There are a lot of fun, interesting and cool things to know about our great state of Washington. For instance, Washington operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States. The fleet of 21 ferries serves residents and visitors alike of Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and the greater Salish Sea along our western coast. Or did you know that Washington grows the most apples in the United States? If you put all the apples harvested in Washington each year side by side, they would circle the earth 29 times!
That’s a lot of apples! And there are lots more fun facts too. Just as there are plenty of interesting facts to learn about the state itself, there are also plenty of fun facts to learn about each of the state’s cities, including those right here in the Snohomish County community!
The Best Antiquing Happens Here in the Antique Capital of the Northwest
Believe it or not, Snohomish is often referred to as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest” due to its numerous antique shops and stores. The city’s charming antique downtown district boasts over 30 antique shops and hundreds of antique dealers. Star Center Antique Mall alone has 200 plus antique dealers on site.
Antiquarians can spend the day shopping the quint antique markets and discover one-of-a-kind collector’s items from all eras. The perfect place to start is Snohomish’s bustling First Street, where vintage enthusiasts can explore the likes vast selection of collectibles at antique shops such as Annie’s on First, Joyworks, Remember When Antique Mall, Victoria Village Antique Mall, and Troybeck Antiques.
Snohomish County is Home to One of the Oldest Operating Movie Theaters
Established in 1901 as the Everett Opera House, the Historic Everett Theatre is the largest of Everett’s former eight theaters. When it first opened its doors, in addition to opera, it featured legitimate theater, vaudeville shows, and motion pictures by the teens for its regularly scheduled programming. Among those to grace its stage in those early years were some of the biggest names in early 20th-century entertainment, including Lillian Russell, Al Jolson, Eddie Foy and the Seven Little Foys, and George M. Cohan.
Today, the theater continues to host various events, including movies, live performances, and concerts, functioning as one of the oldest operating movie theaters in the United States, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Things Tend to Go Bump in the Night Here in Snohomish
With a rich historic district, there’s no doubt that some of that history still lingers, and legend goes some of the region’s early residents have been known for sticking around. Perhaps this can also be attributed to the fact that Snohomish is one of the oldest towns in the county. Whatever the reason, ghost stories and haunted locations have created some frightful true tales in the area that have spread far and wide.
Places like the Oxford Saloon, the Marks Building, and the Rucker Mansion are notoriously known for being a hotbed of paranormal activity. The supernatural phenomena have attracted the attention of ghost-hunting teams who have recently conducted several well-publicized research expeditions, including psychics who visited the Cabbage Patch Restaurant.
Snohomish Has Its Own Unique Version of Groundhog Day
Everyone knows the beloved cult classic “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray, but did you know Snohomish has its own unique version of the quirky holiday? The playful, ribbiting twist on the more well-known holiday is typically observed the last week of January, but you won’t find a groundhog hiding from its shadow here. Instead, the crowd gathers to celebrate Snohomish Slew, the frog of honor who serves as the official Frognosticator Extraordinaire. If he croaks, spring has sprung, but if he stays silent, there will surely be six more weeks of winter.
Those attending the annual celebration can expect to spend the day hopping along, enjoying the many festivities and events in honor of the occasion. The popular favorite each year is the Lazy River Frog Race, doubling as a fundraiser to benefit the Snohomish Aquatic Center’s Swim For Life Program.
Snohomish is Fondly Nicknamed the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”
Though it isn’t really the Christmas tree capital of the world, to locals, the affectionate endearment is more reality than not, as the town’s association with the nickname highlights its essential role in the Christmas tree industry and the festive spirit of the community. Each winter, Christmas tree farms generate about $688,000 for Snohomish County farmers.
Many Christmas tree farms throughout the county offer the opportunity for families to visit and select their own trees during the holiday season. Families can spend the day making special holiday memories they won’t soon forget as they experience the fun of choosing their tree, gift shopping, sips of hot cocoa, and picture taking with the legend himself, Santa Claus!
These are just a few fun facts about the Snohomish area community, highlighting some of the region’s uniqueness and individuality. Do you want to share any fun facts about our Snohomish community? Send your answers to submit@snohomishtalk.com, and they might appear in our next fun facts article about the Haunted, Antique Capital of the Northwest, the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Snohomish!
