As part of the Real Twin Peaks 2024 event, fans from around the world recently gathered on this day at the “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign spot along Reinig Road in Snoqualmie to hear Washington state elected officials from King County and North Bend recognize February 24 as Twin Peaks Day. One of the few specific points in time mentioned in the series, the significance of this day is important to Snoqualmie Valley and fans alike.
WHY IS FEBRUARY 24 IMPORTANT TO TWIN PEAKS?
February 24 is an important day in the wonderful and strange world of Twin Peaks. On that day, Laura Palmer was found dead, wrapped in plastic. Her classmate Ronette Pulaski wandered across state lines which prompted the involvement of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. His drive into the small town of Twin Peaks at 11:30 a.m. marks the start of a decades long journey that eventually leads him to standing in front of the Chalfont / Palmer house asking “What year is this?”
From a Snoqualmie Valley perspective, February 21, 1989 is the first time cameras rolled on David Lynch and Mark Frost’s backdoor pilot episode then titled, “Northwest Passage.” The crew would capture footage in Washington state until around mid-March at Kiana Lodge on Bainbridge Island in Poulsbo, Washington.
Once the show aired on the ABC Television Network beginning in April 1990, countless number of Twin Peaks fans began making the pilgrimage to see the Real Twin Peaks locations and enjoy a heavenly slice of cherry pie and a damn, fine cup of coffee. More than 35 years later, the show continues playing an important part of Snoqualmie Valley history and the history of film and television production in Washington state.
TWIN PEAKS DAY PROCLAMATIONS
Long-time Twin Peaks fan Karl Reinsch first approached the towns of North Bend and Snoqualmie in 2018 about celebrating Twin Peaks Day.
Karl has continued drafting proclamations for the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie, which has evolved into the Real Twin Peaks event thanks to the partnership of the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce and North Bend Downtown Foundation. In 2023, the town of Carnation also joined in the Twin Peaks Day fun as several scenes from the Pilot were shot in the town. Carnation’s downtown is also seen outside the Double R Diner windows throughout Season 2. For the first time this year, the King County government also proclaimed February 24 as Twin Peaks Day thanks to Karl’s draft proposal.
TWIN PEAKS DAY 2024 PROCLAMATION FOR NORTH BEND, WA
TWIN PEAKS DAY 2024 PROCLAMATION FOR SNOQUALMIE, WA
TWIN PEAKS DAY 2024 PROCLAMATION FOR CARNATION, WA
TWIN PEAKS DAY 2024 PROCLAMATION FOR KING COUNTY, WA
READING OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION AT THE WELCOME TO TWIN PEAKS SIGN SPOT
After enjoying doughnuts and coffee at Snoqualmie Valley Eagles, fans drove out to the Welcome to Twin Peaks sign spot around 11:15 a.m.
Kelly Coughlin, Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce, welcomed everyone gathered for the special moment.
Can I tell you just how great it was to see this many people at the sign spot?
Kelly welcomed King County District 3 Councilmember Sarah Perry who discussed the official “Twin Peaks Day” proclamation for King County.
North Bend Mayor Mary Miller followed Councilmember Perry by reading the official proclamation for the town of North Bend.
I love how the county and cities have embraced Twin Peaks. This made my entire weekend!
A SPECIAL AGENT DRIVES BY
At 11:30, fans were treated to a special surprise as Kyle MacLachlan drove past the sign spot, recreating a scene captured 35 years ago.
Numerous fans lined Reinig Road waiting for the arrival of the Special Agent.
I was stationed on the sign spot side as I was hopeful to recreate the scene from the pilot. So close.
Thankfully, John Thorne was on the opposite side of the road and captured this shot of Kyle driving.
John had never had his photo taken with the “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign. The entire Twin Peaks community wouldn’t be the same without his years of incredible insight and passion for this wonderful and strange world. Thank you, John!
Interestingly, MacLachlan later shared he didn’t actually drive the 1981 Dodge Diplomat in that scene from the “Twin Peaks” pilot. A crew member drove the car past the “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign in the show. So his drive by moment on February 24, 2024 was the first time he passed the iconic film location in Snoqualmie. Most of MacLachlan’s driving scene in the pilot took place along 396th Drive SE in Snoqualmie, near the former Snoqualmie Mill and now home to Dirtfish Rally School.
WE’RE A WHOLE DAMN TOWN!
To paraphrase Deputy Andy, “We’re a whole damn town!”
Truly wonderful to see everyone gathered along Reinig Road. Twin Peaks fans are the best people.
I love this drone shot captured by the talented Twin Peaks Townie. I’m rarely in these group shot photos so this makes me so happy.
I did grab a quick selfie as the crowd waved to the drone flying overhead.
I also took a photo with Mayor Miller, especially since we share the same last name and we are both photographers.
Thank you to Councilmember Perry, Mayor Miller, Kyle MacLachlan and Kelly Coughlin for creating such an unforgettable moment on Twin Peaks Day. It’s one for the history books!
IMAGE GALLERY ON FLICKR
More images from this special moment are found on my Flickr account. They are mostly licensed Creative Commons, so only attribution – Sam Howzit – is needed for usage.
