PORT ANGELES — The event’s catalyst has always been community. And it’s free.
Jammin’ in the Park will return to Waterfront Park at West Railroad Avenue and North Oak Street in Port Angeles on Saturday for live music, food, carnival games and a Volkswagen car show from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Our whole goal is to bring the community down here,” said organizer Steve Zenovic, Nor’Wester Rotary special events officer. “Not everyone is going to dig into their pockets.”
And for the most part, you don’t have to. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase, but everything else — including performances by Dan & the Juan de Fuca Band, Ches and Friends, Black Diamond Junction and Bread & Gravy — will be free for the family.
Proceeds from the event’s sponsors will fund about $10,000 in scholarships for local high school seniors, Zenovic said. The approximate 20 to 22 scholarships Nor’Wester Rotary doles out each year go to students pursuing college or post-secondary career and technical education, he said.
Most are awarded to Port Angeles High School students — somewhere in the ballpark of 90 percent, he said.
About 1,200 to 1,500 folks are expected to turn out for this year’s summer event, Zenovic estimated.
Kids’ activities, aimed for ages 3 to 11, will include carnival games, such as the bean bag toss; face painting; and balloon making. Free sno-cones will be available for the taking, too. As in previous years, Pacific Rim Hobby might bring motorized toys; last year, children flew drones, Zenovic said.
If you own a Volkswagen, you can participate in a car show. No entry fee required.
A raffle drawing will take place around 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased anytime before the drawing for the chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes.
Probably the greatest draw in making your Saturday plans will be the lineup of live music at Jammin’ in the Park:
• 10:30 a.m. to noon — Dan & Juan de Fuca Band.
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Ches and Friends.
• 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Black Diamond Junction.
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Bread & Gravy.
Jammin’ in the Park took its current name in 2015, when Nor’Wester Rotary members saw an opportunity to hold a summer event at the new Waterfront Park. Before then, Arts in Action, an annual street fair, took place for about 40 years.
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Reporter Sarah Sharp can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at ssharp@peninsuladailynews.com.
