PORT TOWNSEND — The photo shoot for the latest community portrait was over in a flash but the results will live on for years.
“You can watch the people grow up through these pictures and see adults that were in past portraits as children,” said Mayor David King, who moved to Port Townsend in 1978 but who had not been in a community portrait since before his son, now 30, was born.
He was happy his schedule allowed him to participate this time, he said.
About 500 people filled Pope Marine Plaza beginning at about 9:20 a.m. Saturday for the photograph, which was taken at 9:45 a.m. sharp.
A flurry of people arrived at the last minute. Some were too late to be included.
“This is the only event that isn’t on Port Townsend time,” said Printery owner Mike Kenna, who has participated in every portrait since the first one in 1985.
“We are doing this right on time.”
David Conklin, a Port Townsend photographer, took the shot from a basket on a East Jefferson Fire-Rescue truck.
The new poster is available for $10 at The Printery, 631 Tyler St., with proceeds going to the Port Townsend Main Street Association.
About 1,000 copies were printed and sold beginning at 1 p.m.
Several lined up to get the first copies available.
The crowd could have been bigger if it took place later in the day since 9:30 a.m. is a bit too early for many locals, Mari Mullen, executive director of Port Townsend Main Street, which sponsored the community event.
The time was chosen to coordinate with the Victorian Heritage Festival, which began Friday, continued through Saturday and wraps up today.
Those showing up in period dress were ushered to the front.
The early time also was chosen in order to coincide with a sail by the schooner Adventuress, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
The vessel is visible in the background with a deck full of people, although their faces are not discernible.
A community portrait has been taken every two or three years since 1985, usually at a point where recent civic improvements occurred.
The last portrait, in November 2010, coincided with the maiden voyage of the MV Chetzemoka car ferry, which plied the Port Townsend-Coupeville state ferry route.
This year’s portrait took place in the newly rebuilt civic plaza with the Salish Sea Circle sculpture as a centerpiece.
“This picture brings us together,” said County Administrator Philip Morley, visible at the lower left of the crowd in an embroidered hat and a bow tie.
“It gives us a sense of ourselves and our quirkiness.”
Kenna called this year’s portrait “the best one,” partially because of the springtime feeling.
“The mood is different from last time which was in the fall,” Kenna said.
“It feels like spring. You can see it in everyone’s faces.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant — a resident of Port Townsend who took part in the community portrait — can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
