Rhodies are in bloom well in time for the annual Rhododendron Festival, "80 Years and Still Blooming," with the first official festival event coming Wednesday, May 13.

"We're anticipating another great festival, from the parades to the carnival," said Debbie Lafollette, the Rhododendron Festival Association member who is coordinating weekly events and the Grand Parade.

Here are a few highlights as we gear up for Rhody, the largest and oldest community-based festival in Jefferson County:

THE 'DUDE' SHOW

A key fundraising opportunity for the Rhododendron Festival Association is the "Dude Looks Like a Lady" fashion show, from 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, May 9 at the Marvin G. Shields American Legion Hall downtown. The "dude" who raises the most money, through sponsorships or event-night tips, wins a trophy. The audience helps judge two awards. It's a 21-and-older show; admission is $5. The event raises money for the Rhody Fest royalty scholarship fund.

There are 14 individuals registered as of May 4. "Dudes" who want to participate should contact Steve Spencer at sspencer154@gmail.com.

NEW THIS YEAR

The parade routes and times are all the same this year. (Respect the "no parking" signs placed by police as your vehicle may otherwise be towed.) There are a few new features at specific events:

• Trike Race May 13: Look for age group signs to assist with sign-up and competition.

• Kiddie Parade May 15: There are 14 new categories this year.

• Hair & Beard Contest May 15: Back for a second year, after a long hiatus, this year's contest has a children's category and every child who enters receives a prize.

• Bed Race & Rally May 15: It's not just a fast dash anymore, where the team with the youngest legs tends to always win. The Rhody Bed Race now includes surprise tricks and challenges that level the playing field. Applications are available at rhodyfestival.org or from Janet Emery at the Legion Hall.

The Rhododendron Festival Association is a nonprofit organization. Fundraising includes Rhody Fest pin sales; pins are available at Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Penny Saver Mart, Maricee Fashions, Lehani's Deli, First Federal, Aldrich's Market and Hilltop Tavern.

MINI-SCHEDULE

The official Rhododendron Festival Program with Grand Parade line-up appears in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader's May 13 issue. Here is a basic schedule of official Rhododendron Festival Association events, and selected other activities:

• Saturday - Sunday, May 9-10: Rhododendron Arts and Crafts Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Saturday, May 9: "Dude Looks Like a Lady" fashion show, 8 p.m. - midnight., Legion Hall. Admission $5, ages 21 and older.

• Monday, May 11: Royalty handprints at Centennial Rhododendron Garden, Fort Worden, 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 13: Trike race at 6 p.m., Water Street by City Hall.

• Thursday, May 14: Pet Parade at 4:30 p.m., Lawrence Street; Funtastic Carnival opens at Memorial Athletic Field.

• Friday, May 15: Kiddie Parade at 3:30 p.m. downtown starting on Lawrence Street and ending at Water Street; hair and beard contest for kids and adults at 5:30 p.m. on Water Street in front of City Hall; bed race rally at 6:30 p.m., on Water Street at City Hall.

• Saturday, May 16: Grand Parade at 1 p.m., starting at the Fire Hall uptown, finishing downtown. (Sunrise Rotary's Running of the Balls starts at 12:30 p.m. on the Monroe Street hill.) The Grand Parade application deadline has been extended to May 8, for local entries. Volunteers are needed on Grand Parade day, in particular, to help with judging and general duties. Also, a few convertibles are needed to transport royalty. Visit rhodyfestival.org or email rhodygrandparade@outlook.com.

• Sunday, May 17: Jefferson Healthcare Rhody Run XXXVII, starting at 11 a.m. at Fort Worden. Registration fees through May 16 are $35 for adults and $15 for children (ages 15 and under). On race day, May 17, the cost rises to $50 for adults and $20 for children. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Participants can register in person on May 16 at Fort Worden for the lower price. Check your options at rhodyrun.com.