An “Old School 4th of July” is the theme of a big celebration this year at Fort Worden State Park featuring music, games, pie-eating and tug-of-war contests, and a free firework display.

The event is sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Thunderball Productions and Centrum’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.

People are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, blankets, games and anything else they want to share.

The Fort Worden Parade Grounds are open for free parking starting at 3:30 p.m. on July 4; all other parking requires a Discover Pass, available at the park for $30 for a year, $10 for a day.

The sign-up for the pie-eating contest, $20, begins at 4 p.m., with apple pies made by artisan baker Meredith Hotchkiss. The first 12 people to sign up are to compete.

At 6:30 p.m., a flock of bird-shaped piñatas are ready to release candy from Elevated Ice Cream Co. and dental hygiene products donated by David Chuljian, DDS. Free root beer floats are to be served to the first 1,000 people in attendance starting at 7 p.m.

There also is still time to sign up for the Old School 4th of July tug-of-war contest with a $1,000 grand prize. Deadline is at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2 at Pope Marine Park. Additional activities include, but are not limited to, a display of “old school” cars by the Rakers Car Club, boffing with Wildwise Adventure School, henna art by Sacred Skin Henna, a miniature golf course and a PT Village Building Convergence art installation.

For more information about the event, visit the “Old School 4th of July” page on Facebook, or email

danielmilholland@gmail.com.

Additional concerts and fireworks displays take place throughout Jefferson County.

This following list of events was gleaned from information available as of Monday, June 29. Look online at

ptleader.com for any additions or changes that may occur. Note that donations are requested at some events, but they are not required for admission.

PORT TOWNSEND

1:30-4:30 p.m. • Centrum Fiddle Tunes Concert Fiddles on the Fourth. $15-$28. McCurdy Pavilion, Fort Worden State Park.

Old School 4th of July at Fort Worden State Park:

4 p.m. • Field games, food venders, BYO games, picnic blankets, chairs, etc.

4:30 p.m. • The Crow Quill Night Owls

5 p.m. • Tug-of-war qualifying rounds

5:30 p.m. ­• The Hep Replacements

6:30 p.m. • Flock of Piñatas

7 p.m. • Kevin Mason & the Yacht Club

7 p.m. • Free root beer floats

8 p.m. • Tug-of-war final match

8 p.m. • Pie-eating contest

8:30 p.m. • Tuba Skinny

10 p.m. • Fireworks

7:30 p.m. • Port Townsend Summer Band Independence Day Concert. American Legion Post 26, 209 Monroe St.

7:30-8:30 p.m. • PT Shorts. “An Old-Fashioned Fourth.” Northwind Arts Center, 701 Water St.

PORT LUDLOW

10 a.m. • Rededication Potlatch for Port Ludlow Totem Pole. Burner Point.

QUILCENE/BRINNON

1-5 p.m. • Fourth of July Event at Linger Longer Stage. Brett Townsend, The Village Idiots and others. By donation. 151 Columbia St., Quilcene.

2 p.m. • Olympic Music Festival Independence Day Pops. Violinist Kristin Lee and cellist Dmitri Atapine. $14-$35. 7360 Center Road, Quilcene.

Dusk • Fireworks at Betty Lou’s Campground. Sponsored by Bud’s Excavating and Up & Adam Tree Service. 370 School House Road, Brinnon.

MARROWSTONE ISLAND

5 p.m. • Badd Dog Blues Society Independence Day concert. Featuring Andy Koch, Jeff Dale, Hammerin’ Hank, Donnie Simms and Bob Able. Battery Bankhead at Fort Flagler State Park.