SEQUIM — Nearly 200 bridges have been built in Sequim — by hand — since Christmas, and they’re all coming out to be tested Saturday morning by a mean machine.
It’s the Popsicle-stick Bridge Building Competition, aka the Sequim Education Foundation’s effort aimed at getting kids excited about engineering.
The contest attracted 198 registrants from Sequim’s elementary, middle and high schools this year, said organizer Walter Johnson, a retired engineer who lives in Carlsborg.
For the $2 contest entry fee, each youth received 300 Popsicle sticks and a tube of Elmer’s glue just before winter break in December, Johnson said. They’ve had only those materials and about two months for construction.
The moment of truth — and strength — will come at 8 a.m. Saturday when contestants bring their bridges to the Boys & Girls Club, 400 W. Fir St. in Sequim.
Competition judges including Harold Anderson and Carrie Graul of Quadra Engineering and Dave Brasher of High Energy Metals will vet the entries and use a stressor machine to test their mettle.
The contest, which assembles some 60,000 Popsicle sticks, is open to the public and admission is free.
Winners in the elementary, middle and high school divisions will receive a total of $3,100 in scholarships, said Dick Hughes, president of the Sequim Education Foundation.
Saturday’s event will be a festive one, with refreshments for sale and Boys & Girls Club volunteer Stephen Rosales serving as master of ceremonies.
The Sequim Education Foun dation (www.SequimEducation Foundation.org), is a public charity whose mission is to inspire students to reach for excellence.
The foundation awards scholarships, gives grants to teachers for classroom projects and provides help for needy students.
Tax-deductible donations may be made during the Bridge Building Competition or mailed to Sequim Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3065, Sequim, WA 98382.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
