PORT TOWNSEND — This year’s Port Townsend Family Portrait will have some extra color, as many of the participants will be in costume, and the new ferry will fill the background.
The portrait will be taken on Oct. 31, Halloween, and is timed to take place immediately prior to the Main Street Downtown Trick or Treat and Costume Parade.
“This is going to be exciting, and very Port Townsend,” Main Street Director Mari Mullen said.
It will take place on the Washington State Ferries holding area on Water Street, with the new M/V Chetzemoka docked in the background.
The ferry is not scheduled to go into service on the route between Port Townsend and Coupeville on Whidbey Island until Nov. 14, but the city and the state ferry system have coincided sea trials to allow the boat to be in the community photograph.
Port Townsend photographer David Conklin will snap the photo at about 4 p.m., between sailings of the Steilacoom II, which leaves at 3:45 p.m.
Mullen said that participants should arrive at about 3:50 p.m. They will stand on the empty holding area.
“We can do this pretty quickly and expect that it will be finished a little after 4,” she said.
Immediately after the photograph, the parade will move from the ferry dock down Water Street.
Public safety officials will be involved. The Port Townsend Police Department officers will manage traffic while East Jefferson Fire-Rescue fire fighters will loan a ladder truck, allowing Conklin to shoot down onto the crowd.
While the portrait is intended to reflect the population of Port Townsend, anyone who is in town is invited to participate, Mullen.
“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 next day 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 charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
