ABOUT THE PENN COVE WATER FESTIVAL

The Penn Cove Water Festival Association is a small nonprofit organization consisting of community members from the Town of Coupeville, Port of Coupeville, South Whidbey, Orca Network, Sound Water Stewards (formerly Beachwatchers), Native Tribal representatives and Skagit Valley College

2016 is the 25th year of the new Penn Cove Water Festival, bringing the historic Water Festival to new life as our Native community and neighbors participate in their annual tribal canoe races, and townspeople gather to celebrate our history and the waters that surround us.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14

Downtown Historic Coupeville

Saturday, May 14

10 a.m. – Dana Lyons, a pre-festival performance at the Coupeville Library

MAIN STAGE and Museum’s Lower Level:

11 a.m. – FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY -PCWF President Vicky Reyes, Mayor Molly Hughes, & Samish Cultural Development Coordinator Rosie James

11:15-11:45 a.m. – Lou LaBombard, storytelling at museum

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. – Peter Ali, flute on Main Stage

12:15-1 p.m. – Lois Landgrebe, storytelling on Main Stage

1–1:45 p.m. – JP Falcon Grady, Music & Songs on Main Stage

1:45-2:30 p.m. – Rona Yellow Robe, storytelling & music on Main Stage

2:30-3:30 p.m. – Swil Kanim,  violin on Main Stage

3:30-4 p.m. Lou LaBombard, storytelling at Museum

4 p.m. – Tshimshian Haayuuk Dancers on Main Stage. Traditional and ceremonial dances involving the audience.

At the BOAT LAUNCH on 9th Street:

12 p.m. – FESTIVAL WELCOME – PCWF President Vicky Reyes, Mayor Molly Hughes & Rosie James

12:15 p.m. – Race captains meeting

Canoe Races take place during the rest of the afternoon

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

Passport Activity — Don’t miss this ever-popular activity. Get passports at the Info Booth and the Youth Activities Tent. Kids who attend the festival are invited to stop by specially marked booths and complete an educational activity. After completing a certain number of activities, they can claim their prize at the Youth Activities Tent. Thanks to the Honey Bear for donation of prizes for the Passport Activity.

Samish Family Canoe — Adam Lorio (Near Youth activities)

Orca Network – Learn about our marine mammal neighbors. Featuring the ever-popular ‘Orca Fort.’  Pop inside!

Sound Water Stewards — Take a peek at live marine critters and maybe even touch a few!

Island County Public Health — Learn about safe shellfish harvesting

Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross — Learn about disaster preparedness

The Schooner Suva at the Wharf — Presented by the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation

FOOD VENDORS

Alexander Street

Salmon tacos on frybread, indian tacos on frybread, sno-cones and hot dogs provided by the Central Whidbey Lions Club.

Boat Launch: Coupe’s Last Stand will be selling veggie dogs, hot dogs and Polish dogs

Front Street Grill: smoked salmon chowder, smoked salmon caesar salad, mussels and BBQ sandwiches.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Alexander Street

Youth activities booths will be located in town and at the boat launch. Both locations will feature weaving, beading, stamping on cloth and paper, as well as salmon cycle and other activities. The weaving is new this year. Arts and crafts will be available for preschool children through early adolescents.

CANOE RACE PARTICIPANTS

Some participants in past Penn Cove Water Festival Canoe Races have included

Chehalis, BC

Chilliwack, BC

Lummi Tribe

Makah Tribe

Nooksak Tribe

Samish

Samish Tribe

Skawh Band, BC

Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation

Skowkale First Nation, Chahalis, BC

Swinomish Tribe

Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver, BC.