BY CLAIRE MOORE
Whidbey Life Magazine contributor
If your New Year’s Eve resolutions include “try something new,” then you’ll want to be at Langley’s Seawall Park off First Street on Sat. Jan. 5 for the city’s first Sea Float Scramble.
One-of-a-kind glass sea floats, created by glass artist Callahan McVay, will be hidden near Langley’s waterfront and, similar to an Easter egg hunt, people are invited to scramble for one. The free event, open to all ages, will be held at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. with an easily accessible alternate location for those who have mobility limitations.
Even though you’ll be on a beach, no digging will be needed; all sea floats will be located in plain sight. And once you’ve found yours, you’ll receive a special Sea Float certificate of authenticity.
After the scramble, participants can enjoy Langley, have lunch at one of the great restaurants or warm up with tea or coffee at one of the coffee shops and peruse the many small shops in town. If you would like to keep the theme of glass art going, the folks at Callahan’s Firehouse will be available to assist you in blowing your own glass piece and learning about the art form.
McVay opened his glass blowing studio and gallery in July 2009 at the former fire station located at 179 Second Street. He retained the firehouse name, calling his studio and gallery Callahan’s Firehouse Studio. In his capacious space, the artist has created a place where he can design, produce and deliver his art, as well as offer the glass blowing experience to students and visitors.
The Sea Float Scramble is co-sponsored by Callahan’s Firehouse and the Langley Main Street Association, a non-‐profit organization that focuses on Langley’s economic development and historic preservation. LMSA supports projects such as shuttle rides from event sites into downtown, the Second Street Market during the summer and beautification and decoration of Langley. Most recently the group is coordinating local groups in producing this year’s Centennial celebration; the Sea Float Scramble is one of its first events with many more planned throughout the year. On Jan. 26, “Langley Life: 1890-‐1980,” a living history presentation, will be held at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.
Click here for more information on Callahan’s Firehouse Studio.
Information about LMSA is available by calling 360-929-9333, or email mainstreet@whidbey.com. To stay up to date on the latest Centennial happenings, visit Langley Main Street Association on Facebook.
Claire Moore is a retired graphic designer and writer who is delighted to be writing for Whidbey Life Magazine. She can be reached at cbear53@mac.com.