Kicking off Summer
The unofficial kickoff to summer is back once again as the 29th Annual Edmonds Waterfront Festival is slated for June 3 through June 5. Since 1988, the community has rallied around this ever-popular event, and 2016 promises to keep the good times rolling. The festival runs from 3pm to 10pm on Friday, 11am to 10pm on Saturday, and 11am to 7pm Sunday. The beautiful Port of Edmonds Marina will again play host, and admission is just $3 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Parking is free and there is also a complimentary shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes. Locations are 4th Avenue and Bell St., 5th and Dayton St., 3rd and Dayton St., Edmonds Interpretive Marsh Trailhead, and the Willow Creek Fish Hatchery. You’ll be dropped right at the front gate avoiding the hassle of on-site parking. There are dozens of fun activities that the whole family will enjoy.
The main stage will feature music day and night as well as other performances and demonstrations. Visitors can walk the docks where classic yachts will be on display all weekend, some as long as 73 feet and many built in the 1920s and 1930s. Additional yachts will be on display throughout the festival grounds and owners will be standing by to answer your questions. Looking for something a bit faster? Hydroplanes will also be on display, the same models you’ve seen racing during Seafare and in the Tri-Cities. Opportunities to take in a half-day whale watching tour are available, and kids will enjoy fishing at the Willow Creek Fish Hatchery. There is an arcade, arts and crafts, carnival games and plenty of food and drink. Those wanting to register for the 5k run Saturday morning can do so online. A fee of $25 will gain you entrance to the race and a T-shirt.
Sponsored by the Edmonds Rotary, proceeds from this fun family event act as a major fundraiser for programs run by the Rotary. Some of these include college scholarships for local youth, YWCA, YMCA, Boy Scouts, and the Rotary First Harvest service to local food banks to name a few.
Please remember to leave the bikes and skateboards at home and only service animals will be allowed on the grounds. For the latest information on events and entertainment, sponsorship or vendor information visit www.edmondswaterfrontfestival.org. You can also follow the event on Facebook.
