By Madelyn Jones
As summer winds to a close in Birch Bay, locals look forward to one final Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce event: Birch Bay Derby Day.
For the first time, this year will start with a Pinewood Derby race put on by the Friends of the Birch Bay Library.
Participants will make cars from a single block of wood. Cars must not be longer than 7 inches, wider than 2.75 inches or heavier than 5 ounces. Each participant may enter one car.
Medals will be awarded to first, second and third placers in the race.
Cars must be numbered and can be decorated with paint or stickers. There are a limited number of car kits available to be picked up from the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce during open hours or from the Birch Bay Bookmobile Stop on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Kits will be available as long as supplies last.
Anyone 17 years or younger can participate. Registration is free and required. To register and view the full race rules, visit wcls.libcal.com/event/17403358.
The last Poker Run of the year will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will walk, bike or ride a golf cart along Birch Bay Drive, stopping at different businesses to collect large poker cards.
The three teams that collect the best poker hand will earn prizes at this non-gambling event. Participation is capped at 104 teams; register at eventbrite.com/e/birch-bay-poker-run-tickets-1987852594622.
The Billy Brown Crab Derby will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. in front of The Beach at Birch Bay, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Prizes will be awarded for the largest crab, largest red rock crab and largest catch limit, with a limit of five crabs per person.
All crab derby participants must have a valid crabbing license, and all crabs must be alive, of legal size and harvested legally according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
The day will close out with the Duck Derby, also presented by the Friends of the Birch Bay Library. Participants can buy rubber duck tickets for $5 at the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Birch Bay Bookmobile Stop on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
Rubber ducks will be deposited into Terrell Creek at approximately 6 p.m., depending on the timing of the tides. The ducks will race down the creek toward the finish line at Birch Bay Drive Bridge, where a team of volunteers will make sure all ducks are removed from the water. Proceeds from the duck derby will support the Friends of the Birch Bay Library.
Prizes will be awarded to first through 10th place as well as last place (deemed the slacker quacker), ranging from $475 to $150 in value. Prize packages vary, offering bundles with items such as a hotel stay, gift cards to local businesses and an annual membership to the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham.
For more information on Derby Day, including full crab derby rules, visit birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-derby-day/.
