An important anniversary in the Pacific Northwest! A post from 1985: “Today, July 31, marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Deception Pass Bridge (1935). This photo was taken during a mid-span celebration event on the 50th Anniversary of the bridge (1985). Among those pictured is Anacortesan Wallie Funk (center, with water carafe), who plans to attend the 75th anniversary event as well. At the time of the 50th anniversary, Funk was co-publisher of the Whidbey News-Times. He has since retired to his hometown of Anacortes. Also pictured here are Patty Cohen (past city council member, mayor of Oak Harbor); Al Swift (former U.S. Congressman from the 2nd District); Duane Berentson (past state legislator and state Secretary of Transportation); Mary Margaret Haugen (state senator, also planning to attend today’s event). Those pictured who have since passed away include Pat Wanamaker, Jim Rice (council member and mayor of Anacortes) and Sim Wilson (state representative and publisher of the Marysville Globe). The bridge will close at 12:27 p.m. for a procession of vintage pre-1935 cars and a ribbon cutting, followed by two Whidbey-based EA-18G fighter jets swooping overhead. Events at Cranberry Lake will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include food, vendors, live music and special events for the kids. Special guests will include Haugen, NAS Whidbey Captain Gerral David, State Representative Barbara Bailey, Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, and Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni who worked on projects around the state and at Deception Pass.”