The May festival in Port Orchard, WA celebrates the unique heritage of the Mosquito Fleet, steamers that ferried people and goods around Puget Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula from the 1850s to the early 1930s. Come enjoy the music, entertainment, and maritime celebrations.
The Carlisle II, one of the last surviving and operating ships of the Mosquito Fleet era (built 1917), will be open to the public, step aboard this ‘floating museum’ for a look into the past. You can purchase ‘Story Sail’ excursions which depart and return to the Port Orchard Foot Ferry Terminal (87 Sidney Ave.). Purchase tickets online HERE. During the sail you’ll learn about Kitsap’s Mosquito Fleet history with guest narrator and local historian Josh Farley. Sailings are on Saturday, May 23 only, with three sailings from which to choose:
- 11:00 am
- 12:45 pm
- 2:00 pm
Virgina V, the beautiful Mosquito Fleet steamer Virgina V, preserved to promote maritime history, will be at the fest offering pre-ticketed sailings May 23, 24 scheduled as follows:
- May 23, Happy Hour Cruise, boarding 4:30 pm
- May 24, Harbor Cruise, boarding 11:30 am
- May 24, Harbor Cruise, boarding 1:30 pm
Note: tickets can be purchased for the Dryft Onboard Concert for May 22, boarding at 7:30 pm for the 8:00 pm concert onboard at the dock. See https://virginiav.org/calendar/ online for tickets for sailings as well as for the concert.
Markets; come enjoy the Maritime Market and the Farmers Market at Port Orchard. At the marina’s Maritime Market (9am-5pm Sat. and until 4pm Sun), discover the unique collection of local artisan wares and gifts; at the Bay Street Farmers Market (9am-2pm, Sat. Only) shop for florals, veggies and greens, or meats, foods, and wine. You’ll find an artisans’ alley next to the Farmers Market, where local artists will be creating their art on site (715 Bay Street).
The Historic Storywalk is a guided tour through downtown Port Orchard, a community sporting historic landmark buildings with stories dating back to the Mosquito Fleet days; come learn about the colorful history of these buildings on Sunday, May 24, from Noon to 2 pm (933 Bay Street).
Family Fun Zone is held at Polaris Backstage, where the whole family can try their hand at knot tying, nautical art, or enjoy the bubble machine parties and other activities, 1 pm to 4 pm (822 Bay Street). Wear your Gilligan’s Island costume for the contest.
Waterfront Scavenger Hunt, if you like scavenger hunts, stop by the Event Info Booth for materials that will lead you on a fun and interactive waterfront hunt. Materials can be downloaded ahead of time from the festival website.
Music. Everyone will love listening to songs from Pirates of Penzance at the local performance theater (624 Bay Street) at 3 pm, May 23.
To learn more about the Mosquito Fleet Fest with its many fun, family activities at Port Orchard, go to www.pobsa.com/mosquito-fleet-fest
Photos: Mosquito Fest Committee
Virginia V: Historical Photo
