The Sequim Irrigation Festival’s streak as Washington’s most continuous festival will remain intact despite some amendments and omissions later this month.
A virtual unveiling of the festival royalty’s float is slated for Sept. 19 followed by its Kickoff Dinner and Auction. A condensed number of events including the Grand Parade in downtown Sequim will go on Oct. 10.
However, some events are cancelled, such as The Logging Show and Strongman Showdown, while others are virtual only, such as Family Fun Day.
Organizers postponed this year’s events for its 125th year under the title “125, the Fields are Alive” because of growing concerns and provisions for the 2019 novel coronavirus. Its first event, the Royalty Scholarship Pageant in March, was held just prior to the postponement of later events.
“(This year’s events) will look and feel a little different given the challenges and constraints that the current circumstances present,” organizers said.
“There are some events that we just can not present, given the requirements for social distancing and other ‘safe’ practices and guidelines.”
2020 Irrigation Festival schedule
Sept. 19
Up first for the revised festival is the Float Roll-out at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 in front of 7 Cedars Casino. The festival’s royalty rides in their float for the first time. Look for the event online at irrigationfestival.com.
Afterward, the Kick-Off Dinner is held along with the auction, a major fundraiser for the festival. Pioneers, royalty and the grand marshal are all introduced during the event. Those who ordered dinner can pick it up from the casino.
The public can see the silent and live auction items before the event and bid on silent items now and on live items during the auction at kickoff2020.givesmart.com.
Oct. 10
Typically covered in the first two weekends of May, organizers combined the Crazy Callen Weekend and Grand Finale Weekend.
Innovative Arts and Crafts Show
For its 30th year, the Innovative Arts and Crafts Show joins the Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market on the Sequim Civic Center Plaza on Oct. 10. With questions, email Renne Brock at Innovativeac@IrrigationFestival.com.
Parade
The 125th Grand Parade will be amended to become a procession featuring only the royalty float, past royalty, and dignitaries. Start time and route are to be determined for Oct. 10.
Past Royalty Luncheon
Prior to the parade, organizers open up the Past Royalty Luncheon to the public to view videos submitted by past royals. For more information, visit the festival’s website.
Fireworks (TBD)
Organizers say they continue to work on logistics for a fireworks show sometime on Oct. 10. Details forthcoming.
Virtual events
Kids Parade
Families with children 12 and younger are encouraged to dress up for the virtual Kids Parade. Children can win prizes for “Best Storybook Character,” “Best Pet Entry,” “Best Mini Floats,” “Best Festival Theme” and “Grand Prize.”
Winners will be posted online on 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.
To submit an entry, email familyfunday@irrigationfestival.com.
Family Fun Day
Rather than events along Washington Street, organizers are looking to host online activities for families. There will be an opportunity for people to pick up an activity packet with a date to be determined. For more information, contact Michelle Rhodes at familyfunday@irrigationfestival.com.
Crazy Daze Breakfast
Businesses are encouraged to send a video of a skit to Julianne Coonts at juliannevillella@hotmail.com before Sept. 26. Skits should reflect the theme “125, the Fields are Alive.” Winners will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. Organizers encourage people to pick up breakfast from their favorite restaurant while watching the event.
Cancelled
Organizers opted to cancel the following events due to COVID-19 concerns: the carnival; Hot Rods & Harleys Show n’ Cruise; Historic Walking Tour; Irrigation Festival Fun Run; Logging Show, Truck and Tractor Pull, and Strongman Showdown.
Events and schedule subject to change due to health and state provisions.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SequimIrrigationFestival and irrigationfestival.com.
