Planning for the 81st Rhododendron Festival week (May 16-22) may include pulling together a costume, growing your hair or beard, or training for the Rhody Run.
For those people, groups, …
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The 81st Rhododendron Festival is to be represented by (from left) Ambassador Eryn Reierson, Princess Morgan Wilford, Princess Kayla Calhoun and Queen Fiona Shaffer. Photo by Patrick J. Sullivan
Planning for the 81st Rhododendron Festival week (May 16-22) may include pulling together a costume, growing your hair or beard, or training for the Rhody Run.
For those people, groups, politicians or businesses wanting to enter the Rhody Fest Grand Parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21 on Lawrence Street in Uptown Port Townsend, the entry deadline is May 6. Download an application at rhodyfestival.org.
This year's festival theme is "Rockin' Rhody," with a royal court topped by Queen Fiona Shaffer, Princess Morgan Wilford, Princess Kayla Calhoun, and Rhody Ambassador Eryn Reierson. Rhody's new float is to debut May 7 at the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival Grand Parade.
The festival's fan-favorite events are back: Trike Race on Water Street on Wednesday, May 18 and Pet Parade on Lawrence Street May 19, followed by the three-day carnival opening at Memorial Athletic Field; Kiddies Parade, Hair and Beard Contest and Bed Race downtown on May 20; the Grand Parade May 21 followed by the Cake Picnic downtown; and the 38th Rhody Run starting at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 22 at Fort Worden.
New this year, the Kiwanis Club of Port Townsend has retired the Fish Fry that has long been part of the official Rhody Fest's Friday schedule, and replaced it with a beer and brats event, also at the American Legion Hall.
FARMERS MARKET
New this year, the Port Townsend Saturday Farmers Market in Uptown won't be closed on May 21 for the Rhody Fest Grand Parade. Instead, the Saturday market is to be in the Wednesday Farmers Market location on Polk Street. The market hours are the same as usual on May 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
“As a Port Townsend kid, the Rhododendron Festival was something I looked forward to all year," said Amanda Milholland, Jefferson County Farmers Market director. "Being a mother and seeing so many families vend at and visit our markets, I am really excited for the farmers market to take place during Rhododendron Festival and for kids and families to have the opportunity to enjoy the parade and visit the PT Saturday Farmers Market on the same day. I know my daughter, Inez, will likely be munching on spinach while watching the grand parade.”
