by SHEILA GAQUIN

Special to the Sounder

The Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Rendezvous takes place following Labor Day on Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Wednesday, Sept. 9. This two-day annual event typically hosts 40 to 50 wooden boats including Northwest celebrity vessels like The Adventuress and The Martha. The public is invited to all events.

The Rendezvous kicks off Tuesday afternoon with the Rowboat Race at 4 p.m.

The Rowboat Race is followed by the most popular event of the Rendezvous, the Backyard Barbeque. The barbeque is held in the gardens of the Deer Harbor Boatworks on Channel Road from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will be catered by Nick Jones Family Farm of Lopez Island providing locally-grown, organic, slow foods along with an assortment of beverages. An Orcas Island favorite, The Olga Symphony, will provide the entertainment. A donation of $25 per person is recommended. Carpooling is advised because of limited parking at the Boatworks.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. a no-host Skipper’s Breakfast will be held at the Deer Harbor Inn followed by an open-class Sailboat Race at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday evening concludes the Rendezvous with an awards ceremony and potluck dinner on the dock of the Deer Harbor Marina. Irish tunes will be played by the Dave Roseberry group.

To reserve a slip for the Wooden Boat Rendezvous, call the Deer Harbor Marina at 376-3037.

Volunteers are always needed during the Rendezvous for a variety to tasks. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Deer Harbor Boatworks at 376-4056.