In one of the chilliest float rollouts ever, the Sequim Irrigation Festival royalty braced themselves in whipping winds for their inaugural float photos April 2. Aboard a magical woodland, queen Holly Hudson and princesses Elisha Elliott, Meghan Gammel and Lindsay Merrell still managed smiles with hair, capes and dresses flying.

The foursome was rewarded in its initial outing on April 4 at the Tacoma Daffodil Parade with pleasant temperatures and sunshine. The Sequim float won second place in the "Cities under 10,000" category. From now until December, the royalty and float will participate in about 17 western Washington parades.

Despite the Hood Canal bridge closing May 1, the day before the 114th festival begins, organizers are working to ensure more community participation with this year’s theme: Sequim – A Magical Place.

On May 2, Carrie Blake Park and its Guy Cole Convention Center will have many family-oriented activities, including a community picnic. Also new are free shuttles from downtown to the park.

The Sequim Irrigation Festival runs May 2-10.