Sequim Irrigation Festival

The Irrigation Festival is underway!

The 2012 annual Sequim Irrigation Festival begins today, May 4. The theme is 117 & Still Growin’ Green.

The Irrigation Festival flows from the vast irrigation system that early settlers created. Sequim was transformed from a dry valley to a land of fertile fields and abundant crops. Agriculture remains an important part of Sequim’s economy and identity, as a trip to the weekly Farmers Market reveals.

The Irrigation Festival begins with the First Friday Art Walk, when Sequim’s art galleries stay open late and host special events.

It continues on May 5 and 6 with an Arts and Crafts Fair on Bell Street, between Sequim and 2nd Avenues. Each year brings a great variety of items, food booths, and local entertainment. The weekly Sequim Open Aire Market, on Cedar Street between Sequim and 2nd Avenues, showcases a wealth of fresh produce from local farmers.

Look for various Olympic Peninsula Wineries and Cideries at the markets, and bring a bottle of Washington State Wine home with you, to help you remember the event.

Watch the Grand Parade on May 12.

The following weekend starts Friday evening with a Logging Show, a Truck and Tractor Pull, and a Strongman Showdown. This brawny evening concludes with fireworks.

Saturday, May 12 is the Kids Parade, the Classic Car Show, and the 117th Irrigation Festival Grand Parade.

The Carnival comes to town Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As always, there’ll be rides and fun for the entire family.

Sequim’s Irrigation Festival runs May 4-13, 2012. Come enjoy the nation’s oldest festival.

Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival

Each spring, historic Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula celebrates community and Washington’s beautiful state flower during the Rhododendron Festival. In 2011, the 76th Annual Rhododendron Festival takes place May 16-21. Rhody Fest means spring has come.

Relax in Sweet Laurette's courtyard after the Rhody Festival Pet Parade in Uptown Port Townsend.

Residents of Port Townsend and surrounding communities participate in numerous parades just for the fun of it during Rhody Fest. Everyone gets caught up in the celebratory mood while watching the great Trike Race downtown and the fancy Pet Parade Uptown. The Bed Race is one of the most entertaining and hilarious events in Washington State, while the Grand Parade is reminiscent of a bygone day. No Rhododendron Festival would be complete without the carnival that takes over Memorial Field at the end of the week.

It’s worth traveling to Port Townsend for the Rhododendron Festival. While there, we suggest you visit one or all of the Washington State wineries in and around Port Townsend. Sorenson Cellars and FairWinds Winery are located in Port Townsend proper, while Finnriver Farm & Cidery and Eaglemount Wine & Cellar are tucked into the beautiful land outside of town.

Bring a bottle of your favorite Washington State Wine back home with you, and when you drink it, remember the good fun you had during the Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival.

A schedule of festival events is available at Rhodyfest.