An Industry Newsletter for Snohomish County-based Tourism Businesses

September 2016

www.Snohomish.org

TOURISM TODAY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

News You Can Use 3

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5

News from VIC Services 7

The Sports Pages 9

Around Snohomish County 11

Get Out & About 11

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News You Can Use

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7 Free Promotional Opportunities to Reach Visitors

When business and leisure travelers visit Snohomish County, they want to play, explore, shop, dine, and sleep at places that fit their interests and budgets. They look for ideas on Snohomish.org, connect with us on social media, stop in one of our visitor information centers, or read about Snohomish County from articles or online postings written by travel writers we’ve assisted. They are looking for businesses like yours! The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau offers seven free promotional opportunities you can use to reach visitors.

#1 Free Event Calendar Listing on Snohomish.orgOrganizing an event in Snohomish County? List it for free on our event calendar at Snohomish.org. Our staff will post it after review. We choose much of our con-tent for our newsletters, social media postings, and sales outreach efforts from this events calendar. Go to www.snohomish.org/events-calendar to enter your events information or email Stacey@snohomish.org if you need help.

#2 Free Business/Attraction Listing on Snohomish.org Any visitor-related service or attraction in Snohomish County is eligible for a free listing on Snohomish.org. Visit www.snohomish.org/explore to see our primary categories, and if you feel your business would be a good fit, email Terry@snohomish.org.

#3 Send Us Your Media ReleasesAdd Joni@snohomish.org to your media distribution lists so we can stay informed and your publicize news and events accordingly.

#4 Connect with Us on Social NetworksLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we’ll follow back and do our best to repost and retweet any relevant content.

• www.facebook.com/SnoCoTourism

• www.twitter.com/SnoCoTourism

• www.instagram.com/SnohomishCountyTourism

• www.facebook.com/SnoCoSports

• www.twitter.com/SnoCoSports

#5 Join in Our Industry Education ProgramThis program aims to educate Snohomish County hos-pitality staff about the tourism assets in our area, so that they can more effectively cross-promote to their visitors by sharing their first-hand knowledge. You can participate by offering discounted or free products, tickets, services and more from your business for them to experience what you have to offer. To partici-pate, email Joni@snohomish.org.

#6 Introduce Your Business to Our VIC VolunteersThe Snohomish County Tourism Bureau operates three visitor information centers that are staffed by volunteers. Several times a year our volunteers go on familiarization tours to various businesses so they can see for themselves what our county has to offer, and in turn better promote these places to our visitors. For more information on making your business a stop on a familiarization tour, email Stacey@snohomish.org.

#7 Free Ad on Snohomish.orgBuy advertising space in our bi-annual visitor guide and get a free ad on our website. The guides are print-ed and distributed through our visitor infor-mation centers, mailed out in response to requests from individu-als, handed out at trade shows and local events, and made available at other locations display-ing tourism brochures within the region. Cur-rent and back copies are available for downloadon Snohomish.org as well. For more information, con-tact Amy@snohomish.org.

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Last Chance to Register: American Indian Tourism Conference, Sept. 12-14The 18th annual American Indian Tourism Conference is quickly approaching. This is your last chance to register for this important conference at the Tulalip Resort Casino. The annual tourism conference provides educational forums that share knowledge and best practices from tourism programs around the U.S. with tribes and tribal businesses. Expert speakers will share their ex-periences and provide resources and training to help tribes with their travel and tourism initiatives.

“Cultural tourism can contribute to economic devel-opment of tribal communities while allowing tribes to keep their culture alive and tell their story in their own way,” said Rowena Yeahquo, AIANTA Pacific Region board member and Northwest Technical Assistance Program director, in a press release.

Attendees will learn more about tour packaging, attracting tour operators, creating itineraries, position-ing their tribes for the international tourism market, tourism assessment and inventory development, new technologies and strategies for marketing and media, protecting intellectual and cultural property, working with state and federal agencies, and more.

Go to www.aitc2016.com for registration and more information.

2016 WTA Tourism Summit, October 14

In the most recent Washington Tourism Alliance e-newsletter dated June/July 2016, Becky Bogard and Kathryn Hedrick provided an update on work to support state tourism promotion through the state’s legislature. They are lobbyists and legislative counsel for the WTA.

Work is underway for the sixth annual Washington Tourism Alliance Summit. The summit features key-note speaker Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Panel speakers will provide an update from the Legislative Workgroup and overview of the WTA grassroots efforts, including how you can be more involved and next steps for all of us.

Mark your calendar for Friday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport (17338 International Blvd.) across from SeaTac Airport.

More information including agenda, registration dates and hotel accommodations will be posted at www.watourismalliance.com.

WTA Legislative Workgroup Discussion Update

“A core group of legislators from tourism dependent districts and/or who serve in key committee positions in the state legislature came together with industry representatives in May to have the first of what will be several informal meetings aimed at developing a long term, stable mechanism that will fund a statewide tourism marketing program.

“Participating legislators included: Senators Sha-ron Brown (R., Kennewick) Kevin Ranker (D., Orcas Island), Christine Rolfes (D., Bainbridge Island) and Dean Takko (D., Longview); Representatives Cindy Ryu (R., Shoreline) Cary Condotta (R., Chelan), and Gael Tarleton (D., Seattle). Other legislators who have agreed to join the group include Reps. Drew MacEwen (R., Union), Andrew Barkis (R., Olympia), and Hans Zeiger (R., Puyallup).

“Participants were briefed on how, and the level at which, other states fund local and statewide tourism efforts. A substantial amount of time was dedicated to briefing and discussing the use of lodging taxes in Washington State given the particularly complicated laws which govern and the regional options which

Image courtesy of the AIANTA Pacific Region

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[WTA Legislative Workgroup Discussion Update cont.]

have been instituted. Finally, the three major legisla-tive proposals from the past two years were described and discussed.

“While the goal of this first meeting was to simply bring key legislators to the same table with industry and ensure we are all working from the same set of facts/foundation, the end result was encouraging with all legislators clearly understanding the impact tour-ism has, sympathetic to the historic context which has brought us to where we are, and determined to find a solution that balances the industry needs and what they view as the state’s responsibility to contribute some level of financial support. Discussions were pro-ductive and quite candid. The impact of the McCleary education decision on the budget is clearly a concern given the implication it has for the availability of state general funds. Additionally, the need to balance the state’s budget on a four year basis might also impact fund availability.

Executive Director Amy Spain and Group Sales Man-ager Brad Zorich attended the annual Washington So-ciety of Association Executives (WSAE) Conference in Spokane, June 12-14. This event brings together the leadership of Washington State’s association directors and staff along with tourism partners. The association meeting market is one of the most important business sectors for Snohomish County’s hotel and meetings venue partners.

Representatives from Embassy Suites Lynnwood, Lyn-nwood Convention Center, and Tulalip Resort Casino joined Spain and Zorich to market the county’s array of meeting options and to network with key meeting planner decision makers.

Over 120 WSAE members attended this event. The Snohomish County tourism partners established nu-merous new relationships and renewed past connec-tions.

Tourism Partners Promote County’s Venues at WSAE

“The group will meet again in late July and most likely will have another meeting soon thereafter. It is our goal to have the solid framework of a proposal in place to share and receive feedback on at the October Tourism Summit.

“We look forward to a fruitful discussion and believe this process will lead to a modified legislative proposal for the 2017 session.”

Go to www.watourismalliance.com for more informa-tion including membership and marketing opportuni-ties.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Representatives from the Tulalip Resort Casino and other venues participated in the WSAE Conference.

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The main entrance on Colby Avenue welcomes guests with its spacious yet inviting lobby with flexible spaces to work and relax. The walk-up, S-shaped bar named The Bistro will offer guests healthy choices in breakfast and dinner selections, an evening bar, and specialty beverag-es made with Starbucks® coffee. The adjoining media room will be the perfect location to watch a televised game with colleagues and friends. Expect the outdoor lounge area to feel like a private oasis with its lush landscaping, warm fire pits, and a low wall to define the space.

From corporate events and conferences to weddings and galas, the 3,742-square-foot meeting space offers five event rooms and several flexible floor plans to make any event a success. The exquisite glass-blown lighting fixtures and contemporary décor provide an upscale yet discreet backdrop that keeps everyone’s attention focused on the spe-cial event. Host a snack break on the second-level, outdoor terrace for a refreshing change of scenery. The tasty and innovative catering menu is filled with delicious ideas for every occasion.

Guests will be able to unwind after a busy day or adhere to their exer-cise routine in the fitness center with its heated pool, whirlpool, and workout equipment.

When the Courtyard® Seattle North/Everett opens in downtown Everett later this year, the hotel will offer busi-ness and leisure travelers the sophistication, comfort and service that is the hallmark of Marriott International.

“We’re so excited to join downtown Everett’s community,” said Shannon Myers, general manager, “and for the hotel be a part of the city’s growth and to add to its economy on multiple levels. I’m certainly looking forward to meeting everyone! I also hope to see locals enjoying our beautiful Bistro restaurant for breakfast or dinner, or to simply stop in to enjoy Starbucks coffee.”

Sneak Peek at Everett’s Newest Hotel

In the Washington Tourism Alliance’s June/July e-newsletter, the organization thanked Louise Stanton-Masten for her leadership as the organization’s executive director.

“The Washington Tourism Alliance would like to thank Louise Stanton-Masten for over three years of valuable leadership as Executive Director of our organization. Under her stewardship, the WTA helped pass a bill that provided $1 million of bridge funding to the organization over the 2014-2015 biennium. Additionally, with Lou-ise at the helm, the State Legislature passed a Tourism Funding bill in 2014 that was instrumental in initiating the conversation among lawmakers about the importance of tourism to our state’s economy and has led to the legislative workgroup convening this summer. As the leader of the WTA, Louise continually served as a vital and visible advocate for the importance of tourism marketing for Washington.

“Before moving on to her next challenge, Louise will enjoy a summer sabbatical sailing around the Puget Sound. We sincerely appreciate that Louise leaves the WTA in a considerably better position than when she took over as Executive Director and we wish nothing but the best for her in all her future endeavors.”

On behalf of the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau’s board of directors and staff, we also thank Louise for her hard work. Happy sailing!

WTA Announces Stanton-Masten Departure as Executive Director

The rooms at the Courtyard Seattle North/Everett feature beautiful, soothing colors

and modern accessories.

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[Sneak Peek at Everett’s Newest Hotel continued]

The views from each guest room are dramatic. Therooms and suites on the uppermost floors showcase the Cascade Mountains or Puget Sound. Every room provides a long, lingering look of bustling downtown Everett and the intriguing architecture of its many historical buildings such as the 1925 Second Renais-sance Revival-style Monte Cristo Hotel and the 1910 Mission Revival-style Snohomish County Courthouse.

The rooms’ peaceful color schemes of light marine blues, grays and whites flow seamlessly to the world beyond the wall-to-wall windows. Guests will sleep dreamily upon beds with thicker mattresses, lush linens, and fluffy pillows.

Plans are in the works to fully develop the hotel’s retail space facing Colby Avenue and Wall Street.

Conveniently located at 3003 Colby Avenue, the Courtyard Seattle North/Everett is within walking dis-tance of Xfinity Arena at Everett, Imagine Children’s Museum, Schack Art Center, Historic Everett Theatre, and numerous restaurants and shops.

To book meetings and events, contact Jamie Johnson, sales coordinator, at Jamie@innventures.com.

To book a room, go to http://bit.ly/2boOeyr or call 425-259-2200.

Jennifer Bravo, Visitors Services Manager, has resigned her position after 13 years at the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. Jennifer and her husband have an opportunity to spend one year in Puebla, Mexico, her hus-

Fond Farewell to Jennifer Bravo

News from VIC Services

Jennifer wrote, “I would like to take this chance to ex-press my appreciation to the board and executive direc-tor Amy Spain. It has been my distinct pleasure to work with such a talented and dedicated group of people over these last 13 years. It has been such a great learning experience for me, and I truly appreciate each of you. It has been my good fortune to engage and learn from your skills and talents and I leave the bureau enriched by having been a part of your team. I wish each of you continued success in all of your endeavors.”

Jennifer has been a valued employee, bringing wisdom and patience, and established genuinely warm personal relationships with the staff and more than 80 volunteers in the visitor information center program that she built over the last 13 years. She has been dedicated to creat-ing and presenting a welcoming face of Snohomish Coun-ty to all visitors who have traveled here from all points around the globe. It is through her leadership that the volunteer program has successfully trained volunteers to be travel counselors, helping to guide and direct visitors to experience more of Snohomish County.

Please join us in wishing Jennifer a bon voyage and best wishes to her husband and her as they embark on this great adventure!

Congratulations to Stacey Pfeiffer

Congratulations are in order for Stacey, who has accepted the position of visitor services and training manager, replacing Jennifer as the team leader for the visitor information program.

Stacey has served as visitor ser-vices coordinator for three years, working hand-in-hand with Jennifer to manage the visitor information center program, in-cluding recruitment and training of the volunteer force and managing three VIC facilities -- one each in Lynnwood, Snohomish and Mukilteo. Stacey’s previous professional expe-rience prior to joining the team at the Snohom-ish County Tourism Bureau includes operations management for Deaconess Children’s Services, administrative assistant with Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and volunteer experiences with AmeriCorps National Service.

Please congratulate Stacey on her promotion! She can be reached at 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or Stacey@snohomish.org.

band’s home town.

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The volunteers at the three visitor information centers kept a busy summer schedule helping travelers with fully experience the numerous activities, attractions, and amenities within Snohomish County.

Many of the volunteers attended two educational meetings to stay up to date with the latest develop-ments, trends, and topics in travel and tourism within Snohomish County. They also participated in familiar-ization tours at the Inn at Port Gardner in June and the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood in July.

The purpose of familiarization tours is to acquaint the visitor information center volunteers with the various attractions, activities, and amenities within Snohom-ish County that serve our visitors. This enables the volunteers to share firsthand information and experi-ences with guests so they, in turn, can maximize their experience to our area.

To host a familiarization tour, please contact Stacey Pfeiffer, visitor services and training manager, at 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or Stacey@snohomish.org.

The potluck picnic was held at Legion Park in Everett. Along with the fun and games of the summer picnic, volunteers from the three visitor information centers enjoyed renewing relationships, meeting new friends, exchanging recipes of their potluck dishes, and sharing knowledge, tips and secrets about Snohomish County’s numerous attractions, activities, and sights.

The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau thanks our volunteer team, without whom we could not offer the array of visitor services that we do!

Volunteers Enjoy Annual Picnic, Aug. 24

Would you like to share with visitors your favorite plac-es to dine, shop, play, explore, and more? Then join our volunteer family and make new friends.

You’ll also learn more about Snohomish County’s secrets and surprises that you and your family can enjoy, too. Monthly training meetings focus on specif-ic topics such as “Rainy Day Tourism,” “What’s New in Snohomish County,” “More than Pumpkins,” and “Shop Local” with area businesses talking about their operations and providing samples. So far this year, volunteers have participated in several familiarization tours including touring downtown Arlington, visiting businesses in Sultan, going behind the scenes at the Lynnwood Convention Center, and seeing Temple Dis-tilling and sampling a few of its spirits.

Choose one or more centers to volunteer your time and knowledge:

• East Snohomish County Branch, 1301 First Street, Snohomish (From Hwy 2 or Hwy 9)

• Snohomish County Visitor Information Center at Future of Flight Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Field, Mukilteo (I-5 exit 189 west)

• South Snohomish County Branch at Heritage Park, 19921 Poplar Way, Lynnwood (I-5 exit 181 east)

Each visitor information center has varying hours of operation that allow for flexibility in scheduling volun-teer shifts.

For more information, call or email Stacey Pfeiffer, 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or Stacey@snohomish.org.

Share Your Knowledge; Become a VIC Volunteer

Amidst Busy Season, Volunteers Keep Learning

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The Legends Baseball Club hosted four separate youth baseball tournaments at Sky River Park in June and July. With age groups ranging from 8U to 13U, a total of 85 teams visited Monroe over the span of the four tournaments. Local teams were joined by several from British Columbia and eastern Washington.

Total Room Nights: 165 Economic Impact: $402,990

Legends Baseball Tournaments, June and July (4 weekends)

The Sports PagesFrom baseball to triathlons, competitors and spectators saw plenty of action this summer. Here are some of the highlights:

Snohomish Boys Lacrosse Club welcomed 36 teams for its 2016 tournament. Games took place next to Harvey Field airport in Snohomish, which made for a beautiful setting. Teams were mostly from western Washington, but did include several clubs from east-ern Washington.

Total Room Nights: 70 | Economic Impact: $148,599

Harvey Cup Boys Lacrosse Tournament, June 11-12

The three-day soccer tournament attracted 157 youth soccer teams to play at Stocker Fields in Snohomish. The event kicked off the tournament season for Sno-homish Youth Soccer.

Total Room Night: 90 Economic Impact: $1,474,845

Snohomish United Invitational, June 17-19

Some of the best youth and junior triathletes tested their swimming, biking, and running skills in a very competitive TriMonroe Triathlon at Lake Tye Park in Monroe. A total of 259 athletes attended this USA Triathlon-sanctioned race. Many of them and their families stayed in the area for several nights leading up to the competition.

Total Room Nights: 700 Economic Impact: $315,458

TriMonroe Triathlon: USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Elite Race, June 18

Harbour Pointe Badminton Club hosted 350 junior badminton players over eight days of competition. About 900 people traveled from across the United States to attend the event.

Total Room Nights: 393 Economic Impact: $905,580

USA Badminton Junior Nationals, July 3-10

More than 1,600 spectators came out on a cool summer’s day to watch the return of Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour to Lake Tye Park in Monroe after being absent for a year. Twenty men pro wakeboard competitors performed to capture the event’s title. New in 2016 was the Men Pro Wakesurf competition where six competitors competed. The competition was the third in the five-competition wakeboard tour.

Total Room Nights: 97 | Economic Impact: $105,785

Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour, July 9

More than 2,000 people attended the Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournament at Stocker Fields during Snohom-ish’s Kla Ha Ya Days festival. This annual event draws adult teams from across the Puget Sound region.

Total Room Nights: 15 | Economic Impact: $264,462

Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournament, July 15-17

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More than 400 archers from across the United States competed in the National Field Archery Association’s championships. Archers competed in Junior, Amateur, Senior, or Professional divisions during the five-day competition.

Total Room Nights: 600 Economic Impact: $368,715

NFAA Outdoor Field Nationals, July 25-29

The grassy areas of Harvey Field airport once again hosted the annual girls’ lacrosse tournament.

Cascade Cup Girls Lacrosse Tournament, July 29-31

Eighty of the best male and female wake surfers com-peted for cash, prizes, and pride on beautiful Lake Tye in Monroe. Festivities included a live music party on July 29.

Total Room Nights: 50 Economic Impact: $52,405

INT League Northwest Wakesurf Open, July 29-31

More than 315 competitive youth soccer teams ages eight to 19 played in the three-day soccer tournament at Meadow Wood Equestrian Center. Teams traveled from around Washington to compete in this annual event which held its first of many upcoming soccer tournaments in Snohomish County.

Total Room Nights: 6,000 Economic Impact: $4,584,105

Washington Rush Cup, August 5-7

The seventh annual event welcomed 316 age group triathletes to compete in the sprint and Olympic-dis-tance races and collegiate competition. After the age group races, 68 kids from under 8 to 15 years old competed in the Youth Triathlon. Among the cheering spectators were 846 family and friends. This triathlon at Lake Tye Park in Monroe is popular with triathletes of all levels because of its flat race course.

Total Room Nights: 38 | Economic Impact: $79,956

Lake Tye Triathlon, August 6

The INT League Northwest Wakesurf Open on Lake Tye

This year, 26 teams compet-ed to become champions in their respective middle school and high school A and B divi-sions.

Total Room Nights: 150 Economic Impact: $171,239

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Crucible Brewery is a new craft brewery producing a variety of beers including IPA, Double IPA, Hefeweizen, Blonde Ale, and American Stout. Located at 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Building D, in Everett, the pub is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. and is kid- and dog-friendly. Go to www.cruciblebrewing.com for the beer list and its Facebook page for event and dining information.

The Latest News in Liquid Arts

The 28,000-square-foot indoor facility features over 100 interlocking trampolines, perfect for jumping activities and sports such as dodge ball, battle beams, basketball slam dunking, and more. Launch yourself into the foam pit! It will also be a fun place for birthday parties and large group events.

Altitude Trampoline Targets Late August

Grab your mitt for chances to snag a foul ball at an AquaSox’s game! Though the regular season wraps ups on Monday, Sept. 5, the AquaSox baseball team is looking toward post-season play. The bat-cracking action takes place at Everett Memorial Stadium.

For hot hockey action, get to Xfinity Arena in Everett for a fast-paced Silvertip game! Pre-season play starts Sept. 2 and the regular season opens Sept. 24. Go cheer on the home team!

• Go to the Everett AquaSox website for the team’s playoff status, tickets, and more information.• Go to www.everettsilvertips.com for tickets, game schedule, and more information.

Catch a Game: AquaSox & Silvertips

Around Snohomish County

Lynnwood’s Temple Distilling, makers of small batch gins and

Altitude Trampoline Park is located at 6610 64th Street NE in Marysville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 2-10 p.m. on Sunday.

As of press time, owners were preparing for a late August opening, though construction may push that opening into early September.

Call 360-510-2409 or go to www.altitudemarysville.com for more information.

Get Out & About: Fall Fun in Snohomish CountyThe leaves may be falling, but spirits are soaring because there are so many fall activities and events to be en-joyed by the whole family! We’ve highlighted a few here; find plenty more at www.snohomish.org/explore.

handmade limoncello, won gold and silver awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The gold went to their London Dry Gin and silver for their Navy Strength Gin. Visit www.templedistilling.com.

In case you missed it: The Red Door Distillery closed at the end of 2015. Producers of vodka made from wheat grown in Washington State, the distillery opened in January 2014 in Everett.

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Discover a delicious world of farm-fresh, just-picked, locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm edibles pro-duced by family farms in Arlington area now through October. Stay and enjoy the various agricultural activi-ties as well.

• Arlington’s Farmers Market • Bryant Blueberry Farm & Nursery• Foster’s Produce & Corn Maze• Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm• Rhodes River Ranch• Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum

Plan your adventure now!• Go to the Download Guides & Brochures web

page to download the Farm Trail mobile tour guide.

• For more information on the Red Rooster Route, click here.

Savor the Flavors of the Red Rooster Route

Dazzle the whole family with brilliant fireworks shows over Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on Friday and Satur-day nights, Sept. 9-11. Don’t miss the outdoor mar-ketplace of artists and artisan works, beer and wine garden, live music and performances, Avenue of Food featuring mouthwatering delicacies, and lots of chil-dren’s activities. Free admission for the festivities at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and Rosehill Community Center. More information is online at http://bit.ly/2b00H8W.

Watch Spectacular Fireworks at Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival

Watch Spectacular Fireworks at Mukilteo Lighthouse FestivalZombies, zombie hunters, and spectators will expe-rience the Zombie Apocalypse in historic Snohomish on Sept. 17 in an evening of fun and laughter. More information is online at http://bit.ly/2aMCkyE.

Search for Orcas and WhalesJoin Puget Sound Express to see the beauty and mys-tery of orcas and other whales along Puget Sound and around the San Juan Islands. You’ll travel aboard the comfortable and fast Chilkat Express, a 60-passenger catamaran that cruises at over 40 miles per hour! Half-day, 4.5-hour tours depart at 9:30 a.m. from the Edmonds Marina.

• When: The season is expected to continue through Oct. 23. Sailings may continue into November and December, depending upon de-mand and weather.

• More information at http://bit.ly/2bjLwWW.

Party with VikingsThe second annual Viking Fest and Pub Tour in Arlington, Oct. 1-2, is a celebration of Viking culture and games. On Saturday night, local pubs and saloons will host a pub tour for adults with Viking re-enactors, games, food, and drink at each stop. More information is online at http://bit.ly/2aHznJO.

Run a Half Marathon, 10K or 5KThe fall season is one of the best times of year to run for a personal best or fun with friends. The Snohomish River Run, Oct. 9, offers a beautiful half marathon or 10K course along the river. Burn off calories before your Thanksgiving feast by running or walking the family-friendly Mukilteo Turkey Trot, a 10K/5K course, on Nov. 24!

Seek Your Way Out of a Corn MazeChallenge your friends and family to see who can be the first to find their way out of a corn maze by day-light or flashlight! The Snohomish Valley Festival of Pumpkins, Oct. 1-31, features seven family farms with corn mazes, pumpkin patches and plenty of fam-ily friendly activities. More information is available at http://bit.ly/2b9gfd8.

For more family-friendly fun things to do and see in Snohomish County, go to www.snohomish.org/explore.