November 04 2011

Whidbey Island Bank presented the 2012 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival poster and related products unveiling including: the MacGregor/Yellowbook Directory cover, the Official Merchandise produced by Perennial Favorites, and various official merchandise including beer by Anacortes Brewery, wine by Pasek Cellars, hoodie by tulees, coffee by Whidbey Coffee, and chocolate by Forte Artisan Chocolates.

Warren Jewelers also unveiled a new tulip ring—available in a multitude of metals and stones. The crowd on hand also saw the new 2012 brochure cover by Steam Interactive and the newly revamped festival website by Skagit Publishing.

Local restaurants joined in the evening providing attendees with delicious samples. Garden Cafe had homemade soup, the Swinomish Casino offered brochettes with various toppings, Max Dale’s chicken saute drew raves, The Farmhouse’s signature bread pudding was a crowd pleaser and Calle/LaCasita’s recipe of ceviche containing strawberries was refreshing.

It was truly a community celebration—Tony Pickering, board chairman of Whidbey Island Bank (and former tulip festival board president), unveiled the poster, Midge Howard the directory, and current festival board president Cathie Wyman pitched in as well. The staff at Skagit Valley Garden, site of the event, was as pleasant and helpful as always and Mitch from Sound Events made sure everyone could see the product and hear the speakers. And the Mount Vernon noon Kiwanis and Key Club provided workers for set-up and take-down.

The official merchandise and products are important sources of revenue for the tulip festival, as the festival gets a percentage of all the product sales. Plus it is a great way for local businesses to showcase their wares.