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Arts WA, boat races on Whidbey, Coupeville, Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, Coupeville Festival Association, Coupeville Front St., Coupeville Historic Waterfront, Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, Coupeville history, Historic Coupeville, Humanities Washington, Island County Historical Society, Island County Washington, Lummi Tribe, Makah Tribe, National Endowment for the Arts, Nooksack Tribe, Pacific Rim Institute, Penn Cove, Penn Cove Indian tribes, Penn Cove Mussel Fest, Penn Cove Shellfish, Penn Cove Water Festival, Penn Cove Water Festival 2014, Penn Cove Waterfest, Penn Cove Waterfest 2014, Port of Coupeville, Puget Sound Energy, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Roger Purdue, Samish Tribal Nation, Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation, Skwah Band, Sno-Isle Libraries, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Swinomish Tribe, The Suquamish Tribe, Town of Coupeville, Tribal boat races, Water Festival Whidbey, Whidbey Boat races, Whidbey Indian boat races, Whidbey Indian tribe, Whidbey Island, Whidbey Island Waterfestival
2014’s Penn Cove Water Festival continues our renewed focus on the cultural history of the region, and once again brings back all time favorite performers, new performers, and the fun, family atmosphere that is unique to the festival.
The Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children’s activities, and exhibits and displays. First celebrated in 1930, the Penn Cove Water Festival is a long held tradition on Whidbey.
This year the festival will be dedicated to the late Roger Purdue (1938-2013).
For two decades Roger created the beautiful artwork for the Penn Cove Water Festival poster. Of Tsimshian heritage, Roger grew up on Orcas Island where he developed a deep love for nature, salmon and whales. Moving to Whidbey as a young man, Roger was a teacher in Oak Harbor, and after retiring celebrated his Northwest Native heritage in his artwork and carvings. His generosity to the Penn Cove Water Festival and to the community will never be forgotten, and his beautiful, creative depictions of nature will live on forever.
The festival will kick off on Friday, May 9 with a Storytelling event by Lou Labombard at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville. MAP
Festival day, Saturday, May 10th, enjoy tribal boat races, story telling, music, dancing and the Native Spirit Art Show at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. MAP
NOTE: the Native Spirit Art Show will hold over for Sunday, May 11th, too.
Regional and Canadian Tribes participating in the boat races will be: Nooksack Tribe; Swinomish Tribe; Makah Tribe; Lummi Tribe; Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation Chehalis, BC and the Skwah Band Chilliwack Landing, BC
<Click Waterfest poster for a full line up of festival activities
Including activities for children
Contributions to the Penn Cove Water Festival by many individuals and organizations, both financially and as volunteers, are appreciated by the festival organizers. If you would like to help in any way, or make a contribution visit the Penn Cove Water Festival Association website for a list of contacts.
