The spectacular illuminated drone show produced by the Firefly Drone Show Company will be featured at this year's Sunshine Festival. Photo ©Firefly Drone Shows
Celebrate the Sun in Sequim, Washington
by Barbara Hanna
Winters can seem long in the Pacific Northwest. The beginning of March is the perfect time to shake off those winter blues and celebrate the sun at the Sequim Sunshine Festival, March 6 & 7, 2020.
The festival focuses on one of Sequim’s best-known features—sunshine! In a typically wet western Washington, Sequim, located on the Olympic Peninsula, has an annual rainfall of just 16 inches. It might not always be sunny in Sequim, but the odds are better than anywhere else in the region. And if the sun doesn’t shine, no worries, we’ll help you make your own sun with activities that focus on light, art, physical activity and positive energy for all ages.
It might not always be sunny in Sequim, but the odds are better than anywhere else in the region!"
The Rolling Sunshine bicycle ride route takes cyclists to the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) and back for an 18-mile round trip. Photo ©Ken Stringer.
Participants in Sun Fun Color Run can choose a 1K or 5K run. This event is a treat for every member of the family.
Friday night will kick off with the Sequim First Friday Art Walk and a special “Illuminations” exhibit at the Sequim Civic Center. Artist Ross Brown will be talking about the power of light and how it affects our lives. Local galleries and businesses will feature original artwork and many restaurants are offering specials as a part of the festival.
Saturday brings a full day of activities starting with the Rolling Sunshine bicycle ride and the Sun Fun Color Run. Both events are geared for the whole family and are a great way to get energized for the rest of the festival. Cyclists will leave from Carrie Blake Park and travel west on the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) and back for an 18-mile trip. Registration for the bicycle event is free and will be available at the park. Helmets are required for all participants. Runners will color up as they progress through the park for the 1K event and continue eastward on the ODT for the 5K event. Registration for the run has a small fee and is open now. https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Sequim/SunFunColorRun All participants will end up back at the park for music and fun before heading off to the rest of the festival.
The Interactive Light Experience at Pioneer Park. Photo ©Ross Brown
Art lovers will love the work of 3D chalk artist Naomi Haverland. Photo ©Naomi Haverland
The festival will feature local favorites Black Diamond Junction. Photo ©Julie Maxion
A must stop is the Interactive Light Experience at Pioneer Memorial Park. This custom-built, interactive environment blends art and science encouraging visitors to look at light as an artistic design element and the physical properties of light. Art lovers will also want to observe as 3-D chalk artist Naomi Haverland works her magic and creates a custom chalk design for the festival in downtown Sequim. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the finished piece.No festival is complete without a plethora of live music and you’ll find live performances throughout Sequim including an “open jam” session on Saturday afternoon. Bring your acoustic instrument and join in the fun. The event will feature folk music and early rock with many songs played in G, making it easy for all musicians to participate.
Throughout the day, find the symbols of sunshine throughout Sequim and post to social media to earn “glow-bling” for the evening events.The festival will culminate with a gathering back at Carrie Blake Park to take in the spectacular illuminated drone show produced by the Firefly Drone Show Company. This unique and innovative alternative to traditional fireworks is sure to please all members of the family. https://www.fireflydroneshows.com. After the drone show, visitors are encouraged to attend the Sound Community Beach Party Dinner and Dance at the park events center. The event will feature local favorites Black Diamond Junction with special guest Bread and Gravy. Dinner will be catered by Kokopelli Grill and feature roasted Hawaiian pork loin and all the sides. Tickets are available now at Brown Paper Tickets. A no-host bar will be available for our 21 and over guests. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4443839
In addition to all the festival activities, be sure to take some time to just explore Sequim’s unique restaurants, shops, and boutiques and soak up the small-town, friendly atmosphere. Visit http://sequimsunshinefestival.com for a complete schedule of events and https://visitsunnysequim.com for all the information you need to plan your trip.