Wharfest paddles into Coupeville

Boats of all sizes will be on display this weekend as the Coupeville Wharfest takes place. Now in its third year, Wharfest will feature everything from kayaks to sailboats. There’s even a chance a hovercraft will show up for the weekend’s festivities.

By Nathan Whalen • June 23, 2009 2:33 pm
Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome to participate in this year’s Wharfest.
Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome to participate in this year’s Wharfest.

Boats of all sizes will be on display this weekend as the Coupeville Wharfest takes place.

Now in its third year, Wharfest will feature everything from kayaks to sailboats. There’s even a chance a hovercraft will show up for the weekend’s festivities.

“We’re kind of hoping it will grow into a small craft celebration,” said Rick Castellano, executive director for the Island County Museum who helps organize the event. Boaters attending the festival will participate in a “parade in review” that floats past the wharf at 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The Coupeville Wharfest runs June 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wharf located near the corner of Alexander and Front streets.

The event also features The Heller Highwater Boys who will play turn-of-the-century brass music from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days. The Kama’aina’s Ukulele Band from Oak Harbor is also scheduled to perform over the weekend.

At the wharf building located at the end of the pier, docents from the Beach Watchers and volunteers from the Orca Network will educate people about their activities.