PORT TOWNSEND — Beginning Monday, the chairs will begin to appear on the sidewalks of Lawrence Street in the uptown district. Not just lawn chairs, but recliners, sofas, rockers, tables and chairs.
Some will be tied to trees or to each other. Others will stand freely. This annual ritual of “saving the best seat in the house” signals the beginning of Rhody Week.
This is Port Townsend’s 83rd Rhododendron Festival, which began in 1936 and has been held every year since, excluding the war years of 1942-45.
Generations of families use this event as a way to connect with each other. Classmates reunite, old friends plan the weekend together.
New traditions are begun. A intimate crowd of more than 8,000 is expected.
“This is a true celebration of community,” said Brandi Hamon, volunteer festival president of this year’s event.
“Our theme is ‘Off to Rhody Land.’ It’s a take on Peter Pan and his quest to never grow up. We felt it was appropriate because all the fun connected to Rhody is for kids and kids at heart.”
Many of the beloved events are being held again, as is tradition. The carnival is back with its rides, games, prizes, corn dogs, cotton candy, curly fries and sno-cones.
The one thing about this year’s Grand Parade that’s a bit non-traditional is the Rhody float itself.
The float is a boat, more specifically a pirate ship, a la Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger, complete with a cannon. Rhody queen Ashley Rosser, and her court — Desirae Kudronowicz, Skyanne Lardella and Lacey Bishop — will be on board.
Bill and Elena Kraut, owners of Hadlock Building Supply, are the grand marshals and will lead the parade.
“They do a lot for the Hadlock community,” Hamon said. “They donated all the wood for our float this year. And since it’s a tall ship, that’s a lot of wood.”
Hamon said the Grand Parade on Saturday boasts 107 entries, with “lots of marching bands including Port Townsend, Chimacum, Port Angeles and Sequim high schools, and others from all around the state.”
The parade will start promptly at 1 p.m. at Lawrence and Harrison streets, winding its way towards Monroe Street then down to Water Street, ending at Quincy Street.
The Cake Picnic will follow immediately after the parade. The picnic will be at Pope Marine Park until 5 p.m.
Hamon said everyone is encouraged to have a slice of locally-made artisan cakes and enjoy live music, dancing and food vendors.
The schedule of events includes:
Monday
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — The Royalty Ribbon Cutting ceremony will open the festivities. Members of the royal court will gather at the Rhody Gardens at Fort Worden. Queen Ashley will cut the ribbon, signifying the start of Rhody Festival week.
Wednesday
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Trike Races. Registration will begin at 5 p.m. The races are for children from 1 to 6 years old. Push bikes and two-wheel bikes with training wheels of 12 inches or less are permitted. The race will start at Pope Marine Park on Water Street. Quincy and Water streets will close at 4:30 p.m.
“This is one of the most popular events focused on just the younger kids.” Hamon said. “We expect 100 participants and 200 spectators.”
Thursday
• 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Pet Parade will begin at Harrison Street and end at Taylor Street. The road will close at 3 p.m. at Lawrence and Pierce to Lawrence and Adams streets.
“About 300 participants are expected to bring their pets,” Hamon said. “In the past we’ve had a baby duck, a horse, chickens, cats, dogs and a goldfish. It really is a pet parade. Whatever your pet is, bring it.”
• 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Funtastic Carnival at Memorial Field, 550 Washington St. With a coupon, on Thursday only, $16 will buy six rides. Coupons will be distributed to businesses and schools in the community and handed out at the Trike Race and Pet Parade.
“The carnival is our biggest fundraiser,” Hamon said. “The kids look forward to this all year long. The rides are really popular, especially Zero Gravity and Starship 2000. Funtastic has been coming to our community for over 40 years. What I love is that I get to see people that I don’t normally see. We are all so busy, but we always see each other at the carnival on opening night.”
Friday
• 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Kiddies Parade will begin at Adams Street uptown and end at Madison Street downtown. Five hundred participants are expected.
“It’s my favorite, because I love to see little kids get excited,” Hamon said.
• 5:15 p.m. — Hair & Beard Contest. Participants will assemble at the American Legion Hall on the Water Street side. Judging will be at 6 p.m. It is open to men, women and children.
• 6:30 p.m. — Bed Races on Water Street will follow the Hair & Beard contest.
Hamon said anyone with a headboard, foot board, mattress and a rider over 100 pounds is welcomed to participate. Wheel must be no larger than 12 inches. Registration starts an hour before the event.
• 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Funtastic Carnival continues at Memorial Field. Unlimited rides cost $30.
Saturday
• 8 a.m. — 2018 Jim Caldwell Rhody Memorial Classic Festival Golf Tournament at Port Townsend Golf Club. Entry fee $35, $45 for non-members.
• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Rhody Pancake Breakfast at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St.
• Noon — Running of the Balls will be on Monroe Street. It is organized by Sunrise Rotary with proceeds going to buy dictionaries for every third grade student in east Jefferson County.
• 1 p.m. — Rhody Festival Grand Parade, beginning at at Lawrence and Harrison streets. Cake Picnic will follow the parade at Pope Marine Park.
• 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Rhody Run packet pickup and on-site registration at Fort Worden.
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Elks Rhody Spaghetti Feed Dinner.
• Noon to 10 p.m. — Carnival. Unlimited rides cost $30.
Sunday, May 20
• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast at the Elks Lodge.
• 9 a.m. — Golf tournament continues. Best Ball contest.
• 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Packet pickup for 12k race/ day of registration at Fort Worden Commons.
• 9:30 a.m. — Kid’s Sprint, Fort Worden.
• 11 a.m. — Rhody Run 12 k Race will start, Officer’s Row, Fort Worden.
• 11.30 a.m. — Half-Rhody Run 6k Race will start. Royalty will participate.
“So many people have such wonderful memories of this special celebration in Port Townsend,” Hamon said. “It’s changed a lot since I was a kid, but my childhood memories are fresh and I want my children to enjoy the fun and excitement of the event.
“When they are my age, I hope they will feel the same way I do.”
For more information, see http://www.rhodyfestival.org/.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
