PORT ANGELES — Registration is open for the 30th annual Womanfest retreat, set for Sept. 20-22 at Camp David Jr., the Clallam County park on the north shore of Lake Crescent.
Womanfest, the nonprofit sponsor of the early March International Women’s Day celebrations in Port Angeles, traditionally holds the retreat on the autumnal equinox.
This year as in previous years, the board’s women from Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend want to offer women of all ages time to relax and enjoy one another’s company.
The cost of the retreat is $110, including all meals, activities and two nights’ lodging at Camp David Jr. Sign-ups are limited to 50.
Activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, music sharing, crafts and a dance performance.
Exchanges of books, clothing and coffee mugs also are planned.
Women with a craft or skill to share are encouraged to offer it during the retreat.
During the first Womanfest retreat three decades ago, about 50 women gathered for a busy weekend of workshops and other activities.
Change with the times
But as times have changed, the retreat has changed, too, said board member Karen Hanan. The weekend has become less structured and more open to personalization, she said.
There are some constants, however.
“The food is always amazing,” said Barb Wise, a Womanfest board member who has been attending the retreat since 1987, “and the company is always great.
“Women value the opportunity to recharge, relax, create and play.”
Along with the fall retreat, Womanfest supports women-centered projects and awards college scholarships to local women each year.
For more information, phone Sheila Martin at 360-452-6814, email sheilam@olypen.com or contact Hanan at karenhanan1@gmail.com or 360-460-6363.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.