by Kirby Lindsay, posted 14 August 2013
On Wednesday, August 21st, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce invites all Fremonsters – business owners, residents, employees and the fun-lovin’ folk – to join in the annual magical mystery tour that is ‘Ducks & Dogs.’
“It’s so fun!” enthused Kathy Moeller, a Windermere Real Estate Agent and former Chamber President, “I think it’s a really neat event, and unusual in the food, drinks, tour…”
For its August ‘meeting,’ the Fremont Chamber books Ride The Ducks Of Seattle and a unique, one-time-only tour of Fremont, and its waterways. In addition, at History House before the tour, attendees feast on delicious Dante’s Inferno Dogs and (for those 21 and over) beer from Fremont Brewing Company. All this, plus the chance to kick back on a sunny summer evening with like-minded Fremont folk in relaxed and festive splendor – for $25 (Chamber members,) or $30 (non-members.)
‘Go Kind Of Nuts’
In 2012, Thor Stoddard, Retail Manager for Fremont Brewing, took the Ducks & Dogs tour for the first time, with his wife and two young children. “They had never been on [a Duck] before,” Stoddard said, and the Fremont ride, “was much easier than going on the traditional tour.” Stoddard wanted his children (ages 3 and 4) the laughing, good-time of Ride The Ducks, without the trip to Downtown Seattle.
Plus, Fremont Chamber Executive Director “Jessica [Vets] had told me that they do a different route,” from the standard Duck tour, Stoddard said, “and [Fremont is] an area they know.” His children explore Fremont daily, since they live a few blocks from the Brewery. Seeing familiar landmarks from raised height of the World War II amphibious vehicles, as well as water-side from Lake Union and the Lake Washington Ship Canal, delighted them even more. “They still remember it,” he said of last year’s ride.
“People go kind of nuts,” Moeller observed about her annual Ducks & Dogs excursions, “in that regard it’s a great way to loosen people up.” Moeller has attended nearly every year since the tradition started in 2001. She’s also brought along her spouse, friends, and clients. “They loved it,” she said about her guests, “the drivers are awesome! It’s just a neat, mellow event.”
Meeting As Neighbors
Moeller enjoys this chance to hang out with fellow Fremonsters, in a rare social but not networking way. Even though it is a Fremont Chamber gathering, it isn’t a business one. “Fremont people bring friends and spouses,” she explained, “You can get to know them.” Something about the setting, the summer, and the silliness opens people up to talk about their lives, or just laugh together. “You kind of let your hair down,” Moeller observed.
Stoddard, who spent the social hour before the Ducks arrive pouring beer, didn’t mix and mingle much, but he still noted that Ducks & Dogs gave he and his family a chance to meet local people, and share a combined appreciation for our community.
Stoddard recommends the ride to others. “I didn’t feel like a tourist on it,” he said, “the fact is that it just focuses on Fremont, and you get so much time on the water!”
From A Troll To A Duck
Ducks & Dogs are an organizational anomaly – the Fremont Chamber leadership know the rarity of August meetings. In these precious final days of summer, even the most workaholic Chamber member tends to be distracted by family, vacations or both. Yet, the organization couldn’t give up the idea of a meeting, and another opportunity to connect members, so a radical idea sprang up – ‘let’s meet at the Fremont Troll.’
From 1996 – 1999, the Fremont Chamber held its August meetings at the Troll. Attendance started off well – particularly at the keg – but the dust, poor acoustics and limitations to finding topics slowly eroded interest.
Meanwhile, Ride The Ducks had opened a repair shop in Fremont. They offered use of a Duck for a community event, and the Chamber leadership considered riding around the neighborhood, instead of choking on Troll dust, more attractive. Attendees agreed, as they raved about the experience. A few years later Dante’s Inferno Dogs catered, and the Ducks & Dogs tradition was born.
The water fights, hazing of the Fred Meyer store, sing-alongs, cheering favorite Fremont sights, and play with the props provided by Duck Captains have become legendary. So has building memories, meeting spouses, swapping stories, and getting a new look at our favorite hometown. “I’ve taken them out on a sailboat before, with the Center for Wooden Boats,” Stoddard said about his children, “but we really don’t get them out on a boat too much. They love going under the [Fremont] Bridge.”
For those interested in attending, seats remain available but an R.S.V.P. is required. R.S.V.P. on-line, or contact Fremont Chamber Executive Director Jessica Vets at director@fremont.com or 206/632-1500 for more details.
“Your kids would love it!” Stoddard observed, but I can tell you – you will too!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.