FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2006
Contact: Ann Grimm, Port of Bellingham (360) 676-2500
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Port of Bellingham invites everyone to enjoy a fun-filled day on the waterfront with live music, great food, a fun run and much more at the first BayFest maritime celebration. Admission and parking are free.
BayFest will be on Saturday, July 8 from 10 am to 5 pm, at Zuanich Point Park, in Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham.
Bring the whole family and don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets to sit back and enjoy the array of live entertainment from sea shanties, jazz and classic rock. Specialty food vendors will be serving a menu variety from hamburgers, bratwurst and shaved ice.
The Bellingham Waterfront Mile run will make its debut at BayFest. In the afternoon, three categories of races will take place on a course at Squalicum Harbor: The Mile Relay (Family/Corporate/Group) category starts at 3 pm, the Youth Half Mile (Age groups 15 and under) at 3:30 pm, and The Mile (Age groups 13 and above) begins at 4 pm. Have fun, run and win prizes and awards:
Relay: Prizes based on team age categories
Youth: Ribbons for all and medals for the top 3 finishers
Mile: Cash prize of 50% of the entry prize purse
The awards ceremony will conclude the event at 5 pm. Registration before July 5 is $10; race day is $12. 25% of the registration fee will benefit local cancer care through Hospice. For race entry information: www.norkarecreation.com
Plus this free festival is a great way to find out about the many local water-oriented businesses, clubs and activities we have available in Whatcom County. BayFest will showcase the many and diverse marine-oriented clubs, businesses and educational organizations offered in our region. Boats for sale and show of all shapes and sizes will also be on display from Hunter Sailboats Triumphs, Seasports, Ospreys, and more to junior sailing dinghies, fishing boats and classic wooden motorboats.
While you’re there, tour the HomePort Learning Center’s Plume and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sea Ark facility patrol boat. The USCG Auxiliary will also offer free Vessel Safety Checks for boaters at BayFest. The M.V. Fairhaven will be making special stops throughout the afternoon at one, three and five pm at the day dock to offer its popular waterfront tours. Children can create arts and crafts projects from the Whatcom Children’s Museum as well.
Entertainment Schedule:
| 10 – 11 am | Sea Shanties with Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat |
| 11:30 – 1 pm | Maggie’s Fury |
| 1 – 2 pm | Bellingham Youth Jazz Band |
| 2 – 3 pm | Clyde Ford and more Sea Shanties |
| 3:30 – 5 pm | The Atlantics |
BayFest is presented by the Port of Bellingham with our supporters: Norka Recreation, KAFE Radio, Sanitary Service Company, City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation, and Victoria San Juan Cruises. For more information call the Port of Bellingham at (360) 676-2500 or visit the Port’s website: www.portofbellingham.com.Event Hours:
Saturday, July 8: 10 am – 5 pm
