BRINNON — ShrimpFest volunteers expect a jumbo-sized event Saturday and Sunday.

“I think it’s going to be busier than normal,” said Larry Williams, organizer, watching the traffic on U.S. Highway 101 as travelers drove around the long way while the Hood Canal Bridge is closed for replacement of the east half.

“I think with the bridge closure, we’re going to see more,” he said.

Variety of seafood

The event — known for a variety of shrimp and other tasty seafood dishes along with other traditional foods and treats and the popular belt sander races — drew about 12,000 people last year, and that was with some rain on Sunday.

Besides having up to 850 pounds of Hood Canal shrimp on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, the festival will offer four bands, two performing each day, for the first time.

More kids rides, including a big slide, were added this year as well.

The shrimp sales are expected to go fast, with each carton costing $10 and with a minimum of 20 tails each.

Once that runs out, containers of Taylor Shellfish Co. shrimp will be sold.

Sander races

At 1 p.m. Saturday, the belt sander races roll at the festival.

Think of it as an electric sander drag race, complete with the “Christmas tree” at the starting line in a sander-against-sander competition.

Williams said about 20 sanders from around the region usually show up to compete.

The tides generally are low enough during the weekend for easy harvest of clams and oysters on the public beaches near the festival. A state Fish and Wildlife license is required.

The festival began in 1994.

Proceeds from ShrimpFest 2009 will be donated to community projects.

Over the years, the proceeds have benefited the community through donations to the Brinnon School and the Brinnon Volunteer Ambulance & Firefighters Association and Brinnon and Quilcene community centers as well as many other projects.

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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.