It’s here, the weekend before the date upon which our nation declared its independence from a bunch of lime-chomping, tea-totaling, tax-demanding redcoats.
Perhaps you can already smell the sulfur of so many exploded bottle rockets and the phantom pain yet to come from rolling your thumb against a cheap Bic lighter countless times to spark the fuses of freedom; rejoice in these sensations and prepare yourself for the merriment to come.
This year’s Fourth of July festivities promise all the fun and excitement that Bainbridge Islanders have come to expect from the most action-packed holiday on the Rock. So, although the actual day itself may fall on a humdrum Tuesday, this year’s Independence Day offerings promise to be unforgettable as always.
For the savvy bargain hunter, Friday would wisely be spent at the Rotary Auction sneak preview starting from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; $2 will get anyone over 18 years old in the door to peruse the wares of what many regard as the worlds largest garage sale.
The four-day festival of fun really kicks off bright and early, at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at the 57th annual Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale at Woodward Middle School.
Then, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, stop by Waterfront Park to enjoy the return of the Boaters Fair, and all it’s aquatic awesomeness.
Organized once more by Harbormaster Tami Allen, the day’s free festivities run the gamut from educational displays and demos, to hands-on games and challenges.
The offerings include:
Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety booths to learn knot-tying, cruise planning, vessel inspections and kids activities, a small boat auction and nautical stuff aswap meet, an old sail donation (benefiting the RESAIL Project), a free hands-on preview by Bainbridge Island Rowing, the chance to discover scuba and kayaking with Exotic Aquatics, learn to rig with the best high school sailors around, meet the board of the Poulsbo Maritime Museum to hear about their projects, learn about all the parks department aquatic programs on Bainbridge Island, meet the local ham radio club, come aboard a 45-foot Coast Guard Cutter, watch a live helicopter rescue, and try your hand at the heaving lines and hauling away with Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation.
Guests can also visit the Bainbridge Island Police Department’s 33-foot safe boat “Marine 8” and welcome her little sister, “Marine 11.” Visitors can also check out the 26-foot Suquamish Tribe Fisheries boat and meet the dive team. Bainbridge city officials will also be on hand to share updates on the city dock improvements, marine water quality and volunteer programs.
Visit bainbridgewa.gov/683/Boaters-Fair for more information.
After the weekend you’re in the thick of it , come Monday you’ll be so deep in patriotism you’ll be sneezing eagle feathers. Enjoy your Fourth of July and remember to stay safe while celebrating America’s birthday.
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