Rhody Fest 2014Rhody Fest 2014, Port Townsend’s annual Rhododendron Festival, is almost here!

If you’ve never been, you need to make the time to come and check it out. If you have attended before, well, I don’t need to say a thing, I’ll just see you there!

Rhody Fest has been the true herald of spring in and even well outside of Port Townsend for some 79 years, now. This historic, seaport town on the Olympic Peninsula goes all-out to celebrate the season and Washington’s state flower with a series of fun-filled and often hilariously zany events that are fun for the whole family.

This year’s Rhododendron Festival is scheduled to include:

“Dude Looks Like a Lady” Fashion Show
Trike Race
Pet Parade
Funtastic Carnival Rides
The Kiddies Parade
Hair & Beard Contest
Bed Races
Rhody Festival Grand Parade

People from many local communities – and even communities that aren’t so local – come to join in the Grand Parade: marching bands, floats, classic cars, flag and drill teams, kinetic sculptures, lawn-chair squads, and more make this blast-from-the-past kind of spectacle a real joy to witness.

While most of Rhody Fest 2014 events are free, a few, like the pancake breakfast, fish fry, and golf tournament, do ask for admission but you can feel good knowing that your dollars are going to support local charities.

While you’re in Port Townsend, why not check out one or more of the Washington State wineries in the area? FairWinds Winery is located in Port Townsend, with Marrowstone Vineyards, Eaglemount Wine & Cider, and Finnriver Farm & Cidery just outside town.

Combining Rhody Fest 2014 some good, locally made wine or cider is just about one of the best ways to celebrate spring that I’ve yet heard – come join in the fun!

2014 ‘Roaring Rhody’ Rhododendron Festival

May 12-17th 2014
For a full schedule of events, be sure to check the Rhody Fest website: www.rhodyfestival.org