PORT ANGELES — The Five Acre School Barn Dance has expanded in more ways than one.
It has outgrown the venue it has used for the past 11 years and will be at the Clallam County Fairgrounds at 1608 W. 16th St. this year.
And the 12th annual Beat the Blues Barn Dance will offer a full day of activities from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Previously, the dance was at the Big Barn Farm off of Kitchen-Dick Road in Sequim, but crowds have grown to an estimated 1,200 in recent years, prompting the need for a larger space, organizers said.
Family entertainment acts and kids’ activities are planned from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is $6 at the door; children 12 and younger get in free.
Led by Keeth Apgar (pictured), The Harmonica Pocket plays the 12th annual Beat the Blues Barn Dance on Feb. 29 in Port Angeles. (Submitted photo)
Featured will be Red Yarn, Harmonica Pocket, Sound Waves — Marimba Band and Aspire Dance.
Live music and dancing are scheduled for 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advanced or $25 at the door and are available at www.TheBarnDance.org.
Evening entertainment will include FarmStrong, Sweater Weather String Band and The Olson Band.
All proceeds go to the private school’s tuition assistance and special equipment fund. The Five Acre School and The Five Acre School PSO (Parent Service Organization) are both 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
New to this year’s Beat the Blues Barn Dance is a full building dedicated for the Kid Zone, featuring several creative activities to engage and entertain the entire family.
Sequim restaurants Alder Wood Bistro and Pacific Pantry will be at the Barn Dance providing food all day. Beers from Port Townsend Brewing Co. and Fathom & League, wines from Harbinger Winery and ciders from Finnriver Farm & Cidery will be available at the “saloon” starting at 5 p.m.
The event brings back the silent auction and raffle. Event organizers said this year’s silent auction features an eclectic collection of high-quality donated items, ranging from a homemade puppet theater to gift baskets and gift certificates from local businesses.
The raffle features an overnight vacation package for two to Victoria, B.C., “Taste of the Peninsula” with more than a dozen restaurant gift certificates, an Elwha River getaway Airbnb along with a guided kayak tour from Adventure Kayaking, a farm basket featuring bounty from local farms and a guided fly-fishing tour.
For more information, contact the Five Acre School Parent Service Organization at 5acrepso@gmail.com.
