NEAH BAY — Racing “war canoes” will ride the waves in friendly competition, fireworks will light up the sky, and dances, games and crafts will be shared this weekend during the Makah Days celebration.
The annual Makah Days festival begins today and will continue through Saturday and Sunday at Neah Bay, which is at the most northwestern point of the contiguous U.S. at the end of state Highway 112.
99 years ago
The first Makah Days celebration was Aug. 26, 1913, the day the first U.S. flag flew over Neah Bay.
Today, Makah Days celebrates both the ancient native tradition, a way of life on the tip of the North Olympic Peninsula for more than 4,000 years, and the Makah identity as citizens of the United States.
War canoe races will be held each day of the event, featuring 14 cedar racing war canoes from the Makah — who are closely related to the Nuu-chah-nulth nations of Vancouver Island — and from guest tribes from Washington state and Canadian First Nations.
The races will begin at 3 p.m. today with youth races.
At noon Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, adult pullers will vie for the title of fastest canoe in both men’s and women’s races.
The war canoes are narrower than the seagoing canoes used during the annual Paddle Journey and carry 10-person crews, who compete each summer at different locations in the Pacific Northwest, said Rose Jimmicum, Makah Days Committee chairwoman.
Races are held near the Makah Tribal Senior Center, 341 Bayview Ave.
Fun run
At 4 p.m. Saturday, all comers are challenged to race to the top during the ninth annual Bahokus Peak Challenge uphill fun run.
The event is a 3-mile run to Bahokus, which overlooks Neah Bay.
This year, a Half Challenge will be offered for those not ready for the full course.
The event was founded by Dr. Thomas VanEaton when he arrived at Neah Bay to take over the tribal health clinic.
“I wanted to show patients that I’m taking my own advice, not just promoting it. I’m doing it,” VanEaton said.
“Anyone who completes the course is a winner,” he said.
Registration is $10, in person at check-in or online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/bahokus.
Check-in begins at 3:15 p.m. at the base of Bahokus Peak Road.
Book readings
A new activity at the festival this year will be book readings featuring two Native American authors from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday at the Makah Museum, 1880 Bay View Ave.
Dawn Lawrence, author of Joseph and the Tamanawis Spirit, will read her tale of an epic battle involving culture, and children’s author Melissa Peterson-Renault will present her story Raven, Crow and the Hair Seal.
Vendors will sell traditional and modern items, from fry bread and Indian tacos to native arts and crafts, during a street fair on Bay View Avenue that opens at noon today and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Salmon bakes will be held Saturday and Sunday near the senior center on Bay View Avenue.
Festivities will include slahal games, a traditional bone game and a formal slahal tournament.
Grand parade
Among the highlights of the celebration will be the grand parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, when an hourlong procession of royalty floats from around the North Olympic Peninsula and other participants will move down Bay View Avenue from the Makah Cultural and Research Center to the senior center.
This year, the entire 2012 Neah Bay High School state champion football team will serve as grand marshals of the parade, Jimmicum said.
Fireworks will start at about 10 p.m. today and can be viewed from Bay View Avenue or the beach.
At noon Saturday will be traditional dances by Makah youths.
There is no admission for Makah Days events.
A $10 use permit is required for other activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing or visiting Cape Flattery, Shi Shi or other trails and beaches.
Permits can be obtained at Washburn’s General Store on Bay View Avenue.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
