About Us

The first Rhododendron Festival was held in May of 1935 when a group of Port Townsend civic leaders organized a celebration of the Washington State Flower.

Today, the Association is totally comprised of community volunteers from the City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County. The Association plans, organizes and presents the annual Rhododendron Festival in Port Townsend every third week of May.

The volunteers also design, construct and travel the Queen’s Float to other   festivals and parades in Jefferson County, Washington State and Oregon.

Members serve as ambassadors to Jefferson County while traveling, as well as at local events as requested. They serve as official hosts to visiting dignitaries from other festivals.

90 Years of Rhody!

We Need Your Help

Following are brief descriptions of what it takes to put on the festival. Each committee needs a chair as well as supporting members.

Executive Board
President: One year term, over-sees the organization; travels to all parades.
Vice President: Backs up the president and gets ready to be President.
Secretary: Keeps and distributes monthly meeting minutes and other related duties.
Treasurer: Maintains the books and budget in a competent manner and reports at meetings.

Committees
 Coronation
 Decorations
 Rehearsal coordination
 Judge’s Tea
 Entertainment
 Emcee/Facility Rental
 Program Design & Printing

Float & Travel
 Construction
 Driver for float at parades
 Driver for float trailer

 Maintenance
 Travel during spring, summer and early fall

Fundraising
 Soliciting via letters
 Personal contact
 Sponsor plaque & pin distribution
 Festival Pins
 Distribution to royalty candidates
 Keeping track of money
 Distribution of pin boards
 Publicity
 Contact with The Leader and Peninsula Daily News
 Coordinate articles as needed

Royalty
 Training of candidates
 Scheduling appearances
 Coordination with Coronation activities

 Activities of court Rhody week
 Travel during spring,
summer and early fall

Junior Royalty
 Plans and coordinates selection of court

 Activities of court at coronation ceremonies
 Activities of court  during Rhody week  events and local parades

Rhody Week Events
 Trike Race
 Pet Parade
 Kiddies Parade
 Bed Race
 Ribbon ordering
 Obtain sponsors & chairs

Grand Parade
 Dignitaries, Invitations, Cars, Signs
 Check-in
 Judges/Judging
 Application / Database
 Staging set-up & takedown
 Final Info Contact
 Parade Marshalls

Miscellaneous Tasks
 Arrange coronation of Kah Tai King and Queen
 Reserve Reader Board at the Visitor’s Center
 Contact the Elks regarding Pancake Breakfast
 Create and print Schedule of Events for festival Week

If you are unable to volunteer, but would like to help financially.
Consider a financial donation.
Please contact us or mail a check to:
Rhody Festival Association
P.O. Box 766Port Townsend, WA 98368

Thank you for your support!

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