Attention boat lovers, history buffs and anyone who enjoys a day out on the Sound: your weekend plans are set.
The Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival happens June 4-6 at the Port of Edmonds Marina.
The festival, in its 23rd year, has always been marine-oriented. This year’s main attraction is the presence of the Lady Washington and her consort ship, the Hawaiian Chieftain, which will be open for tours during the festival.
The tall ships are replica’s of vessels that sailed the Northwest in the 18th century.
Also on display are speed boats and a fleet of classic yachts, said Vernon Chase, Rotary member and public relations coordinator for this year’s festival.
There will also be vendors, live music, rides and plenty of festival food. A family stage will feature dancing, bands, unusual animals and more. A 5k fun run will take place the morning of June 5.
“Come early and stay late. It’s really going to be something,” said Chase.
He added that though poor weather is always a possibility, “(Rain) won’t slow us down at all. The festival is weatherproof.”
In addition to the festivities at the waterfront, the Edmonds Laebugtens Salmon Chapter Trout Unlimited will be hosting their annual open house at the Willow Creek Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 5 and 6 at 95 Pine St. in Edmonds. The open house features snacks, tours of the hatchery and trout fishing for kids under 12. A shuttle will run between the festival and the hatchery.
The festival is one of the Edmonds Rotary’s main fundraisers. Much of the funds raised go towards college scholarships for high schools students, mostly from the Edmonds School District, said Chase.
The Rotary also support global safe water and polio-eradication projects.
Chase expects 20,000 to 25,000 attendees at the festival this year, including many from outside the Northwest.
“It may be bad times, but (people) sure do like the Waterfront Festival,” he said.
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