From the category archives:

Tillicum Village

Pssst! You could win tickets to Tillicum Village on Mother’s Day

by Sarah on May 2, 2012

We’re running a sweepstakes for a family four-pack of tickets out to Tillicum Village on Mother’s Day.

We’ve come to love special occasions out on Blake Island.  It’s fun to step outside the ordinary and give Mom an adventure with a meal and scenery all built in.

After enjoying a cruise across Elliot Bay to the island, you go up to the long house in just enough time to see them finish cooking the salmon over the open fire pits. Then it’s time to eat the salmon dripping in butter and Juniper Berry Seasoning. Yum!  The rest is a delicious buffet including the unique experience of bison and venison stew and the always popular fresh fruit with Chef Ron’s Strawberry Sherry Honey Sauce.

We always throw in something additional on these special days, and Mother’s Day is no exception.   Mothers will all be given a gift to take home.

But you want to know the important stuff…like how to win those four tickets [Two adults and two kids (5-12yrs)].

Go to either the Tillicum Village Facebook page, or the Argosy Cruises Facebook page.  Look for the Mother’s Day Tillicum Village Sweepstakes tab.  It’s running until May 6th, and you can enter every day to increase your chances of winning.

Good luck!

Old, New and Timeless

by Sarah on April 18, 2012

Tillicum Village:   Celebrating 50 years of Heritage and Tradition

From any Seattle history buff, you’d know all about the much anticipated and immensely popular World’s Fair Exhibition held here back in 1962. Incredible new structures, such as the 605 foot Space Needle and still operating Monorail along with many other attractions were revealed with the hopes of showing off our fair city to the world. With a major theme being the industries of science, space and the future, the fair was a commercial success with almost 10 million in attendance.

One of the totem poles at Tillicum Village

Another aspect of Seattle that was to be showcased wasn’t something new, but something very old indeed.  That is the majestic landscape that lies just across the harbor known as Blake Island. It was on this island that for thousands of years, the Coast Salish tribes called home as their ancestral summer camp.

The Coast Salish tribes were imaginative artists ingrained with an ancient woodworking tradition. The unique and ornately carved animal figures were fixtures on (literally a part of) their large communal houses. Later, the familiar free standing totem poles made an appearance, and mostly represented the commissioning home’s wealth and prosperity.

Other expressions of their art came in the form of intricate masks, rattles, and blankets to name but a few.

“Art is a reflection of the environment in materials.”

One commonly depicted figure was the Raven, which myth holds to have been a trickster who (among his many attributes) stole the daylight, and on a skyward chase by Eagle, released pieces that become the sun, moon and stars.

Among these creative people came a great leader, Chief Seeahth (Or Sealth). Sealth was born on Blake Island, and is in fact who Seattle is named in honor of. Blake Island eventually became a State park and is where in 1962, the attraction of Tillicum Village was first opened and featured as an unforgettable island experience.

There have been many changes over the years as Tillicum Village has undergone new management, now being owned and operated by Argosy Cruises.   From the still traditionally prepared salmon bake to the energetic and updated dance show, it is obvious the rich and creative spirit of the Coast Salish people is proudly celebrated.

While exploring the grounds, you’ll see amongst the natural beauty of the island, many totems carved by various artists who share in the unique vision that continues to define the tradition and heritage of the Northwest.

Tillicum Village longhouse at dusk

For a limited time to commemorate this 50th anniversary, the Tillicum Village salmon bake adventure is now just $50.00 (regularly almost $80). Come enjoy the delicious food and show, and see if you just might find the totem of a certain Raven spreading the light.  This special rate ends the end of April, so call now for details and booking.

By: Pamela Mohn

A Perfect Seattle Easter

by Sarah on April 10, 2012

Easter in Seattle this year was everything we love about holidays and our city.  The weather was perfect and Mt Rainier even came out of the clouds!

The winner of our sweepstakes for Easter at Tillicum Village took a friend and enjoyed her day!  She has wanted to go out to Tillicum Village for years.  But, as we can all agree, every minute and every dollar have so many claims on it.   She finally got the chance to grab the camera and come share the water with us!

Here’s Alita and friend about to board the boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the Easter bunny on the sunny cruise back to Seattle!!

 

 

 

Speaking of the Easter Bunny, kids loved hunting for Easter eggs on the lawn in front of the longhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After having so much fun all weekend, we can’t wait for the next big events, like Mother’s Day and Father’s day.  We’re already planning!  Check them out here.

Win a Family Easter Adventure at Tillicum Village!

by Sarah on March 29, 2012

Argosy Cruises Twitter Sweepstakes for a family 4-pack of tickets to celebrate Easter Sunday at Tillicum Village

Our annual Easter Adventure and salmon bake on Blake Island’s Tillicum Village is one of the theme cruises that we look forward to all year! The Easter Adventure Cruise combines our regular Tillicum Village experience and traditional salmon bake buffet meal with the added fun of an easter egg hunt on the island!

Just for fun this year, we decided that we’d like to give away 4 tickets to one lucky family to join us this Easter Sunday, April 8th!

Since a traditional native salmon bake might not be everyone’s usual Easter meal, we want to hear what you look forward to eating most on Easter! Whether it’s a honey glazed ham or overdosing on Cadbury Eggs, we want to know!

This is a Twitter contest. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: In order to win, entrants must Follow Argosy Cruises on Twitter.

Step 2: Tweet @ArgosyCruises with your favorite Easter food

Example: @ArgosyCruises I LOVE PEEPS!

You can enter the contest up to one time per day between now and Monday April 2nd at noon. We will select a random winner from our list of entrants and announce the lucky family on Tuesday, April 3rd on Twitter.

It’s easy! So hop on over to Twitter and enter today! (And every day til the 2nd)

 

Here’s the Fine Print: Eligible winners must be 18 years of age or older and must Follow @ArgosyCruises on Twitter through the duration of the contest and until the winner is announced. One valid entry will be accepted per day of the contest starting 3/29/2012 and ending 4/2/2012 at 12:00pm PST. Our family 4-pack prize will include 2 adult tickets and 2 children’s tickets to the 2012 Easter Adventure at Tillicum Village. Tickets valid only on Sunday April 8th, 2012. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for cash.

The Terrible Beast

by Sarah on March 2, 2012

It’s Bigfoot! No, it’s Sasquatch!

No, it’s the Terrible Beast!

Do you believe in Bigfoot? You know… the big, mysterious fur covered ape-man?

Well, he’s considered a Cryptid, which is a creature who rides the fence between fact and myth.  While some firmly believe in his existence, others laugh at the very thought of some large strange entity stomping about the forest.   He is widely considered to firmly live only in the occasional footprint hoax or over- embellished campfire tale.

 The legend about him though is undeniable. His stories have lived remarkably long embedded in the folklore of our beautiful Pacific Northwest. 

A myth by any other name………

There are many ancient Native legends about this great creature living undetected in the woods. What‘s also interesting, is that many other cultures in other parts of the world have this same myth.

In parts of Asia, he’s called the Yeti, and in Africa he’s Kikomba.  This big footed creature here in the Northwest has also been given the famous moniker, Sasquatch.  His scientific name is Gigantopithecus!

Among the Coast Salish in this area, he was known primarily as the Terrible Beast (other names included Slappu and Zunaqua).   Dances were performed in honor of his prowess, as he was fast, clever and always hungry.  He was definitely the mothers’ threat that kept young children from the dangers of the forest.

The path into the woods on Blake Island looks harmless enough. But...

It is said that he never lets down his guard.  Hunters may even sneak up and surround him, but their thrown spears find only air.  He goes on relentlessly ravaging the forest in a constant search of food.

 

At Tillicum Village, part of the show is the rich history and energetic dance of The Terrible Beast.  So when you’re on the island, be on the lookout!!

 

by Pamela Mohn

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