PORT HADLOCK — A three-day celebration planned in Port Hadlock this weekend won’t be the traditional full-blown Hadlock Days but still will be something special, organizers said.
Port Hadlock Days has taken place during the second weekend of July for 24 years, so it didn’t sit well with some people when it was canceled this year.
So a group of local merchants banded together for a less formal celebration, something that is closer to a block party than a festival or a major event.
“I was disappointed when it was canceled because I’d already made plans,” said Cindy Brown, manager of the Valley Tavern, which has served as the epicenter for Hadlock Days.
“I had already booked the Dukes of Dabob for Saturday, and I talked to a lot of merchants who were interested in doing something, even if it wasn’t something major.”
Today through Sunday
The celebration will run from today through Sunday.
There is no parade, lawn mower races or vendor fair. The local merchants have pulled together a less-structured event that in Brown’s words doesn’t “need Sani-Cans or permits.”
Brown said she approached different businesses for support and found many kindred spirits, including Mike Walters at Olympic Rentals, who donated the use of a bounce house for children.
The inflatable structure will be set up behind Kively Center and will be the centerpiece for the kids’ activity center, Brown said.
“It’s not going to be a big deal, but there will be fun and games for kids,” she said.
The kids’ activity center will be open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers are needed; call 360-301-1959.
Brown said she hopes someone will take charge in the future and sponsor an “official” Hadlock Days but hasn’t heard of any plans to do so.
“Our community is going to band together this weekend, and it will be something special,” she said.
As for the missing Sani-Cans, Brown said local merchants will open up the use of their bathroom facilities for visitors.
Events scheduled
Other events include:
■ Free hot dogs at Hadlock Building Supply, 910 Ness’ Corner Road, today and Sunday.
■ A preliminary keg toss will begin with registration at the Valley Tavern, 51 Chimacum Road, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the final competition at noon Sunday.
■ The beer garden begins at the Valley Tavern at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
■ The beer garden will host a beer pong competition Saturday and a hot-wing-eating contest Sunday, both beginning at 1:30 p.m.
■ Music will be provided by the Dukes of Dabob from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Brian “Buck” Ellard from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in the beer garden.
■ Static Illusion will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Zoog’s Caveman Cookin, 141 Chimacum Road; admission is $5.
■ The Rakers Car Club will host a “Cruise-In Car Show” at 1 p.m. Saturday in Ferino’s parking lot, 846 Ness’ Corner Road.
■ Bacon Bingo will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Valley Tavern.
For more information, phone 360-385-0388.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
