The Port Townsend Paper Corp. has a wait list of people interested in taking a tour of the mill Saturday, Sept. 13. It's the first time since 1949 that the mill has opened its doors to public tours.

“There are over 300 people coming for the tour and even more signed up for the BBQ,” said mill spokeswoman Emily Hayes, of the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Although times to take a tour of the old corrugated container plant and the paper machines are filled, mill executive assistant Rita Hubbard said there's always a possibility of a few openings.

“If they're not on time we will fill the space with someone that may be on standby,” she said, noting that it's important for people who have been sent notices of their times on the tour to arrived 15 minutes early. Anyone who can't make it also can cancel by emailing openhouse@ptpc.com or calling 379-2028.

“We have had a great response and are really looking forward to meeting the community,” Hubbard said. “There will be many of us at PT Paper that will be here all day and hope to meet and feed as many as we can.”

Hayes echoed that sentiment.

The BBQ part of the open house is still open to all and there is no need to RSVP, Hayes said. There is a presentation for those unable to make a tour, as well as equipment to see and there is a bouncy castle for kids.

The mill also hosts a free bus every 15 minutes starting at 10:45 a.m. from the Haines Street Park-and-Ride lot and officials urge people to use that free service because parking at the mill is limited.

People who plan to take the tour are reminded to wear sturdy, closed shoes – no sandals – and remember that they will be asked to don a hard hat, safety glasses and hearing protection.

The paper company has been and remains the largest private employer in Jefferson County since it opened in 1928.