Colonial Fest returns with expanded activities, offerings

By Matthew Nash • August 10, 2022 1:30 am
Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Jane Ritchie plans to portray Martha Washington one more year while continuing to share her knowledge about fibers and women’s contributions during the time.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Jane Ritchie plans to portray Martha Washington one more year while continuing to share her knowledge about fibers and women’s contributions during the time.

In the Pacific Northwest, Pam Gassman, event planner for the Northwest Colonial Festival, said when some people hear the word “colonial” here, they think of Lewis and Clark or the battle between “north and south.” To her, that means “there’s work to be done.”

Enter the eighth Northwest Colonial Festival, again at the scenic George Washington Inn and Washington Lavender Farm, 939 Finn Hall Road, Port Angeles.

The annual festival runs Aug. 11-14 with skirmishes between British Regulars and the colonial militia, demonstrations and discussions of life during the American Revolutionary War, and more.

“It’s a very family-friendly thing and we want it to be a multi-level experience,” Gassman said.

“Kids and adults can learn. People who come have later wanted to help and participate. We’re always open to inviting more people.”

This year, about 75 reenactors are anticipated to recreate life from around 1775 as part of a full event. The previous two years were a casual reenactment with less offerings with COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.

Jane Ritchie plans to portray Martha Washington one more year while continuing to share her knowledge about fibers and women’s contributions during the time.

“Women helped with the revolution. They may not be necessarily manning the cannons, but holding down the home fronts,” she said.

“(The festival is a) great way to present women’s history in the effort for independence — supporting troops, making their clothes, carrying on their family businesses (post office, farms, law firms, etc.).

“Women have played a significant role. Now that it’s available, we can show them some were spies too.”

Expanded

This year’s festival features a larger education area with discussions on a variety of subjects such as colonial medicine and financing the revolution. There will also be a larger fiber crafts area for spinning and weaving, and an expanded children’s area with scavenger hunts, games, crafts and more throughout the festival.

On Thursday, Aug. 11, reenactors will demonstrate firearm handling and other battle techniques in the battlefield and camp areas. At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 12-13, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, skirmishes are held on the front lawn.

Jeff Dacus, portraying George Washington, narrates once again and shares information about the soldiers, politics of the times, and more.

Gassman said organizers hope to bring an understanding and sense of thrill to the West Coast with the history of the United States that’s more prevalent closer to historical sites on the East Coast.

“It’s important we know about the American Revolution as there are a lot of bad things and good things in our history. I don’t want to white wash it,” she said.

“As humanitarians, we have progressed, and have learned much from each other. It’s good to teach to see how far you’ve come and show you how far you have to go.”

Tickets

Weekend passes are discounted prior to the event on Aug. 11 to $7 for adults; $4 for military, seniors and teens; and $1 for children ages 2-12.

For more information about the event, visit colonialfestival.com.

Northwest Colonial Festival

When: Aug. 11-14

Where: George Washington Inn, 939 Finn Hall Road

Tickets: $7 adult, $4 teens/seniors/militsry, $1 children (ages 2-12); available online at colonialfestival.com and door. Discount prior to Aug. 11

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Colonial and British soldiers hold a skirmish during the Northwest Colonial Festival last year. It returns for four days Aug. 11-14 with skirmishes, demonstrations and more at the George Washington Inn.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Colonial and British soldiers hold a skirmish during the Northwest Colonial Festival last year. It returns for four days Aug. 11-14 with skirmishes, demonstrations and more at the George Washington Inn.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Visitors can learn about life from reenactors and historians during the American Revolutionary War at the Northwest Colonial Festival slated for Aug. 11-14 at the George Washington Inn and Washington Lavender Farm.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash/ Visitors can learn about life from reenactors and historians during the American Revolutionary War at the Northwest Colonial Festival slated for Aug. 11-14 at the George Washington Inn and Washington Lavender Farm.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash Colonial soldiers shoot at the British in a skirmish during the Northwest Colonial Festival last year. It returns for four days Aug. 11-14 with skirmishes, demonstrations and more at the George Washington Inn.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash Colonial soldiers shoot at the British in a skirmish during the Northwest Colonial Festival last year. It returns for four days Aug. 11-14 with skirmishes, demonstrations and more at the George Washington Inn.