Sequim: 109th Irrigation Festival to add some new features this year

SEQUIM — The Irrigation Festival is said to be the state’s oldest consecutively running event of its kind, but the committee planning this year’s celebration isn’t resting on its laurels.

Representatives from the festival — kicking off Saturday and running through May 8 — assured members of the Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday that they’re still perfecting the event.

They also took the opportunity to play the hometown card.

“This is a celebration for Sequim; nothing else,” said Marie Angier, chair for the annual event which began 109 years ago after Sequim-Dungeness Valley pioneers figured out how to bring much-needed water to their fertile fields.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

A butterfly will serve as mascot for this year’s festival, themed “Flutter Through the Dungeness Valley.”

As in past years, many of the festival’s marquee events and traditions remain.

There are still four young women forming an Irrigation Festival Royalty Court — and they still perform an original song, as they did for Tuesday’s guests at the chamber luncheon.

Representing Sequim in the Royalty Court for 2004 are Queen Katie Gammill and Princesses Chelsea Beus, Ashlee Gustason and Shaina Smith.

Wearing sparking tiaras and crooning to a modified version of the 1965 Lovin’ Spoonful hit, “Do You Believe in Magic,” the royal quad reminded their fans that the agriculturally themed festival has a dimension of glamour as well.

New to this year’s festivities include changing the name of the popular “Festival in the Field” event to “Kids’ Irrigation Festival Day,” and bringing it indoors to the Boys & Girls Club on Fir Street.

The May 1 activities will still cater to kids, featuring crafts, games, face painting and indoor “putt putt” golf.

The Kiddies’ Parade will still take place at the Sequim High School football field. It begins at 9:30 a.m.

More in News

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port Townsend Marina in an apparent race across the bay on Tuesday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Catching the wind

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port… Continue reading

Clallam County Economic Development Council Director of Operations Lorie Fazio, left, and Executive Director Colleen McAleer stand with Michael Cade, executive director of Thurston EDC who presented the WEDA’s 2025 Innovation in Economic Development award. The EDC received the award last month in recognition of its Clallam Forest Product Innovation Program.
Clallam EDC wins state innovation award

Forest innovation program intended to revitalize industry

Port Townsend library to show Willa Cather documentary

Free novels, dramatic reading Thursday at 5:30

Jefferson sets short-term rental rules

County establishes 4 percent cap, one rental per operator

When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
Former deputy’s ashes to be sent into space

Widow of John Strachan to fulfill his dream

Port OKs Citizen Air lease

Company purchasing Rite Bros. Aviation

Rebates offered for e-bikes through April 23

The state Department of Transportation will accept applications for e-bike… Continue reading

Jefferson County Public Health names heroes

Jefferson County Public Health has announced its 2025 Public… Continue reading

Man transported to hospital after log truck goes into ditch

A log truck driver was transported to Forks Community Hospital… Continue reading

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual Port Townsend Farmers Market on Saturday in the uptown neighborhood. Behind are goat wranglers Lindsey Kotzebue and Amber Langley of Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Market opens

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual… Continue reading

Kelly Kidwell, a local business owner and property developer, is purchasing Rite Bros. with the intention of building a long-term sustainable business that will expand aviation access in the area. Citizen Air, based at William R. Fairchild International Airport, will offer charter flights and fractional aircraft ownership. The possibility of scheduled flights could be in the distant future. Kidwell is shown with his Poodle-Bernese mountain dog, Porter. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Citizen Air aims to expand access

New Rite Bros. owner planning for growth

Health officer: Disease numbers low, but cuts affecting programs

Additional measles case located in Washington state