BY PEPPER FISHER

Port Angeles – The Coho ferry arrived in Port Angeles at noon with this year’s first load of visitors from Victoria, British Columbia.

A welcoming event was planned by the Port Angeles Waterfront District, and about 150 people came down to show their support for Canada and the long and prosperous relationship between the cities of Port Angeles and Victoria.

Sam Grello, Executive Director of the Waterfront District, was among those on hand.

“So, we always celebrate the return of the Coho, but because of national news that’s going on right now, we have an extra reason to celebrate the return of the Coho, and our relationship with Victoria. And so, that’s what we’re doing right here today, is we’re standing up and saying, “Hey neighbor, good to see you again.”

Other attendees also highlighted recent messaging from the current US administration among their reasons for attending. We’ll hear from Cathy Krout, Jeanne Neal and Cindy Sofie.

“I am not happy about it at all. I mean, being a Canadian, we have our pride. And we’ve always been on the side of the Americans. We’ve been their allies throughout thick and thin. And to have this turned against us like that, including tariffs. It’s not called for. There’s no loyalty.”

You know, honestly, I just heard about this like an hour ago, and I thought, “What a amazingly great idea.” Just to show that, you know, our friendship, like, that we don’t all feel the same way that Donald Trump feels.”

“I’m here because Canada are our friends. And they need to remain Canada, and not the 51st state.”

One ferry official said there were 80 vehicles on the ferry and 40 walk-ons, that’s out of a capacity of 110 vehicles and 1,000 total passengers.