Discover historic vessels, dance on the dock

By R. Schwarz Kopf

The 8th annual Plover Days comes to Blaine August 9–10, the same weekend as the 6th annual Dance on the Dock, a fundraiser for the Blaine boys and girls club.

Plover Days
Many historic steamboats associated with the Northwest Steam Society will be on display during next weekend’s Plover Days, put on by Drayton Harbor Maritime at Blaine Harbor.

“We’re very pleased to host the Northwest Steam Society,” said Richard Sturgill, the director of Drayton Harbor Maritime. “There will be 32 steam launches of various shapes, sizes and types.”

One of the vessels on display next weekend will be a turn-of-the century steam-powered fire pump that was shown in the production of “Hello, Dolly.” The local fire department is assisting in the coordination of the vessel.

“One of the excursions will be a flotilla of steam launches from Drayton Harbor to Dakota Creek,” Sturgill said. “These steamboats will also be going on an international voyage to the beachside town of White Rock on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.”

The Port of Bellingham, Sturgill said, is providing 700 feet of moorage for the steamships to use and the public to visit.

There will also be wooden boats dotting the shore, as well as the annual Plover swim and 3rd annual George Raft race. “We expect around 30 swimmers to take the plunge into the chilly waters of Drayton Harbor,” Sturgill said. “And the raft race offers the chance for businesses or individuals to win the prestigious George Raft race trophy.”

“They’re will be some really nice boats out there,” Sturgill said.
For more information, call 332-5742 or visit www.mvplover.org.

Dance on the Dock
This will be the sixth year of the Dance on the Dock, held at the Blaine Harbor Center on Marine Drive.

In addition to a dance with music provided by Crystal Tricycle, a Blaine band that plays 60s and 70s music, there will also be two auctions and food, donated and cooked by Sundance Meats.

Randy Kirk, director of the Blaine boys and girls club, said the dinner will include steak, potatoes, salads and more. “Sundance Meats is helping us out with this, as is TC Trading Company who is donating the salads.”

The silent and live auctions will feature items including a San Juan islands cruise and lunch for four people, University of Washington Husky sports packages, as well as a 10-speed bicycle, Mt. Baker theatre production tickets and tickets to a Phoenix Suns basketball game.

“The community will want to attend this to support the kids and support the club activities for the kids,” Kirk said. “All funds go to the kids.”

Tickets can be purchased for $30 at the boys and girls club, Pacific Building Center and Cost Cutter. Tickets are also available at the door for $35. For more information, call Randy Kirk at 332-3008.

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