November 20, 2025 — The Port of Everett has unveiled a new illuminated orca sculpture at its Mukilteo waterfront parklet next to Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, transforming the site into a stunning new backdrop just in time for holiday photos.
Positioned at the center of the parklet with stunning views of the Salish Sea, measuring approximately 12 feet tall, the glowing sculpture highlight’s the area’s natural beauty while bringing new energy to the visitor experience during the “shoulder season” months. It will stay in place until Presidents Day in February 2026.
The Port and Ivar’s have partnered up to host a naming contest for the whale through Monday, Dec. 1, for the chance to win FREE dinner for two at Ivar’s. The public can submit name suggestions in person at Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing (710 Front Street, Mukilteo) or Ivar’s Fish Bar (next door), no purchase required.
“This beautiful piece nods to the beauty and importance of the Salish Sea, while providing some winter fun for Mukilteo residents and visitors,” Port CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “The Port looks forward to continuing to add to the vibrancy of the Mukilteo waterfront as we work toward redevelopment efforts for our waterfront parcels in alignment with the community desires set in 2023. We have signed a contract with architecture firm NBBJ to start design work for the future waterfront.”
The parklet, once the former on-ramp to the Mukilteo-Clinton Washington State ferry route, was reimagined as a small public gathering space next to Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing in 2022. The sculpture’s central location to the waterfront and the current Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route ensures the orca will be seen by thousands of visitors and ferry passengers — and is set to become a seasonal landmark.
“Orcas and grey whales regularly visit Possession Sound off the parklet,” Greg Covey, the General Manager at Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, said. “Now we have one who is sticking around and lighting the season!”
The illuminated art was paid for, in part, by a grant from the State of Washington Tourism Arts & Culture program. The Port team designed the sculpture in partnership with VisionArt, the same company that helped the Port bring its illuminated “frozen fountain” tree to life at Waterfront Place in Everett. Blachere Illumination fabricated the piece using LED lights and patented “Flexiprint” material made from recycled plastic that is itself 100% recyclable.
The Port has experienced strong public response for years to illuminated art at its Waterfront Place mixed-use development in Everett, where seasonal displays have boosted off-season foot traffic for local businesses. The Port expects similar benefits in Mukilteo as the art encourages people to linger, take photos, explore nearby businesses, and envision the future of the developing waterfront.
