Summer kicks off this weekend when Field Day, a community event, comes to the Fort Worden in Port Townsend on Saturday, June 29. Natalie Maitland, of Fort Worden Hospitality, said that Field Day is the first of many events that will be hosted at Littlefield Green this summer.

“The space lends itself to a circle of community that naturally comes together in the fenced space, and the abundant and easy parking is another bonus!” she said.

Hosted by The Production Alliance and Fort Worden Hospitality, Field Day is an all-age event celebrating summer’s return to Port Townsend. The event, happening for the first time from Littlefield Green at Fort Worden, will run from 2 to 6 p.m.

This year’s event will showcase a variety of competitions for citizens to test their mettle. Activities include a field race, a watermelon-eating contest and a sack race.

Highlighting the activities is a battle of strength and fortitude, Field Day’s annual tug-of-war competition. It’s serious business. Olympic tug-of-war rules apply. The competition is single-elimination. Once a team is pulled across the line, it is eliminated. Teams cannot exceed a total weight of 1,500 pounds, and must weigh in prior to competing. There is a 15-minute time limit for matches, and competitors are required to stay on their feet. The winning team, in addition to the glory, takes home the grand prize of $1,000.

Maitland said she is excited about the healthy community competition, and invites the entire community to come out and “bring their game face!”

Throughout the day, guests of all ages can enjoy live music and participate in fun and unique summer activities to ring in the season. Little ones are invited to build birdhouses, tie-dye shirts, face-paint, and flex their artistic side with Northwind Art.

The Bouncy Zone is sure to be a popular activity. This year, “The Bouncy Zone,” hosted by Sugar Hill Farms, will be free and feature three different bouncy structures: the “Giant Carousel Bouncy” for the whole family, a “Jumping Jousting” unit, and a special little unit for children 5 and under.

Food and refreshments will be available from local favorites, including Big Dawgs Hot Dogs, High Country Donuts, Gypsy Coffeehouse, Sugar Hill Farms, Fort Worden Hospitality, and ice cream from NW Cold Treats.

Courtesy of Kiwanis of Port Townsend, there will be free root beer floats for the first 1,000 guests to enjoy at 3 p.m.

Event organizers are seeking community involvement on the day of the event, with over 26 volunteer positions to fill. To sign up to volunteer, please register at the event website at  https://theproductionalliance.org/events/fieldday.

Field Day is a free event, but there is a suggested donation of $10. With admission, guests will have access to all that Field Day has to offer.