The Main Street Project Credit: KUOW Photo/Joshua McNichols
Firecracker Alley: It s about more than fireworks By
at 4:21 pm
Every year on Puyallup land, near the Port of Tacoma, tribal members gather to sell fireworks. Itâs an event that draws tribal members together to socialize and make some money. But itâs an annual tradition that may not be around forever.
The delta of the Puyallup River is a place of industry. Itâs home to freight companies, a proposed liquified-natural gas plant, and the Port of Tacoma.
The original Emerald Queen Casino, an old riverboat, is docked down there on Puyallup land. In its abandoned parking lot are rows and rows of brightly colored plywood fireworks stands, with RVs and food trucks nearby.
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Subscriber only We re at the halfway mark of Mackay s Australia Day Awards, with five community advocates recognised for their service to the region. Unveiled at a gala dinner at the MECC, people have been awarded the prestigious awards for their dedication to the arts, community and sports. Mayor Greg Williamson said all nominees and winners across all categories deserved the recognition they had been given this evening. We all know last year was a tough year, but there s an old saying about when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and we saw a lot of that in our region in 2020, he said.
Mackay s 2021 Citizen of the Year Mabel Quakawoot has been many things to many people - an active citizen, an educator, a mentor and volunteer. Her tireless efforts for the community were recognised at a gala dinner at the MECC on Monday night. Young Citizen of the Year went to Emmett Withers and the Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award winner was Russell McLennan. Emmett Withers began his charity Emmett 4 Animals when he was five years old and has gone on to help thousands of stray animals across the region. Russell McLennan works tirelessly behind the scenes at Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay, having been involved with the group since 1977.
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Annie Norrish could be described as a plant mother, lovingly tending to her babies until they’re hardy and ready to be sold to customers.
Owner of Annie’s Nursery at Bucasia, Mrs Norrish said she spends her days propagating, re-potting, shaping and caring for the plants that comprise more than two-thirds of the nursery’s stock.
“I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years,” Mrs Norrish said.
“I started on the kitchen table.
“There’s so much to offer with plants – by the time you propagate to the time they grow up, with the colours and flowers, the scent, and getting them sold when they’re looking their best.”