Tribes from all over the region will gather in Coupeville Saturday, May 16 for a day to celebrate the area’s connection with Native American heritage.

The 24th annual Penn Cove Water Festival is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Coupeville and features Native American performers, educational exhibits, canoe races, arts and crafts and youth activities.

Visitors can view the canoe races from Coupeville Wharf and at various locations along Front Street between the wharf and the Coupeville boat launch.

Additional activities will be held along Front Street along with special programs at the Island County Historical Museum and on the wharf.

The Water Festival also provides a unique opportunity for local residents to become involved by “extending a hand of friendship” to the native guests, according to event organizers. In following the custom of Native Americans and First Nations of Canada who show their hospitality to their visitors by presenting gifts, the Coupeville community extends the hand of friendship through giving gifts of homemade bread.

Organizers invite the community to join in this gesture of hospitality by baking a loaf of bread, any kind from white to whole wheat to zucchini is acceptable.

The gift will be wrapped and presented to the distinguished guests, canoe pullers, entertainers, vendors and exhibitors.

The bread may be delivered 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 15 to the Coupeville United Methodist Church on North Main Street.

The gifts will be presented at the opening ceremony and throughout the day.

For more information call Ginny Vracin, 360-678-4644.