PORT TOWNSEND — It’s time to party.
The Hood Canal Bridge, the economic lifeline to the North Olympic Peninsula, reopened late Wednesday night after its east half was replaced.
To celebrate that fact, a Bridge Opening Bash is on tap Saturday in Port Townsend after an official ribbon-cutting ceremony across the newly refurbished floating roadway.
Activities are scheduled from noon to 8 p.m.
“It’s really a party for the entire Olympic Peninsula,” said Christina Pivarnik, city of Port Townsend marketing director.
“It’s a chance for us to open our arms to all our Peninsula visitors.”
The event celebrates the accomplishment of building a “world-class bridge” and the role it plays in the economic and social success of the region, Pivarnik said.
“Workers and drivers alike will be celebrated for their contribution to the project’s success, and a variety of events and venues will showcase the unique food, maritime flavor, arts and music and outdoor activities that are easily reached by crossing Hood Canal Bridge to experience life on the other side,” she said in a statement.
The Port Townsend bridge bash will start after the 11 a.m. bridge east-half-project ribbon-cutting ceremony at Salsbury Point Park in Kitsap County, between the bridge’s east end and Port Gamble.
State Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond will speak, and the Chimacum High School band will perform.
The ceremony will recognize community leaders and the bridge contractor and welcome officials from the area.
After the ceremony in Kitsap County, the party will move across the bridge to Port Townsend.
At about noon, a small parade of vintage cars from around the time when the bridge was first opened–1959 to1961– will bring visitors and regional officials through Port Ludlow and Port Hadlock to Port Townsend.
They’ll head to the Haines Place Park and Ride and the newly opened Port Townsend Chamber Visitor Information Center for its grand opening at 1 p.m.
The new center at 440 12th St. plans an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other festivities scheduled in Port Townsend are:
• 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — A special exhibit of historic Hood Canal Bridge photos and an ongoing film presentation in the City Council chambers in historic City Hall, 540 Water St.
• Noon — The Bridge Opening Bash celebration in Port Townsend will launch with the start of the Classic Mariner’s Regatta.
• 1 p.m. — A “Dock of the Bay” concert strikes up across Water Street from historic City Hall in the Pope Marine building. Admission is $10.
Tents or booths will be set up with information about Sequim, Port Angeles and other Peninsula communities.
• 2 p.m. — Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval will welcome everyone, including Hammond, at Union Wharf.
• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Following a few speeches and local entertainment, the Delta Rays will perform at Union Wharf.
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. –The Upper Washington Street neighborhood of downtown Port Townsend is hosting “Swoon Under the Full Moon in June,” a community block party.
• 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Port Townsend Farmers Market, Lawrence and Tyler streets, uptown.
• Noon to 4 p.m. — The Jefferson County Historical Society will open an exhibit of Native American baskets with a tribal canoe in front of the museum to welcome visitors into the building at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.
• 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Gallery Walk downtown and uptown.
• 7:30 p.m. — PT Shorts in Pope Marine building. PT Shorts is an ongoing free monthly program of dramatic short readings of literary works by local actors, produced by Key City Public Theatre and sponsored by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.
The bash is sponsored by the city of Port Townsend in partnership with Transportation, bridge contractor Kiewit-General, Port Townsend Main Street, the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce and Olympic Peninsula communities.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
