Seatle Maritime Festival May 10, 2007

Thrill to the power of the biggest tugboat races anywhere. Take free harbor tours. Dive into the Chowder Cook-Off or one of dozens of other free events. It’s all a part of the fun during the annual Seattle Maritime Festival, May 10-12, 2007.

A container ship full of free activities will be held during the festival, which is sponsored by the Seattle Propeller Club and the Port of Seattle. Most of the public activities will take place on the Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Waterfront Park and Pier 66/BellHabor Marina on the Downtown Seattle Waterfront. Key events include:

Tugboat Race and Parade to Post, May 12: It’s the country’s largest tugboat race, with 40 boats expected to compete in three heats, starting at 2 p.m. on the course from Pier 56 to 86. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., a spectacular parade of industry boats will be held along the waterfront.

Competitions: Including Stories of the Sea Poetry Competition (May 10) World Invitational Survival Suit Races (May 12), Quick and Dirty Boat Building (May 12) and Chowder Cook-Off (May 12).

Demonstrations and Displays, May 12: U.S. Coast Guard Sea-Air Rescue Demonstration, Tractor Tug Demonstration, vessel tours and displays about the waterfront are planned. There will also be free admission to the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center at Pier 66.

Free Harbor Tours, May 12: Thanks to the Port of Seattle, free harbor tours will depart from Pier 66.

Kids’ Programs, May 12: Kids programs include free admission to the Seattle Aquarium (when accompanied by a paying adult), remote control boat exhibit, face painting, fishing pond and wooden boat building.

56th Annual Maritime Day Luncheon, TBD. Proceeds benefit local maritime industry non-profit organizations and charities. During the luncheon, the Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award and the Elected Official of the Year Award will be presented.

All events are subject to change. For further information, please call (206) 728-3163.

Official Website: http://www.portseattle.org/downloads/seaport/Mfest_2007.pdf