SNOHOMISH — Thousands of people are expected to attend the 102nd annual Kla Ha Ya Days festival here this week. It kicks off Wednesday and continues through Sunday.
Kla Ha Ya Days boasts a few new attractions this year, said Snohomish Economic Development Manager Debbie Emge, who organizes the event.
Motorcycles are to be included in the classic car show. Sky Valley ABATE, the group that produces the city’s annual motorcycle show in May, will be showcasing hot rods on First Street, west of Avenue D, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
“People can expect to see something completely different,” said Roger Hanson, a show organizer with ABATE. “It’s our first time ever doing the car and bike show.”
Hanson said he expects to have about 150 cars and at least 50 motorcycles up for cash prizes. This year people get to vote on the winners.
Mayor Karen Guzak and her partner, Warner Blake, are also offering new activities. They will lead tai chi at 8 a.m. and yoga at noon Sunday at Kla Ha Ya Park.
The carnival kicks off the festival at 5 p.m. Wednesday near Harvey Field. It runs throughout the event until 8 p.m. Sunday.
“The carnival is always popular,” Emge said.
Frogtastic Kids Fair is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Snohomish Station. It has games, crafts and activities for kids of all ages.
The grand parade is set to roll down First Street from Avenue D to Maple Avenue at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Emge said she has about 100 parade entries this year.
A longtime festival favorite, the frog-jumping contest, is scheduled from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at First Street and Avenue A.
Emge said 30 grass frogs were imported from California for the event this year. Competitors get their frogs to jump by squirting them with water guns or tickling them with feathers.
“They’re little but they’re mighty jumpers,” Emge said.
There is a $5 entry fee for the frog contest but most of the other activities, such as skydiving demonstrations, eating contests, a sawdust treasure hunt and bed races, are free.
There’s live music, a food court and a beer garden near the Avenue A Gazebo on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s musical lineup features Curtis Moore’s acoustic covers, a Crosby, Stills, Nash &Young tribute band, country tunes by the Marlin James Band and the Wild Snohomians and others playing classic rock.
A street fair and sporting events, including a soccer tournament, the river run and a kids marathon are also scheduled throughout the weekend.
The traditional salmon barbecue at Hill Park is set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Kla Ha Ya Days started as small event in 1913 and has continued to grow over the past century. It is now one of about 30 community events that are affiliated with Seafair, which celebrates the region’s culture.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports
If you go
Kla Ha Ya Days starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday, with events at different venues. The carnival will be at 10530 Airport Way, near Harvey Field.
Snohomish Station, 2727 Bickford Ave.
Hill Park, 1610 Park Ave.
Kla Ha Ya Park, 1117 First St.
Other downtown locations
For a complete schedule of activities, go to klahayadays.com.
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