The 119th Sequim Irrigation Festival’s first weekend, now called Crazy Callen Weekend, kicks off this weekend.

For four years, Deon Kapetan has served as Sequim Irrigation Festival’s director. Kapetan, who moved here in 1990 with her husband Kevin, started volunteering with the festival co-chairing the Crazy Daze Breakfast with Gail Neske.

In 2003, she took over coordinating transportation, hotels, volunteers and more for the royalty float at parades and events before taking on director duties in 2010. Kapetan, who has two children, C.J., 23, and Hailey, 15, said her family used to vacation here but she never imagined she’d move to Sequim.

“Now I’d never move,” she said. “It’s 15 minutes to the mountains and 10 minutes to the water,” she said. “Which fits our theme ‘Mountains to Sea… A Pristine Place to Be.’” The festival runs May 2-11. Read more at irrigationfestival.com.

Question 1: How did you get into your line of work? Note: Kapetan is sales manager and a loan officer for Cherry Creek Mortgage.

Kapetan: In 1994, I worked for a local financial institution and I worked my way up the ladder. The lending field has changed a lot since then. The pendulum has been swaying to the other side to qualify, which is a good thing. It’s back to the basics. Now, it’s three or four times harder to get a loan closed. There was a lot more faith in the borrowers. It’s not just a handshake anymore.

Bonus Question 1: What’s your favorite part of the Irrigation Festival?

Kapetan: My team. I love the board of directors because there are so many different personalities. I also love watching the royalty girls because in a year the girls’ spirits are different and their personalities change. It’s like watching your kid grow up in a year. Also when the Irrigation Float hits (the Grand Parade) it’s an emotional moment for me. It’s the climax.

Question 7: What is your favorite color?

Kapetan: Today it’s going to be blue. It changes on my mood.

Bonus Question 2: Have you ever owned a mood ring?

Kapetan: In high school. I thought it was the coolest thing. I had no idea it wasn’t real.

Question 8: Favorite food?

Kapetan: Potatoes/ Mashed potatoes. Breads.

Question 15: Where have you lived?

Kapetan: Utah, Bellingham and Sequim. I was born in Orem, Utah, and I lived there until I was 12. I’m the oldest of 10. We get together every few years. There are seven girls and three boys. The girls get together at least once a year.

Question 41: Who is one person you’d like to arm wrestle?

Kapetan: My husband. We’ve never arm wrestled before but we might try it tonight. It would be close. He’d probably let me win.