PORT TOWNSEND — Overcast skies and light rain did not dampen the 81st annual Rhododendron Parade on Saturday as spectators jammed both sides of 13 city blocks.
“I don’t think the rain affected us at all. There were a lot of people here,” said Juanita Maples, Rhody Festival vice president.
Over 2,500 people filled the streets for about two hours as 105 floats passed by, with school bands, businesses, politicians and civic groups all part of the mix.
The parade began in front of the Port Townsend Fire Station and headed down Lawrence Street, turning right on Monroe Street and right again on Water Street.
At Quincy Street, marchers were guided to the right while vehicles continued on to Water Street.
Wayward floats
Apparently extending the parade were several out-of-town floats that continued on Water Street and Sims Way, with those aboard waving to bewildered passers-by.
Most of the people attending were present or former Port Townsend residents celebrating the town before the tourist season kicks in.
Streets were empty two hours before the parade, although a variety of lawn furniture was tied up along the route to save spectators’ places.
The chairs started appearing Wednesday.
Notably absent was 99-year-old George Huntingford, who has attended all the previous parades.
He was all set to go but didn’t feel well at the last minute, according to his grandson, Christopher Huntingford-Gunn.
Vicki Lockhart of Port Hadlock, who has occupied the same space across from the American Legion Hall during parades for 20 years, said this was probably her last year at that particular post.
She and her family have parked an RV in an adjacent parking lot, which was roped off this year. They had to drive back home to switch cars.
“It looks like we might not be coming next year,” she said.
Continues today
The festival continues today with the Jim Caldwell Memorial Golf Tournament from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port Townsend Golf Course, 1948 Blaine St., and the Rhody Run.
Packet pickup and day-of registration for the run will be from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Fort Worden Commons.
At 9:30 a.m. will be the Kid’s Sprint in Fort Worden.
The 12K race will begin at 11 a.m., and race awards will be at 2 p.m.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
