Summer kicks off with Birch Bay Kite Festival, Splash Day

Summer activities in Blaine and Birch Bay will start off on a high note with Splash Day and the Birch Bay Kite Festival.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will kick off the summer fun with Splash Day from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, June 21 at 3rd and Martin streets in downtown Blaine. The street will be blocked off for children to run around inflatable sprinklers. The free event will also have hot dogs, snacks and ice cream for purchase. No registration required.

After cooling off from the summer heat, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Kite Festival at Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23.

Both days of the Kite Festival will have free kites for kids, with one given per child while supplies last. There will be over 20 craft and food vendors selling art, candles, wood work and novelty items throughout the day.

The Saturday schedule is as follows:

• Wren the Juggler will perform from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Musician Michael Dayvid will perform 1-3 p.m.

• Local artist Doug Parent will give a painting lesson to children at 3 p.m. A $10 registration fee is required.

The Sunday schedule is as follows:

• Wren the Juggler will perform from noon to 2:30 p.m.

• Michael Dayvid will perform from noon to 2:30 p.m.

• The poker run will run 2-4 p.m. The golf and bicycle poker run is a non-gambling event with the goal to make the best five-card poker hand from cards collected at locations around Birch Bay.

A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required to park at Birch Bay State Park. Passes are available at Whatcom County Library System locations or can be purchased for $10 per day or $30 annually.