It all began in 1896, the year after D.R. “Crazy” Callen and his partners developed what is now 300 miles of irrigation ditches bringing water from the Dungeness River to the parched prairie of the Dungeness Valley. As this year’s theme ‘128 Out the Gate’ suggests, after 128 years, the Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuous-running festival in Washington state.
“Our theme this year alludes to horse racing, referencing the opening of the headgates similar to the gates opening at the start of a horse race,” says festival Marketing Director, Michelle Rhodes. As a community festival, most of the fun, family-friendly events are free, and held at various locations throughout Sequim.
One major change is that the majority of Crazy Callen Weekend is no longer held in the downtown corridor, but has been moved to Carrie Blake Park.
“New events this year include a half-marathon being added to the Run Series, the community dance – Bandersnatch Ball – and Trashion Show, and the Passport to Sequim – a fun, shop local promotion encouraging people to visit local businesses to collect stamps, enabling them to enter a drawing for gift certificate bundles for participating businesses,” Rhodes says.
May 5 to 7 is the Crazy Callen Weekend with events including:
- Kids’ Parade
- Family Fun Days
- Innovative Arts & Crafts Fair
- Run Series
- Entertainment
- Beer & Wine Garden
- Crazy Daze Breakfast for Dinner
- SHS Operetta
- First Friday Artwalk
- Sequim City Band
May 11 to 13 is the Grand Finale Weekend with events including:
- Historic Walking Tour
- SHS Operetta
- Truck & Tractor Pull
- Logging Show
- Golf Tournament
- Past Royalty Luncheon
- Fireworks
- Classic Cruise and Show
- Grand Parade
The Classic Cruise and Show returns to the Sequim Irrigation Festival for the first time since 2019. Check out the classic rides on May 13! Keith Ross photo courtesy the Sequim Irrigation Festival
“The Classic Cruise and Show is the first since 2019, so we’re excited that people once again have a chance to shine up and show off their pride and joy!” Rhodes says. “The cruise begins at 11 a.m., starting at 651 W Washington St. and traveling east to the show venue at Center Park Way. The grand parade then starts from Dunlap Avenue and Washington Street at noon, and travels west back along the same route.”
Among this year’s dignitaries is 2023 Grand Marshal Susan Baritelle, a volunteer and contributor to many local organizations.
“Susan is an amazing supporter of the Sequim community, and we’re happy to be able to honor her this year for all that she’s done,” Rhodes says.
Rhodes also notes that the FREE Family Fun Day now runs two days. On Sunday, May 7, Strait Up Foam runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with laser tag by Redline Laser Tag all day, along with educational booths by Feiro Marine Center, Dungeness River Nature Center and Lower Elwha Tribe Cougar Research Project.
Find out more on Facebook and Instagram or visit irrigationfestival.com.
