PORT TOWNSEND — The 89th Rhody Festival kicks off Wednesday with Trike Races and will continue with daily events through Sunday.
“Rhody Soars Around Washington!” is the theme of the five-day festival that will offer a variety of races and contests, culminating with a grand parade and the annual Jefferson Healthcare Rhody Run.
This year’s festival also includes the New Old Time Port Townsend Chautauqua at various times and venues throughout the week.
Presiding over the festival are the members of the Rhododendron Festival royalty, Queen Paige Govia and Princess Rosie Schmucker.
Govia, 18, is a senior at Chimacum High School. Schmucker, 17, also is a senior at Chimacum High School. Both receive scholarships: $2,250 for the queen and $1,750 for the princess.
In addition to overseeing the Rhody Festival, the two and the Rhody float have been seen in festivals across the state.
The full schedule includes:
Wednesday:
• Trike Races. Registration is at 5 p.m. at city hall; races start at 6 p.m. on Water Street, from Madison Street to Monroe Street.
Thursday:
• Pet Parade. Registration is at 4:30 p.m. at Van Buren and Lawrence streets; the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on Lawrence Street, from Van Buren Street to Taylor Street.
Friday:
• Kiddie Parade. Registration is a 3 p.m. at the library; parade starts at 4 p.m. on Lawrence Street from Fillmore Street to Chetzemoka Street.
• Hair and Beard Contest. Check-in and assembly will be at 5 p.m. at Water and Monroe streets; judging will start at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St.
• Bed Races. Check-in and assembly will start at 5:30 p.m. at Water and Monroe streets; races will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Water Street from Monroe Street to Madison Street.
• Unexpected Brass Band Post Bed Race Dance Party Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.
Saturday:
• Elks Rhody Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St.
• Rhody Patrons 9-Hole Scramble, 10 a.m. at the Port Townsend Golf Course, 1948 Blaine St.
• The Sunrise Rotary Running of the Balls, 12:30 p.m. on Monroe Street.
• Rhody Fest Grand Parade, 1 p.m., downtown Port Townsend
Sunday:
• Rhody Run, 9 a.m. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 3907 Landes St.
• Rhody Scholarship 18-Hole Best Ball, 10 a.m. at the Port Townsend Golf Course.
• Port Townsend Chautauqua, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at multiple venues downtown.
