Joan Pringle of the Ancortes American has the story. Here’s an excerpt:
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.
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.
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.”
