PRESS RELEASE - Rhododendron Festival Events and Road Closures

PORT TOWNSEND, Washington - The 88th annual Rhododendron Festival will be happening May 17 – 21, 2023. The Port Townsend Police department will be closing roads for various activities and parade routes and ensuring the safety of everyone attending. See below for detailed road closures.

Wednesday, May 17 | Trike Race | 5 – 7:00 p.m.
• No parking: 4 – 8:00 p.m. on Water Street from Quincy to Monroe, and Monroe from Water to Washington.
• Road closed: 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. Water Street from Quincy to Monroe.

Thursday, May 18 | Pet Parade | 4:30 - 7 p.m.
• No parking: 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Lawrence Street from Pierce to Adams
• Road closed: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for staging on Lawrence from Pierce to Harrison. The entire route will be closed from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 19 | Kiddie Parade | 2 - 4:30 p.m.
• No parking: 1 - 5:00 p.m. on Lawrence Street from Tyler to Monroe, on Monroe from Lincoln to Clay, on Jackson from Monroe to Chetzemoka Park entrance
• Road closed: 2 - 3:30 p.m. on Lawrence from Tyler to Adams for staging. The entire route to Chetzemoka Park will be closed until 5:00 p.m.

Friday, May 19 | Hair and Beard Contest | 5 – 6:00 p.m.
                             Bed Races | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
                             Opening Ceremony | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
• No parking: 3:30 - 8 p.m. on Water Street from Monroe to Quincy, and Monroe Street from Water to Washington.
• Road closed: 4:30 (approx.) – 8:00 p.m. Water Street from Quincy to MonroeFriday, May 19 |

Saturday, May 20 | Running of the Balls | 12:30 -1:00 p.m.
• No parking: After 6:00 a.m. on Monroe from Lawrence to Water
• Road closed: Monroe Street will be closed at noon

Saturday, May 20 | Grand Parade | 1 – 4:00 p.m.
• No parking: After 6:00 a.m. on multiple streets (map link follows)
• Road closed: Lawrence Street between Harrison and Walker will be closed 8:00 a.m. for staging
• Road closed afternoon: Lawrence, Monroe, and Water (to Taylor)

Sunday, May 21 | Rhody Run | 9:00 a.m. - Completion
• No Parking: After 7:00 a.m. on 49th Street between Hendricks Street and Admiralty Street and on Admiralty Street to gates of Fort Worden State Park.
• There may be short intersection closures at varying times for the Rhody Run event
• Traffic control points:
     o 49th Street at Fairgrounds entrance
     o San Juan Avenue and Admiralty Street
     o Cherry Street and F Street
     o San Juan Avenue and F Street
     o Discovery Road and Hastings Avenue
     o Sheridan and Hastings Avenue
     o Cook Avenue and Hastings

To see maps of the parade routes visit the City website: https://cityofpt.us/police/page/rhododendron-festival-events-and-road-closures-press-release

For more information about this festival visit the Rhododendron Festival Association's webpage: http://www.rhodyfestival.org/

For more information regarding the Jefferson Healthcare RHODY RUN visit: Jefferson Healthcare RHODY RUN (runsignup.com)