HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-07 Public Service Announcement for Rhododendron Festival May 13-17 Public Service Announcement for
Rhododendron Festival May 13th - 17th 2015
Soon it will be time for the Rhododendron Festival again. This festival lasts for a week in
May and it has a major impact on our city's parking in the downtown area. The staff of the
Port Townsend Police Department wants this to be an enjoyable and memorable
Rhododendron Festival for everyone. Carpooling or taking public transportation to the
festivities is recommended to help alleviate some of the problems with parking and traffic.
Below is the current Rhododendron Festival schedule of events and areas where traffic
and parking will be impacted. All street closures and detours are subject to change, due to
unforeseen circumstances. Updates will be provided to local news media if time permits. It
is critical that motorists pay attention to signs posted along streets in the event areas.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) Trike Race
Water Street from Quincy Street to Monroe Street and Monroe from Water to Washington.
This area is closed to traffic and parking to accommodate the Tricycle Race.
Thursday May 15, 2015 (3:00 PM to 5:30 PM) Pet Parade
Lawrence Street from Pierce Street to Adams Street will be closed to traffic. Parked
vehicles will not be allowed to leave. This is to accommodate the Pet Parade.
Friday May 15, 2015 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) Kids Parade
Lawrence from Tyler to Adams closed from 2 pm for staging until units move to parade
route.
Lawrence from Adams to Monroe, Monroe from Lawrence to Water, Water Street from
Monroe to Quincy, Quincy from Water to Washington, and Washington from Quincy to
Monroe, closed to traffic during parade from about 3:30 to 5:00. Streets are to reopen as
the parade passes. No parking on Water from Madison to Monroe and on Madison Street
downtown.
Friday, May 16, 2015 (4:00 PM 8:00 PM) Bed Races
Water Street from Quincy Street to Monroe Street and Monroe from Water to Washington
will be closed to traffic and to parking to accommodate the Bed Races.
Saturday, May 16, 2015 (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Runnin_g of the Balls
Monroe Street from Lawrence to Jefferson Street will close from 11.30 for the running of
the Balls and will remain closed until the finish of the Grand Parade (transit will run until
the Parade Route is closed).
Saturday, May 16, 2015 (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM) Rhody Grand Parade
Staging area bounded by Cass, Franklin, Garfield, and Harrison and Lawrence Street
between Cass and Walker Streets will be closed at 6:00 AM.
The Grand Parade Route will close at 12:00, with specific sections closing at 1130.
Parking prohibited includes the following:
Lawrence Street (both sides) from Harrison Street to Monroe Street.
Monroe Street (both sides) from Lawrence Street to Water Street.
Water Street (both sides) from Monroe Street to Adams Street.
Washington Street (both sides) from Monroe Street to Taylor Street, and
Madison Streets (both sides) from Washington Street to Water Street.
Quincy Street (both sides) from Water Street to Jefferson Street.
Washington Street traffic coming down the hill eastbound will turn right onto Taylor Street
and then right onto Water Street. Incoming traffic on eastbound Water Street will be
directed to turn left onto Adams Street and then left onto Washington. Jefferson Street will
closed at Adams Street. Traffic from Uptown coming south down Tyler and Jefferson
streets will be directed back up Adams Street to exit the area via Franklin Street.
:)6n[ II N udson lillll l,) 6osed to v6h 6e traffic ingress/egress ingress/egress at 11:30 AM unllil
approxlimal6y 3 00 II and 1Ihe Skat z)oar II:)ark Il l Ii II II l,) III 11 30 AM unllil
a pIproxlimal6y 3 yy II: II
Officers will be stationed at critical intersections to facilitate traffic leaving the city following
the Rhododendron Festival Grand Parade.
Sunday, May 17, 2015 (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Rhody Run
The run takes place on its historic route, beginning in Fort Warden Park at 11:00 and is
normally completed in about 4 hours. The course is closed during the run until the final
runners have passed that location. A PTPD patrol vehicle is planned to follow the last
runners signifying the course behind is open to traffic. The course closure begins at the
Fort entrance at Cherry and W streets and continues to Redwood Street, then back onto
southbound Cherry Street. The runners proceed to F Street turning right and continue
west up Discovery Road where they turn right onto Hastings Avenue. They turn right onto
Cook Avenue and continue on Cook to 53rd and 49th streets past the Fairgrounds to San
Juan Avenue and then left onto Admiralty and back into Fort Worden.
Any vehicles parked in a posted "No Parking" zone are subject to being towed. Please
look for the wooden sandwich-board type of sign or signs on a wooden stake for parking
restrictions throughout the city during the festival. Those signs will have the most up-to-date
information on where parking is not allowed.
As a reminder, all detours and road closures are subject to change. Pay attention to
signs and personnel posted at the events locations!
Enjoy the 2015 Rhododendron Festival and we look forward to seeing you there.