Festival’s first weekend has downhome flavor

The 114th Sequim Irrigation Festival begins on Saturday, May 2, with some tried-and-true events as well as some new ones.

The 114th Sequim Irrigation Festival begins on Saturday, May 2, with some tried-and-true events as well as some new ones.

The Arts and Crafts Fair, May 2-3, will feature craft vendors from around the region with hand-crafted goods to sell, joined by local entertainers.

On Sunday the Sequim High School Jazz Band will perform. Classic cars from the Sequim Car Club and the Gold Wing motorcycles will visit the fair Saturday.

For the first time the merchants in Sequim are extending the Merchant Fair to Washington Street by having curbside booths between Sequim and Second avenues. Entertainment will continue throughout the day at Washington Street and Sequim Avenue in the Bank of America Park. The Merchant Fair is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 2.

In an attempt to revive historical May Day celebrations and early Irrigation Festivals, a Festival Family Picnic will take place at Carrie Blake Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Other events:

• A Bicycle Poker Run will take cyclists from the park on a 35-mile route stopping at lavender farms along the way before returning to the park.

• Dog games at the dog park will provide demonstrations and fun for people and pets.

• The Maypole Dance will start at 11:30 a.m., performed by children from the Boys & Girls Club.

• Softball tournaments by the Senior Softball and Babe Ruth leagues.

• Picnic games such as 3-legged races and a tug of war.

• A dunk tank by the Boys & Girls Club.

• Pie throwing.

• Inside and outside entertainment.

• Food will supplied by Jeremiah’s and Cedar Creek Restaurant/Bell Street Bakery throughout the day.

Kids Day, from 11 a.m.-

2 p.m., will be at Carrie Blake Park in conjunction with the Festival Family Picnic. Events will include the popular Touch A Truck, plus face painting, the Clallam County Literacy Council, bouncy houses, models, crafts, and entertainment by Louie Foxx and Aspire Academy. The Happy Tymer Clowns also will entertain.

Shuttles by Rocket Transporation will run between downtown and Carrie Blake.

A community dinner will be held at the Guy Cole Convention Center at Carrie Blake Park from 5-9 p.m. The Italian meal is being catered by Cedar Creek Restaurant with pasta made by Bell Street Bakery.

Entertainment will be provided by Lee Tyler Post, and beer and wine will be available. Tickets, $12, can be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.IrrigationFestival.com, e-mail info@irrigation festival.com.