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Water Festival offers insight ‘camaraderie’ Tribal racers descend on Penn Cove By Megan Hansen Examiner editor
Morning clouds and cool temperatures didn’t stop visitors from heading to the Penn Cove Water Festival Saturday. Racers from tribes all over the Pacific Northwest gathered in Coupeville to take part in the annual festival, which aims at maintaining a cultural relationship with Pacific Northwest Native Americans. It’s really about a cultural exchange and understanding, said Vicky Reyes, festival president. At the beginning of the festival, tribal leaders shared information about their cul-
ture by performing a song to kick off the festival. Also prior to races starting a tribal prayer was performed. Clouds burned off in the early afternoon, giving visitors a sunny chance to watch racing, which went from the wharf to the boat launch. People watched from all over the area including the wharf, viewing decks on Front Street, along the walking path and boat launch. Races including single person entries as well as multiperson entries. “I love the camaraderie of the races,” Reyes said. “They (the different tribes) seem to enjoy the day with each other.” Cash prizes were awarded to the top winners. Local businesses and groups sponsored individual races, which covered the cost of the cash prizes. Approximately $4,000 in
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 • Whidbey News-Times
Photos by Megan Hansen/Whidbey News-Times
Rosie James, an elder and Cultural Development Coordinator for the Samish Indian Nation, shares a tribal song during the opening ceremony at the Penn Cove Water Festival Saturday. Despite the cool weather, the annual festival drew crowds to Coupeville on Saturday. prizes is awarded. It takes a lot to put on the event each year, Reyes said. The cost to put on the event is about $30,000. Funds are made up through fundraisers, such as the salmon taco booth at the event, community and tribal grants as well as countless in-kind donations. In addition to the races, there are educational booths, children’s activities, tribal entertainment and booths offering tribal wares. Each portion of the festival takes manpower to plan and operate. “We’re hoping to get more public involvement next year,” Reyes said. Organizers are already reviewing this year’s event and making note for the next festival, slated for Saturday, May 10, 2014. Each year the water festival date is dependent on Community members baked and donated hundreds of loaves of bread to present as a welcome to tribal members who participated in the Water Festival. Penn Cove’s tide charts.
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Senior advisory board in search of members The Board of County Commissioners appoints Northwest Senior Services Advisory Board citizen member representatives for three-year terms. One citizen member representative will complete their term of service on June 30, 2013. Application deadline is June 24, 2013 and an application may be obtained by contacting Pam Dill, 360- 679-7353 or by email at pamd@ co.island.wa.us