Skagit Valley Farming Legacy Lives On: Roger & LouAnn Knutzen Named Grand Marshals of the 89th Annua

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: 
Burlington Chamber of Commerce 
360-757-0994 
info@burlington-chamber.com 

Skagit Valley Farming Legacy Lives On: Roger & LouAnn Knutzen Named Grand Marshals of the 89th Annual Berry Dairy Days Parade 
Saturday, June 20th, 2026 

BURLINGTON, WA — A legacy rooted in family, agriculture, and stewardship of the land will take center stage this summer as Roger and LouAnn Knutzen have been named the Grand Marshals of the 89th Annual Berry Dairy Days Grand Parade. 
 
The longtime Skagit Valley farmers represent generations of agricultural heritage through Knutzen Farms, a family owned and operated agribusiness that has been deeply woven into the fabric of Skagit County for more than 130 years. 

Roger and LouAnn are fourth generation potato farmers, proudly carrying forward a legacy now continued by the fifth and sixth generations of the Knutzen family. Their dedication to preserving farmland, supporting agriculture, and remaining deeply connected to the Skagit Valley community reflects the very spirit Berry Dairy Days was created to celebrate. 

“The Skagit Valley means so much to us. Agriculture has always been an important part of our lives,” Roger and LouAnn shared. 

Founded in 1894 by Jess H. Knutzen, an immigrant from Broager, Denmark, Knutzen Farms began with a vision rooted in hard work, resilience, and family. Jess and his wife, Metta, raised seven sons who helped transform the land into a thriving farm known as Highland View. 

Over the decades, that same commitment to stewardship has remained central to the Knutzen family philosophy. 

“We are not only farming the land our great great grandparents and their sons cleared, but we are also living the ‘American Dream,’” Roger explained. 

“We are deeply rooted in the Skagit Valley and would never live anywhere else,” added LouAnn. 

Today, Knutzen Farms grows and packs premium quality red, white, and yellow potatoes throughout the fertile Skagit Valley, continuing a tradition of agricultural excellence that has become widely recognized throughout the region and beyond. 

For the Knutzens, farming has always represented more than a profession. It is a responsibility passed from generation to generation. 

The process begins long before harvest, with carefully prepared soil, planting, irrigation, crop management, and months of care before potatoes are finally harvested from the fields. That patience, discipline, and dedication mirror the values that have sustained the family farm for well over a century. 

Beyond agriculture, Roger and LouAnn have remained active contributors to the community they love. Roger has been involved with Kiwanis for many years, including its longstanding connection to the Berry Dairy Days Grand Parade and the Fred Stump Memorial Salmon Barbecue. 

“It’s exciting,” Roger said of being named Grand Marshal. “It’s an honor we didn’t think we would ever receive. I’ve been a member of Kiwanis for many years. The Grand Parade is where it all began, and later Kiwanis’ Fred Stump Memorial Salmon Barbecue was added. It’s a very strong community event.” 

LouAnn shared similar excitement about the honor. 

“It’s wonderful; we are thrilled,” she said. “Berry Dairy Days is a big part of our summer. We go to the parade every year and wave; we love it. This will be fun.” 

For nearly nine decades, Berry Dairy Days has celebrated Burlington’s agricultural roots, community spirit, and rich Skagit Valley heritage. What began in 1937 with a giant strawberry shortcake parade through downtown Burlington has grown into one of Skagit County’s longest standing festivals, drawing thousands each year for three days of family friendly events, entertainment, traditions, and community celebration. 

Now entering its 89th year, the festival continues to honor the people and families whose dedication helped shape the region — making Roger and LouAnn Knutzen a fitting choice to lead this year’s Grand Parade. 

The Berry Dairy Days Grand Parade will take place on: 

Saturday, June 20, 2026 

10:00 AM 

E. Fairhaven Avenue 

Historic Downtown Burlington 

The community is invited to join in celebrating Roger and LouAnn Knutzen, their remarkable agricultural legacy, and the enduring spirit of Skagit Valley farming. 

For the full Berry Dairy Days festival schedule and event details, visit BerryDairyDays.com 

About Berry Dairy Days 

Berry Dairy Days is hosted by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and supported in part by the City of Burlington Lodging Tax. As one of Skagit County’s longest standing festivals, Berry Dairy Days celebrates Burlington’s rich agricultural heritage with three days of events, entertainment, and community connection.