PORT TOWNSEND — The Uptown Street Fair is turning 21 this year — but it is still gleefully immature.
The annual fair, set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, provides an active illustration of Port Townsend’s informal motto: “We’re all here because we are not all there.”
“Every year, we get a fun, local eclectic crowd,” said Port Townsend native Lisa Doray, who has helped organize the past 10 street fairs.
“Uptown has its own energy, and we cater to the off-the-beaten-track people and the locals,” she said.
The center of the street fair is at the intersection of Lawrence and Tyler streets.
The highlight of the day is always the “Grandly Local Parade.”
It will begin at 1 p.m. in front of the East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Station at 701 Harrison St. and then head down Lawrence Street toward Aldrich’s Market at 940 Lawrence St.
The parade is open to anyone who shows up, though political and religious floats are not allowed.
The winning floats are awarded an eclectic trophy created by Jeanne Moore of Potpourri Interiors.
“Uptown has a real diverse choice of business and services where people of all ages can come together and have a good time,” Doray said.
The Port Townsend Arts Guild’s Arts & Crafts Fair will take place throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Musical performances will begin at
10 a.m.
The performance schedule is:
■ 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Steve Grandinetti Band.
■ 11 a.m. to noon — Port Townsend Summer Band.
■ Noon to 1 p.m. — Low Ones.
■ 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Crow Quill Night Owls.
■ 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — The Pitfalls.
“I like hiring the local bands and giving them a place to perform,” Doray said.
“It’s nice to give someone who is just starting out a chance.”
The All-Ages Arts Experience will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Recreation Center lawn at 620 Tyler St.
Art activities will be coordinated by local artist Mike Biskup and First Baptist Church.
Hula hoops and hopscotch are planned as well.
The sidewalk Art Contest will be open to artists of all ages, with registration required before 12:30 p.m.
This year’s Uptown Street Fair poster was created by artist Maxx Sonandre and was printed by The Printery.
The event is sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program, Port Townsend Arts & Crafts Guild and participating businesses.
For more information, visit www.ptmainstreet.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.