Gearing up for summer fun

By Meg Olson

Organizers of Harborfest, Blaine’s summer-long party, are working to draw a record number of community members into the celebration. “Parade entries, vendors, volunteers, everybody – and that’s ongoing,” said chamber of commerce director Ed Magner. “We’ll be looking all the way through the event.”

Harborfest kicks off with the traditional Skywater Festival on June 23, welcoming in summer with a parade down Peace Portal Drive. Magner said they are hoping for a record number of parade entries and are especially encouraging kids to dress up their bikes.

Following the parade, Skywater moves to Blaine Marine Park for an arts and crafts fair and carnival. Magner said that, if last year is any indication, the festival could be almost more fun for volunteers and vendors than visitors. “It was like that last year, one of those things you couldn’t help but enjoy,” he said. “That’s what makes it such a good event, when volunteers have as much fun as the kids.” Volunteers are still needed to work the children’s inflatable carnival and help with parking in one-hour shifts. There are also still spots available for vendors in the arts and crafts fair.

The successor to last year’s Skywater Summer, Harborfest will continue with a string of events throughout the summer. “With Harborfest we’re trying to expand on what started with Skywater Summer – a series of events tying into our maritime theme,” Magner said. Events planned throughout the summer include a toast with White Rock representatives at the Peace Arch July 1, fireworks from Blaine Marine Park and a celebration at Resort Semiahmoo on July 4, a visit from the tall ship Lady Washington in August, an outdoor movie series downtown and an antique car show.

Magner said events could be added as more people come on board. “We’re looking for people with energy and ideas,” he said.

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