Ekphrastic poetry read

The community is invited to the annual Ekphrastic Poetry Writers Read free event set for 2-3 p.m.Wednesday, June 18, at Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St.

The gallery will host the Olympic Peninsula Authors reading original ekphrastic poems inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Ekphrastic poetry is an ancient Greek form of writing that vividly describes or responds to a piece of visual art, often bringing the artwork to life through words.

“Each year, we come together to celebrate the powerful dialogue between visual art and poetry. This event deepens our connection to both forms and invites the community to experience art through a new lens,” stated a press release issued by Blue Whole Gallery.

Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com or stop by the gallery.

Wildflower Walks

The Dungeness River Nature Center invites the community to explore the stunning blooms and panoramic views of the Deer Park area in Olympic National Park as part of its ongoing Wildflower Walk Series. The next sessions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, June 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with hikes beginning at the Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road, before carpooling to the trailhead in the Deer Park area.

Led by wildflower expert John Bridge and the River Center’s Education Manager Montana Napier, these full-day hikes offer an immersive experience in plant identification and nature observation. Participants will witness the seasonal progression of native blooms, beginning with early summer alpine flowers and continuing through late bloomers and seed setting, all while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

This summer series continues with additional hikes on July 16 and 17 and August 20 and 21.

Participants may register for individual dates or attend all three to experience the changing season across the summer months.

Hike details:

• Intermediate level

• Approximately 4-5 miles each day

• Trails are narrow with uneven footing and occasional obstacles

• Little elevation gain, but good mobility is required

• Bring water, lunch, layered clothing

Cost is $30 for DRNC members, $40 for non-members.

Registration is required. Go to https://dungenessrivercenter.org/programs/category/wildflower-walks/.

Penny’s Cabaret at Studio Bob

Penny’s Cabaret returns to the stage on Saturday, June 28, at 8 p.m. at Studio Bob, 118 1/2 E. Front St. in Port Angeles.

Hosted by Penny Featherbottom, this second installment brings together a rich and eclectic mix of local talent, including the hoop artistry of Chana Hoops, the sultry stage presence of Aleksandra, Mistress of Fusion, Pearl Grey, and the soulful original music of singer-songwriter Karl G.

The night will also feature local musicians Northstar, a drag performance with live vocals by Mike Drop, and Gene the Magician.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available at outloudstoryslam.com. General admission is $25. VIP tickets are $35 and include premium front row and second row seating. Cash and card are accepted.

Attendees are encouraged to dress boldly and expressively — sequins, feathers, velvet, and color are all welcome.

Petals & Pathways tour

Tickets remain on sale, though in a limited number, for the Petals & Pathways garden tour sponsored by the Clallam County Master Gardener Foundation. Featuring eight beautifully landscaped gardens in Sequim, the tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.

Each garden will have Master Gardeners on site to assist and inform the garden enthusiast.

The gardens are playfully named for their uniqueness such as “Second Chance” which is an excellent example of Intentional Landscaping. The homeowner knew what he wanted to achieve in his landscaping efforts and was successful in obtaining that goal. This property is a beautiful and whimsical retreat for family and friends. There are other Intentional Landscapes like, “Harvest Haven” with its sustainable and healthy gardens for kitchen and table. Learn new variety and techniques in growing food from the Sequim Organic Community Gardens. “Sanctuary for Humans & Wildlife” shares riches for pollinators, birds, native plants and food for all life.

The 2025 tour has lots of trees highlighting Sequim’s canopy with 193 trees in the newly designated Arboretum, Pioneer Memorial Park, which will have Sequim Valley Lions 11th Annual Crab and Silent Auction Fundraising Event from 1-5 p.m. The auction is free to view for the community, and there will be live music and a beer garden. Crab can be purchased on site.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at clallammgf.org or in person at Sunny Farms in Sequim or Airport Garden Center in Port Angeles.

Sequim Wheelers fundraiser

The Sequim Wheelers will host a bike ride fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 1-4 p.m. The ride will be from the Dungeness River Nature Center to Olympic Bluffs Lavender Farm and Cidery, where there will be a tour of the cidery and a private tasting hosted by the owner and cider maker.

The event will be limited to 50 people.

The cost is $50 per person and is tax deductible. Mail checks to Sequim Wheelers, P.O. Box 1852, Sequim, WA., 98382.

Liars Contest at Field Hall

Field Hall and Story People of Clallam County will present the 10th “Almost Annual” Liars Contest in the Sunset Bar & Lounge at Field Arts & Events Hall, 201 W. Front St., on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m.

The Liars Contest promises a fast-paced, laugh-filled competition where up to 10 storytellers will take the mic to spin their most outrageous whoppers. Each teller will have seven minutes plus a one-minute grace period to deliver their best tall tale — told, not read. A panel of judges will crown the 2025 champion liar by night’s end.

Returning crowd favorites include Ken DuBuc (retired Port Angeles fire chief and former champion) and Toby Anderson (reigning titleholder from Olympia). Also featured this year are liars Bob Nuffer, Doug Woodall, Emma Amiad, Nicolas Wasierski, Bowen Lee, and Kevin Roth.

The Liars Contest will be emceed by Ingrid Nixon, a master storyteller, expedition guide, and certified champion liar. Ingrid holds a Master’s in Storytelling and performs at festivals throughout the states, including the National Storytelling Festival. She hosts/produces “Story Borealis,” a program dedicated to the art of oral storytelling on National Public Radio affiliate KBBI.org. Learn more at ingridnixon.com.

This event marks the second official partnership between Field Hall and the Story People, following ghost stories event Head Bone Rattles with award-winning storyteller Kim Weitkamp in October 2024.

The Story People of Clallam County is a nonprofit guild dedicated to keeping the art of live storytelling alive and thriving on the North Olympic Peninsula. Through performances, educational programs, and community events, the group creates space for voices of all kinds. In addition to the annual Liars Contest and Storytelling Festival, they host free monthly Story Swaps on the first Wednesday of each month (September–June) at the Port Angeles Library’s Raymond Carver Room, and storytelling workshops on the third Monday of each month via Zoom — both of which are open to all ages and experience levels.

Teller spots for the Liars Contest are still available. To reserve your place or join the waitlist, visit ClallamStoryPeople.org and email your request to ClallamStoryPeople@gmail.com.

Field Hall will open at 5 p.m. on the day of the show. The Sunset Bar & Lounge will offer small bites, full dinners, desserts, and drinks for purchase. Seating is limited, so reservations are highly encouraged. To purchase tickets, visit fieldhallevents.org/tickets.

OUUF guest speaker

Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1033 N. Barr Road, will host guest speaker Michael Lowe on Sunday, June 15, at 11 a.m. Lowe’s message is titled “The Sequim Pride Celebration: Past, Present and Future.”

Drawing on his prior experience and connections with the local indigenous communities, Lowe will share the history of local Pride celebrations and offer his hopes for the future.

Four years ago, Lowe, 78, founded the first Sequim Pride Celebration. He is a gay father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, former drag queen, and an elder of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. Lowe is also an artist, teacher and supporter of community events and is deeply involved with the Tribe. He has been head cook along with his niece, Vicki Lowe, at Canoe Landings.

One can attend the service either in-person or via Zoom.

For more information, please visit www.olympicuuf.com.

Hot Rods & Hot Dogs

Peninsula Dream Machines Car Club will hold its Fourth Annual Hot Rods & Hot Dogs Car Show on Father’s Day, June 15, from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Old Fairview School across from Fairview Grange, 161 Lake Farm Rd., in Port Angeles.

Bring your classic cars/trucks/motorcycles. Vehicle entrants are at 10 a.m.;

Lots of fun, music, drawings and great vehicles to view, plus free hot dogs while they last.

Donations of food or cash for food banks is appreciated, but not required. All proceeds benefit hospice. For more information, call 360-461-9008 or email pmorris301@gmail.com.