PORT TOWNSEND — The public is invited to visit downtown Sunday, Aug. 30 to participate in the 12th version of the Port Townsend Family Portrait, a historical crowd shot that freezes a moment in time for the city, its residents and visitors.
The portrait, which has been taken about every three years since 1986, will be shot in conjunction with a community picnic gathering at the corner of Washington Street and Taylor Street downtown.
The community portrait and picnic will be in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
Participants will be asked to gather at 4:45 p.m. at the intersection.
The group photograph will be taken at 5 p.m. by photographer David Conklin of Port Townsend.
Posters of the shot will be printed Monday, Aug. 31. They will be available at Printery Communications, 631 Tyler St. for $10 each.
Printery owner Mike Kenna was one of the founders of the Family Portrait process, said Mari Mullen, Port Townsend Main Street executive director.
Participation in the portrait is free of charge and open to all, Mullen said, regardless of if they live in Port Townsend.
The Celebrate Main Street 30th anniversary party will cost $10 for a seat at a table.
Traditionally, the photographs are set in a historical or significant areas.
The most recent shot was in 2013 with the schooner Adventuress — then celebrating its centennial — in the background.
In 2010, the community portrait was with the newly commissioned MV Chetzemoka ferry.
This year’s portrait, Celebrate Main Street, is connected to the downtown area because it will be taken in the 30th year of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
The Main Street Program is charged with revitalizing the downtown area and supporting its merchants.
Mullen, along with Conklin, will set up a test shot during the week of Aug. 15 to determine whether it’s possible to shoot from a rooftop or if a fire crane should be used.
The test will create the poster’s graphical frame in which the final shot is inserted, to ensure quick publication.
Mullen, who has headed the Main Street program for a little more than half of its 30-year history, said the last few portraits have drawn about 500 people.
Mullen said that Main Street will set up 50 tables and 400 chairs.
The photograph will have no theme, Mullen said, although participants are encouraged to wear bright colors to demonstrate Port Townsend’s variety of residents.
Participants will bring their own meals to the picnic. The Main Street Program will provide tables, chairs, live music, a wine-beer garden and decorations, as well as dessert and a choice of drinks.
Live music will be provided by the Toolshed Trio, in which Conklin plays bass.
For tickets, go to www.ptmainstreet.org, Event Brite.com “Celebrate Main Street” or call the Port Townsend Main Street office, 360-385-7911.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
