PORT TOWNSEND — The Rhododendron Festival draws the interest of both tourists and residents, but it also has become a time when families flock home to reconnect with each other, said Melanie Bozak, who served on the festival board for 21 years and is still connected with the event.
“A lot of local families have reunions to coincide with the festival,” she said.
“This is typical of a small town festival because it gives a way to celebrate who we are and how we interact with others,” she said.
Bozak said she left the board this year because she had worked on the event for a long time, and her business, Crafts Cottage, required her attention.
However, she has become involved in planning this year’s event, along with other festival veterans Rita Hubbard and Penny Westerfield.
“This is the last time the three of us will get to work together,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it gets in your blood.”
Bozak said that the Rhododendron Festival attracts tourists, but it is a stronger draw for the locals.
With the increase of other celebrations, the situation has become more competitive.
“There are so many festivals in town and for that I am grateful,” Bozak said. “But it waters down the available funds, and we have trouble getting people to volunteer for what is a year-round commitment.”
This year’s festival will run from May 10 to 15.
Queen Ashlee Marie Nolette, 16, and Princess Teslin LeMaster, 16, both juniors at Port Townsend High School, will reign over the festivities.
They also will serve as ambassadors from Port Townsend in statewide parades during the year.
“This has really evolved,” Bozak said of the royalty program.
“It’s a great way to build self-esteem and teaches the girls how to speak in public, wear high heels and do other things that will help them get by in the world.”
Festival events
The royal court will leave their handprints at the Fort Worden Rhody Garden at 3 p.m. May 10.
The first festival event will be on Wednesday, May 12, when the Trike Race — for those 6 and under — will take off at 6 p.m. on Washington Street between Taylor and Quincy streets.
The following day, the Pet Parade is planned at 4 p.m. from Pierce to Taylor streets.
On Friday, May 14, the Kiddie Parade will line up at 2:45 p.m. for a journey from Pierce to Madison streets.
Later that day, participants will check in at 6 p.m. for the Bed Race on Washington Street, between Quincy and Taylor.
The grand finale of the festival, the Rhododendron Festival Parade — which has the theme of Diamond Jubilee — will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15, on Lawrence Street uptown.
Also that day, the 17th annual Jim Caldwell Memorial Rhody Golf Tournament will begin at 8 a.m. at the Port Townsend Golf Club. It will continue on Sunday, May 16, beginning at 9 a.m.
Applications to be in the Grand Parade are due by Wednesday. Forms can be downloaded from ptguide.com/rhodyfest.
To volunteer to help with the festival or for more information, phone Hubbard at 360-531-0889.
For a complete list of activities, see www.ptguide.com/rhodyfest/schedule.html.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.