Bartell Drugs joins grassroots effort to name new Washington State ferry after Ivar Haglund

A grassroots movement to name a new Washington State ferry after the late Ivar Haglund has a new supporter with deep roots in the Puget Sound area: Bartell Drugs.

The Seattle-based drugstore chain, founded in 1890, is getting behind the effort to name one of the state’s two new Olympic-class ferries the “M.V. Ivar Haglund” by providing petitions in all of its 58 stores.

Through September 23, customers are invited to show their support by signing the petition and entering a drawing to win a grand prize of a $100 Bartells gift card.  Additional winners will win $25 gift cards valid at Ivar’s Restaurants or Seafood Bars. No petition signature is required to enter the drawing.

Ivar Haglund (1905-1985) was an early champion of regional folk music, a pioneering radio personality, established Seattle's first aquarium, and was a colorful waterfront restaurateur with establishments throughout Washington State.  For more information on the life and times of Ivar Haglund, visit www.historylink.org

For more information on the state’s current name selection process for the new ferries, visit http://www.wstc.wa.gov/news/2012/2012_0801_WSTC_Naming144carferries.htm.