Submitted by Olympia Harbor Days
A beautiful NW late summer weekend set the backdrop for the 45th Olympia Harbor Days and Tugboat Races this past Labor Day weekend. The Olympia Kiwanis Club free community event brought more than 55,000 attendees from near and far, including Canada, Hawaii, Nevada, California and more. A cruse from Tacoma aboard the historic Mosquito Fleet Steam Ship Virginia V helped fill area hotels with 58 out of town guests. The Vintage Tugboat Race results follow.
Joe V Peterson recommends Olympia Harbor Days.“Best maritime event on the Puget Sound for tug lovers especially!”
The harbor side event offered a Vintage Tugboat Show and races, tall ships, steamships, Navy ships and more at the three docks at Percival Landing and the Port Plaza. Landside attractions were abundant with over 200 arts and crafts, commercial, food and non-profit booths, as well as maritime theme related activities for the kids – Lego boat building, salmon-bot make and race, hands on marine activities, a storytelling pirate and more. Live entertainment was offered by 13 bands on 2 stages and 5 other groups roaming the festival grounds throughout the 3-day event. Other attractions and demonstrations included sand carving, forging, wood working, sculpting, robotics and remote control tugs.
Abigail Pitblado recommends Olympia Harbor Days. “Family friendly and fun for everyone in the community!!”
Title sponsor, Squaxin Island Tribe, showcased native carving, weaving and other arts as well as a tribal family canoe race to increase festival offerings. Tribal members performed an opening blessing and closing prayer, a new tradition added in 2016 under the direction of Olympia Harbor Days Executive Director, Carol Riley, who will continue in that role for 2019.
Jeff and Debbie Carpenter recommends Olympia Harbor Days. “Great experience! Something for every member of the family to enjoy!”
Three heats were held for the 2018 Olympia Harbor Days Vintage Tugboat Race with results from the 1.6 mile course as follows:
Small Class Tugs
Geraldine 10 min 19 sec
Cedar King 11 min 6 sec
Teal 11 min 41 sec
Under 400 HP Class Tugs
Creosote 9 min 50 sec
Patricia Ann 11 min
Danni K 11 min 35 sec
Sand Man 11min 39 sec
Over 400 HP Class Tugs
Galene 9 min 11 sec
W. Confer 9 min 26 sec
Riley wants to thank the many individuals, community businesses and maritime partners for continued or new sponsorship and donations to keep the tugs and ships coming to Olympia and allowing the expansion of land side offerings. “Without the support of the community and sponsors over the years, this festival would not have been able to become what it is today” says Riley.
To make a donation or to find more festival information or how to participate in the tugboat show or a vendor, please visit www.HarborDays.com. Net proceeds and donations support Olympia Kiwanis Club scholarships and activities that benefit kids and their families.
