PORT TOWNSEND — The “family portrait” scheduled for next Sunday — which was to feature all community members who wanted to participate against the backdrop of the MV Chetzemoka at the ferry dock — has been postponed because of additional work needed on the new boat.
The Chetzemoka’s official welcoming ceremony and inaugural sail is still set for Sunday, Nov. 14, with the 65-car ferry to begin service between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island the next day.
Before the ferry begins work on its route, the state ferries system will modify the “rub rails” on the boat. The rails are needed during docking.
“During recent sea trials, it became clear that more protection is needed on the vessel,” Marta Coursey, Washington State Ferries spokeswoman, said in an e-mail.
“The work is going to take some time, and we are under the gun to get the vessel delivered in time for the Nov. 14 inaugural sailing.”
Port Townsend Main Street Executive Director Mari Mullen said that though some planning had taken place for the Sunday photo shoot, the news of the delay was issued in time.
“We were about to leaflet the schools, but we heard of the change in time to stop,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter about the delay as long as the ferry is safe.”
Mullen hopes that the photo can be taken before the ferry begins regular service.
“We are trying to remain flexible,” she said.
“But it would be better to get the portrait done during the first half of November, before the weather gets unpredictable.”
Mullen said she hoped to announce the rescheduled family portrait date Monday or Tuesday.
Sunday’s date for the community portrait was timed to coincide with Main Street’s 15th annual Main Street Downtown Trick or Treat and Costume Parade.
The parade is still scheduled.
The parade’s direction was changed to move toward town rather than outward as in previous years.
Mullen said the planned parade route will stay put because it would be too confusing to change it again.
The parade will begin at 4:15 p.m. on Water Street at Polk Street.
The parade — geared for children from kindergarten through sixth grade, with children accompanied by adults — will move down Water Street to the Bank of America.
Children can trick-or-treat on the way back on Water Street, Washington Street and streets in between.
Water Street will be closed to traffic from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Chetzemoka — which cost $76.5 million for construction, contingency and construction management — is named for the well-respected Klallam chief Chetzemoka, who was buried in Port Townsend.
The Chetzemoka will be the first permanent ferry on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route in nearly three years.
The 50-car Steilacoom II, which the state leases from Pierce County, has been the solo ferry between the two Admiralty Inlet docks since state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond pulled the three 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries from service because their hulls were pitted and corroded.
While the community portrait is intended to reflect the population of Port Townsend, anyone who is in town is invited to participate, Mullen said.
“This is a community event, and anyone who wants to come is welcome,” she said.
She estimated that about 500 people would attend.
The family portraits have been taken about every three years since 1985 and are often planned in conjunction with a civic improvement or event.
The last portrait, in 2007, coincided with the opening of the new City Hall.
The picture will be turned into a poster that will be available the day after the picture is taken for $10 at the Printery/Star Copy, 631 Tyler St.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
