Hundreds turn out to give a ‘hats off’ for Bayview Center success
Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Wacky hat makers and supporters of Bayview’s shopping center gathered Sept. 24 at the Goose Grocer for Goosefoot’s Hats Off To You, a special celebration to thank the community for its support of the center while also recognizing one of the biggest contributors to its success.
The free event featured a decorated hat contest, live music by DB Jazz, a performance by dance instructor Daunne Zinger’s jazz class, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and was accompanied by deli sandwiches.
Goosefoot, a non-profit economic development organization whose mission is to enhance local commerce and help create a sustainable future for South Whidbey, was founded in 1999 by Nancy Nordhoff and Linda Moore.
Nordhoff stepped down from her position on the Goosefoot board in September after 16 years of service. Nordhoff and Moore were vital in restoring and maintaining Bayview’s shopping center, which was in danger of being sold in 1999, after the historic Bayview building had fallen into disrepair.
Current and former board presidents and executive directors paid tribute to her work and effort when they announced that a sculpture of Nordhoff by local artist Sue Taves will be placed outside of the Bayview Cash Store in her honor.
Joy Kinkead, a Goose Grocer employee known for welcoming personality and customer service, was also honored. 
More than 300 people, including 55 decorated-hat contestants, took part in the festivities. Hats ranged from the ludicrous to the awe-inspiring, according to some of the organizers.
The Linen Sisters — Gail, Penny, and Estelle — won best overall hat and were awarded a $300 gift card to The Goose.
Best themed hat went to Francia Johnson. Best fascinating hat was won by Erin Kelly. Best child’s hat was won by Sierra (no last name was given by the organizers). Best man’s hat went to Matthew Swett. Best woman’s hat went to Shawn Nowlin. Tom Fisher and Don Zontine won funniest hat.
“It was a great turnout. There were very creative hats,” said Goosefoot Director of Program Fund Development Marian Myszkowski. “The event was wonderful because of all the folks from the community that attended. We never expected to have 55 hat contestants show up.”
Goosefoot counts several Bayview Center businesses as tenants, including Neil’s Clover Patch, Casey’s Crafts, Equipped4Life Fitness, and Bayview Appliance Center.
