It continues to amaze me that a small town like Coupeville can pull off such a large event as the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival each year. Since 1964, volunteers have demonstrated how committed they are to showing off our wonderful, waterfront town.

This year was our 45th year to bring the masses to Central Whidbey and raise money for our area. In thinking of who needs to be thanked, the better thought may be, who NOT to thank! We could not do this without our volunteers, sponsors, vendors and Coupeville town merchants. We are so thankful for all the cooperation of the town maintenance crew and town police. Thanks, also to Mayor Conard for all her support.

The sporadic rain showers on Saturday didn’t scare the crowds at all. The variety and caliber of artisans was the best we’ve ever had. The music and food tents saw a surge in numbers as the rain sprinkled, which gave festival-goers a chance to rest their feet and enjoy some of the Northwest’s finest bands.

The inner core of volunteers of the Coupeville Festival Association presented a near perfect dance to execute the detailed operations of this event. I am so proud of the volunteers who were flexible, respectful and showed an extraordinary amount of patience and customer service during this 2008 Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. It is because of you, we will be able to present grants to our community once again.

Anyone interested in joining this fun group can visit www.coupe

villeartsandcraftsfestival.org or call 678-5116. Among other volunteer positions available, is the president of the board. Please consider using your organizational skills for such a worthy effort.

What people do for themselves, dies with them. What people do for their communities, lives on forever.

Anne Hallam,

president (retired)

Coupeville