Large crowd expected at Old Timers' Day

Colleen Slater, KP News

The logging show is a popular attraction at the Old Timers' Day and attracts competitors from around the region.

Come one, come all to the longest-running festival-type event on the Key Peninsula. The 24th Old Timers’ Day will take place on Aug. 15 at the Longbranch Improvement Club. LIC donates the use of their facilities for the event. All proceeds go to the Community Service Center and food bank that serves the peninsula.

This special annual event attracts not only local residents, but visitors and regular attendees for miles around.

Local entertainment, vendors, and participants with special items to display are all a part of Old Timers’ Day.

There are no admittance or parking fees, and a variety of things to do and look at for all ages.

The Key Peninsula Veterans Institute will raise the flag at 10 a.m., with the Key Singers leading The Star Spangled Banner.

Entertainment on the inside stage includes the Key Singers, Rhythm n Shoes cloggers, and Down Home Band. In the afternoon, the four-member Zero Down Blues Band from Tacoma plays classic rock ’n’ roll, blues and roadhouse music. A Bounce House, petting zoo, and various carnival games will be available for the younger set.

The logging show, one of the big draws of the day, begins about 11 a.m. and includes the standard tree falling, chain saw competitions, and obstacle course for choker setting. The Hot Saws from Belfair plan to be there with special events of their own, said logging chairman Dale Boquist.

Boquist’s reliable steam engine always has a place on the grounds.

Don Fifer, a long-time member of Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor and Engine Association will have his tractor and old working engines on display, as well as other collectors who are regular participants in Old Timers Day.

“About the same ones as last year,” says Fifer, who never knows for sure who all will show up that day.

Fifer’s own antique engines range from 1907 to 1928 models.

Following the logging show, a live auction will be held for a large play toy donated by Costco, wood used in the competitions, and other donations from the community.

The silent auction will also be set up outside this year at the Community Service Center booth, where people can browse, bid, and return later to check and perhaps revise bits.

Marguerite Bussard is in charge of vendor arrangements, and can be reached at 884-3771. This year, applicants are asked to fill out a form when they apply for a vendor table. Vendors will set up inside and outside.

The kitchen and an outside grill will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork, with other food vendors to check out, too. Or bring your own picnic lunch or snacks.

Old Timers’ Day chairman Vicky Lilyeblade is working with Schwan’s for an additional fundraiser for the Community Service Center. Customers will be able to use the Community House number when they order, and Schwan’s will donate for each order. Orders made ahead of Old Timers’ Day can be picked up at the event.