SULTAN — Sultan will celebrate its rich logging history this weekend with the 38th annual Sultan Shindig.
Debbie Copple, director of the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, left no doubt how she feels about the event.
“It’s the best festival around,” Copple said.
The event features a downtown street fair and live music, from country to old-school rock ‘n’ roll to salsa. Local acts include Tarnished Brass Quintet, Blue Mariah and Moon Pie Ramblers, all playing Saturday in Sultan.
Saturday’s events will include parades, fireworks and the historic logging contest, which the city practiced 50 years prior to the first Shindig. The kids parade is at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, with the grand parade kicking off 15 minutes later. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m.
A carnival will also be open each day of the shindig. Wristbands bought in advance cost $30. The price rises to $40 if purchased onsite. The discount is available through noon Friday.
Loggers will compete by climbing up poles, powering through an obstacle course with a chainsaw and axe-throwing.
“It’s very fun to watch,” Copple said. “Logging is the historic and cultural heart of our town.”
Every year, the community votes to present the Logging Marshal Award. This year’s award goes to Bill Pellham Jr., of Pellham Logging, who began felling trees with his father when he was 12.
“The logging marshal is a very big deal, the highest honor,” Copple said.
Although Everett’s Fourth of July fireworks show fizzled out with Western Display Fireworks, the Sultan Shindig’s firework show is still on, set for 10 p.m. Saturday. A city spokesperson said, “We’ve always had great shows with Western Display Fireworks.”
On Sunday, attendees can admire vintage vehicles at the Show and Shine car show. Last year, the Shindig saw its largest show with 126 cars.
Copple said Sultan is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, and about 2,000 new residents will experience their first Sultan Shindig this year.
Access to the shindig is free. Paid parking will be available for $10, and attendees can cross a new pedestrian bridge directly into the festival. Copple said the funds will be used to support local youth activities.
More information and hourly schedules can be found on the Sultan Shindig website.
Sydney Jackson: 425-339-3430; sydney.jackson@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @_sydneyajackson.
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