PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Democrats have canceled their annual Fish Feast and instead will host a virtual speaker event and separate fundraising drives.
The virtual event, called “A Lot on the Line,” will start at 4 p.m. Sunday and can be viewed on Zoom and YouTube.
The access details for the event will be posted on jeffcodemocrats.com.
The free virtual event will allow viewers to hear remarks from candidates and elected officials, as well as from speakers who will address current local racial issues.
The latter will include artist and activist Grace Love, vice chair of Jefferson Democrats Alis Moss Vetica, and Jamestown S’Kallam vice chair Loni Grinnell-Greninger, said Marty Gilmore, Jefferson Democrats chair, in a press release.
The theme for the event is “Catch ’Em Online, No Strings Attached,” Gilmore said.
“There’s a lot on the line this year as we urge Jefferson County voters to cast their nets and support community democracy,” Gilmore said.
“There’s no ‘squid pro quo’ for attending our candidate forum.”
Candidates invited to speak at include Denny Heck for lieutenant governor, Gael Tarleton for secretary of state and Mike Pellicciotti for state treasurer.
Also invited are incumbents Gov. Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, Gilmore said.
Incumbent 24th Legislative District state lawmakers seeking reelection also have been invited: Sen. Kevin Van de Wege, Rep. Mike Chapman (Position 1) and Rep. Steve Tharinger (Position 2).
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, state party Chair Tina Podlodowski and District 2 county commissioner candidates Heidi Eisenhour and Lorna Smith also will address the virtual meeting.
In addition to the event, the Democrats are raising money for local and state candidates.
As part of a donation campaign, the party is encouraging residents to contribute at five levels: Minnow at $25, Salmonid at $50, Halibut at $100, Orca at $250 and Whale at $500.
To donate, go to jeffcodemocrats.com/events/2020-election-contributions.
The party also is selling 5-pound sacks of mussels for a $20 contribution.
The mussels, donated and packed by Taylor Shellfish, must be ordered by midnight Aug. 19.
The mussels will be available for pickup from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Haines Place Park and Ride, 440 12th St., next to Safeway in Port Townsend.
Donations can be made and the order form for mussels can be found at the party’s website.