Wild blackberry pies to be festival star

JOYCE — Some 200 homemade pies will be sold at the 38th annual Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival on Saturday.

The freshly baked pies — which are always the festival’s main attraction — are made with the celebrated local wild blackberries.

Slices of pie topped with ice cream will go on sale at 10 a.m. and will be served for as long as they last, organizers said, adding that proceeds will go toward scholarships and local projects.

Highlights of the festival also include a parade, a salmon bake, children’s activities and live music organized by Dave and Rosalie Secord of Luck of the Draw and performed in front of the Joyce Depot Museum in the center of Joyce.

Events

All events will be spread out along the scenic state Highway 112 about 15 miles west of Port Angeles.

The Joyce Fire Department’s fire engines will be on display for children to visit.

A Lawn Mower Derby is planned at the Blackberry Cafe, 50530 Highway 112, after the parade.

The festival is a bit smaller than usual this year with fewer activities, said organizers, who aim to make the outdoor festival as safe from COVID-19 as possible.

Hand sanitizer will be provided, courtesy of the Clallam County Health Department. Fewer vendors are planned to facilitate social distancing.

Two traditional activities have been canceled in the interest of keeping participants safe: the early-morning pancake breakfast and the pie-baking contest.

Here’s the lineup.

• 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — Vendor booths open, Joyce Center.

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Clallam County Fire District 4 equipment showing, Mini Mall.

• 10 a.m. — Blackberry pie sales open, Joyce Depot Museum, 50883 state Highway 112.

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Children’s activities, lumberyard east of Joyce Depot Museum.

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Live music from local bands, Joyce Depot Museum: Terry Kahler and band at 10 a.m.; Buck Ellard at 11 a.m.; Dave and Rosalie Secord at noon; Cheering Contest at 2 p.m.; Mixed Company at 2:30 p.m.

• 10:30 a.m. — Parade judging, Crescent School.

• 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. — Salmon bake, Crescent Bay Lions Club, Mini Mall.

• 1 p.m.-2 p.m. — Grand Parade, along state Highway 112.

• 2 p.m. — Registration for lawn mower derby, Blackberry Cafe Lawn.

• 2:30 p.m. — Extreme slug racing, Family Kitchen Beer Garden.

• 3 p.m. — Drawing for winning button numbers.

For more information, see joycedaze.org or email joinus@joycedaze.org.