This is a busy weekend for festivals on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Ten Dixieland and swing bands over three days highlight “Jazz in the Olympics”‘ in Port Angeles today, Saturday and Sunday. (See story in today’s )
Today in Forks is the kickoff for three days of “Rainfest,” a celebration of the West End’s creative energy with music, art, quilts and workshops. (See separate “Rainfest 2001” entertainment section in the Friday/Saturday PDN.)
In addition, Saturday is the opening day of trout fishing season. (See the second of Darrick Meneken’s two-part series on the best lakes in Jefferson and Clallam counties; it’s on the sports page today.)
On Hood Canal, the picture-post card communities of Brinnon and Quilcene celebrate their history, culture and communities during two events beginning today.
They call themselves the “Emerald Towns of Hood Canal,” and Brinnon’s Shellfish Shindig and Quilcene’s Heritage Day provide plenty to enjoy for residents and visitors alike.
Shellfish Shindig
Festivities for the three-day Shellfish Shindig kick off with the annual Loyalty Day parade at 1 p.m. today.
The parade features local politicians, veterans, school bands and the Rhododendron Festival royalty.
Short speeches and the singing of patriotic songs follow immediately after the parade, which starts at the Brinnon Booster Club, 151 Corey Lane.
Tonight’s events include a historical display from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the club, and a presentation of “Never Trust a City Slicker” at 6:30 p.m. at the Brinnon Community Theater.
Admission is $4.
Additional performances will be at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
A craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Booster Club, while a history exhibit and quilt show take place in the building.
To display quilts bring them to Marji Mueller between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday at the Booster Club. Be sure to provide a short description of the quilt.
James and the Shifters perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Brinnon School, capping off the day. Band leader James Reynolds dons Elvis clothing to impersonate the famous rocker.
Cost is $5 adults, $3 children ages 5 to 14 years and free for children younger than 5.
Bingo will also be offered at the Booster Club, with games beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Ida and Vern Bailey, longtime residents and authors of “Brinnon: A Scrapbook of History”, will present a slide show on Brinnon’s early days at 3 p.m. Sunday and on the Olympic Mountains at 4 p.m.
Heritage Day
Quilcene Heritage Day will also be full of entertainment, music, games, food and history beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday with a pancake breakfast at the Quilcene School on Highway 101.
Participants in the Volkssport 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer walks can begin at 8 a.m., or at any time until 1 p.m.
The Peninsula Long Rifles black powder club will wake up anyone who wasn’t already walking or eating at 10 a.m. Club members will put on demonstrations throughout the day until 4 p.m.
The quilt show, food booths and craft vendors also open at 10 a.m. at the Quilcene Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Hall and the Community Center.
The Old Time Fiddlers will play at the Masonic Hall, and pianist Max Barnard will tickle the keys at the Community Center.
Mari Phillips will present two history slide shows at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the church.
Later in the day, longtime Quilcene residents will participate in old-timer conversations at 1 p.m., and Kenny Harris will present a slide show at 2 p.m.
Ranger Corps open house
The Quilcene Ranger Corps, comprising 13- to 15-year-old boys and girls from the West Sound and North Olympic Peninsula, host an open house noon to 4 p.m. at the Community Center to celebrate their 10th year as volunteer trail maintenance workers in the Olympic National Forest.
The open house also features outdoors-related displays from the Olympic Llama Packers, Quilcene Fish Hatchery, Friends of Olympic Trail Shelters, and a Falconers demonstration.
A trail skills competition and Ranger Corps member presentation are also planned.
A Vintage Style Show and Historic Costume Contest will be presented at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
Featuring some of the clothes seen at a well-attended fashion show for Port Townsend’s Victorian Days, the show will give a representative overview of period dress.
Children will enjoy getting into the spirit of the day by watching acts by the Kids Unlimited troupe or participating in a harmonica lesson from Andy Mackey.
The Quilcene Museum will be open throughout the day to provide more information about the pioneers who have populated Quilcene for more than 150 years.
Heritage Day events are free, for the most part, although some events carry a minimal cost, such as the Pancake Breakfast, a bluegrass concert by Acoustic News at 4:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Quilcene School and the food booths.
Quilcene is located about 12 miles south of Discovery Bay on Highway 101. Brinnon is located 12 miles farther south on the same highway.
For more information, call 360-765-4049 or 360-765-4848.
