Bryant’s Realty in 1964 and bought a Century 21 franchise in 1976, selling lots at Skyline by day and playing in Skyline Marina’s piano bar at night. She received the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Woman of the Community Award in 1980.

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  5. James Albert Gray killed at Pearl Harbor (1941)

    December 7, 2023, All Day
    @
    Pearl Harbor National Memorial

    On December 7, 1941, Americans were shaken by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an attack so devastating that it sent us directly into World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt described it as "A date that will live in infamy," a description that has endured. Anacortes resident James Albert Gray was aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, and became the first of many from Anacortes to die in the worldwide conflict. A member of Anacortes High School’s class of 1941, Gray had dropped out to join the Navy in 1940. Local photographer and historian Wallie Funk ruminated on Gray's choice, "...his decision was that he would join the Navy and see the world, and now he is part of the eternal monument that they have at Pearl Harbor."

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  6. Virgil Johnson popcorn and candy stand removed (1963)

    December 12, 2023, All Day
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    Virgil Johnson Popcorn and Candy Stand

    For 37 years, Virgil Johnson's popcorn and candy stand served eager residents of Anacortes with sweets and treats. Originally standing strategically outside the Empire Theater, the stand was up for demolition when the theater closed down. Due to popular outcry from the people though, the stand actually managed to exist longer than the theater did. It continued to operate near the old theater for over a decade until it was taken down in 1963.

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  7. Soroptimist open thrift shop (1966)

    December 13, 2023, All Day
    @
    31st and Commercial alley way

    The Bargain Bungalow, in a small rented house in the alley at 31st Street and Commercial Avenue, was opened for business by the Soroptimist Club of Anacortes on this date in 1966. The idea of a thrift shop came from Thelma Marani, Nina Antonious and Doris Tursi, who received much opposition from the membership. As Doris said later, “It took some persuasion to convince the club that it was a good idea. We had to personally guarantee that the club would not go in debt, and we never did. We didn’t make much at first, but we always managed to make expenses, which were $25 plus a few dollars in winter for Presto Logs.” Since then, the club has given about $1 million in scholarships, and more than 90 members and 40 volunteers run the shop.

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  8. Rotary of Anacortes chartered (1922)

    December 22, 2023, All Day
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    Anacortes Rotary Club

    Although officers were elected and a club established with 17 members in November, the Rotary Club of Anacortes was officially chartered by the parent organization on this date in 1922. A chartering dinner the following February drew more than 250 Rotarians and guests from the Northwest and British Columbia. Since then, the group has generously donated untold hours and funds to community causes.

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  9. Harry Causland awarded Distinguished Service Cross (1918)

    December 24, 2023, All Day

    General John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief of American Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (posthumously) to Pvt. Harry L. Causland of Guemes Island on this date in 1918. The citation is in the Anacortes Museum’s collections. The citation, signed by Pershing, reads that Causland "distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Bantheville, France, on 24 October 1918, and in recognition of his gallant conduct I have awarded him in the name of the President the Distinguished Service Cross." Causland died in that battle as he brought ammunition to stranded soldiers.

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  10. Carnegie Library debuts to the public (1910)

    December 26, 2023, All Day
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    Anacortes Museum

    The Carnegie Library (now home to the Anacortes Museum) made its public debut on this date in 1910, when the community was invited for an open house. “The library board is more than pleased with the results of the informal opening of the public library on Monday,” reported the Anacortes American on Dec. 29. “Notwithstanding the fact that the day was a disagreeable one from a weather standpoint, and that it was a legal holiday, many visitors were in evidence during the hours that the building was open to the public. Mrs. George B. Smith, secretary-treasurer of the board, reports that there are nearly 800 volumes on hand at present, and only a few of the books ordered have arrived so far.” Construction of the building was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.

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  11. The Night Before State Prohibition (1915)

    December 31, 2023, All Day

    Although a predicted crowd of 700 thirsty 'Bellinghamsters' never materialized (only seven got off the boat), the Anacortes American reported that Anacortes saloonkeepers were kept busy on the last day before statewide liquor prohibition took effect: “Practically every saloon in the city sold off all its stock before closing time and all report a rushing business in filling supplies of wet goods for the dry year during the last week. Though no figures are available, Anacortes people spent several thousand dollars in putting away a bottle or two, ‘for medicinal purposes.’ The saloon receipts of the past two weeks broke all records.” – Anacortes American (1916)

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Arts & Culture

  1. Anacortes Arts Commission

    December 13, 2023, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    @

    City Hall OR via Zoom

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City Council

  1. City Council Meeting

    December 4, 2023, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    @

    Refer to each meeting's published agenda for meeting location; some meetings may be held only electronically pursuant to Governor's Proclamations.

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  2. City Council Public Safety Committee Meeting

    December 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    @
    City Hall Mayor's Office

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  3. City Council Meeting

    December 11, 2023, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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    Refer to each meeting's published agenda for meeting location; some meetings may be held only electronically pursuant to Governor's Proclamations.

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  4. City Council Meeting

    December 18, 2023, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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    Refer to each meeting's published agenda for meeting location; some meetings may be held only electronically pursuant to Governor's Proclamations.

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Finance

  1. City Council Finance Committee Meeting

    December 13, 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    @
    City Hall Main Conference Room

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  2. City Council Finance Committee Meeting

    December 27, 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    @
    City Hall Main Conference Room

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Forest Advisory Board

  1. ACFL Forest Plan-Public Comment Meeting

    December 5, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    @

    City Hall, Council Chambers

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  2. Anacortes Forest Advisory Board

    December 7, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    @

    City Hall  OR via zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88308344363

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Housing Affordability & Community Services

  1. Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

    December 6, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    @

    These meetings will be held virtually until further notice.






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  2. Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

    December 13, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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    These meetings will be held virtually until further notice.






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  3. Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

    December 20, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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    These meetings will be held virtually until further notice.






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  4. Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

    December 27, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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    These meetings will be held virtually until further notice.






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Library

  1. Family Storytime

    December 1, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  2. Yoga at the Library: Gentle Flow for Adults

    December 2, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  3. LEGO at the Library

    December 4, 2023, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  4. Elf Storytime

    December 5, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  5. Movement Storytime

    December 6, 2023, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  6. High School Creative Writing

    December 6, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  7. Family Storytime

    December 8, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  8. Friend Shop Book Sale

    December 9, 2023, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  9. Second Sunday Jazz: Jack Radsliff

    December 10, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  10. Winter Book Bash

    December 11, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  11. LEGO at the Library

    December 11, 2023, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  12. Movement Storytime

    December 12, 2023, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  13. High School Creative Writing

    December 13, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  14. Adult Workshop: Winter Wonder

    December 13, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  15. Pajama Storytime

    December 14, 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  16. Family Storytime

    December 15, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  17. Yoga at the Library: Gentle Flow for Adults

    December 16, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  18. LEGO at the Library

    December 18, 2023, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  19. Movement Storytime

    December 19, 2023, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  20. Puzzle Palooza

    December 20, 2023, 10:00 AM - December 30, 2023, 4:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  21. Children's Program: Puzzles at the Library

    December 20, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  22. Children's Program: Board Games at the Library

    December 21, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  23. Family Movie Marathon

    December 22, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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  24. Jingle Jazz

    December 22, 2023, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    @

    Buxton's

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  25. Kids Escape Room Camp

    December 27, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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  26. Kids Escape Room Camp

    December 28, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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  27. Kids Escape Room Camp

    December 29, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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  28. Noon Year's Eve

    December 30, 2023, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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Library Board

  1. Library Board of Trustees - Monthly Meeting

    December 11, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Public Library

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Museum Events

  1. Museum Advisory Board Meeting

    December 5, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    @
    Anacortes Museum Research Library

    Museum Advisory Board Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 9AM in the Carnegie Building Research Room on the 2nd Floor of the Anacortes Museum - Carnegie Gallery. These will be web-based meetings until further notice. For more information please contact the Anacortes Museum.

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  2. Anacortes Historic Preservation Board Meeting

    December 13, 2023, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Museum Research Library

    Anacortes Historic Preservation Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 4 PM in the Carnegie Building Research Room on the 2nd Floor of the Anacortes Museum - Carnegie Gallery. For more information please contact the Anacortes Museum.

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  3. History Club

    December 20, 2023, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    @
    Anacortes Museum Carnegie Gallery

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Parks Board

  1. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

    December 12, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    @

    Main Floor Conference Room - City Hall  OR Via Zoom

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85776295672

    Monthly meeting of the Anacortes Parks and Recreation Commission

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Planning Department

  1. Planning Commission Meeting

    December 13, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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  2. Planning Commission Meeting

    December 27, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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Public Safety

  1. Public Safety Committee Meeting

    December 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    @

    City Hall
    3rd Floor Conference Room 

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