When Shipwreck Fest returns to the streets of Anacortes Saturday, July 16, treasure-seekers looking for unique finds won’t have to dive down to long-submerged watercraft to uncover them.
An estimated 400 vendors will be taking part in the annual flea market, where people will be selling everything from antiques to collectibles, furniture, sporting goods, crafting supplies, fine art, not-so-fine art, food and an esoteric accumulation of goods of the kind one might find at a neighborhood garage sale.
To take part in the treasure hunt, simply show up anytime between 8 a.m to 4 p.m. to stroll along the city’s Commercial Avenue and see what catches your eye. Bring cash, something to carry your finds in and a sense of adventure. (Pro tip: Some businesses and booths will get their start at dawn, just like fishermen often do, so it might behoove you to show up early to cast your bargaining net.)
If you detect a maritime theme, it’s because when Shipwreck Fest started 39 years ago, it was helmed by local commercial fisher-folks who were selling their used fishing gear as yard art along Commercial Avenue. These days, it’s organized by the Fidalgo Island Rotary Club and has expanded way beyond its original scope.
The free, family-friendly event has also inspired other community organizations to get in on the fun. For example, from noon to 6:30 p.m. on the same day, the Anacortes Music Project (AMP) will return to Causland Park in Old Town Anacortes to present its annual Shipwreck Music Fest.
Whether you’re taking a breather from haggling with festival vendors over the price of a lava lamp or are making the park a picnic destination point, the free, all-ages event promises to entertain. West African drummer and percussionist Saeed Abbas will kick off the aural action at noon, followed by the multi-instrumentalists and vocalists known as Gems & Genies. Singer-songwriter Pearl Tottenham will take the mic next, and Crushing, Jack Mattingly, Collin’s Beach, Enduro, and rockers Atomic Rust will keep the music flowing until early evening. A taco truck and snow cones will be on-site if you can’t pull together your own picnic.
Those who are still at Causland Park at 6 p.m. are also invited to join Anacortes Music Project for a Friendship Trail walking tour of musicians who will be playing throughout downtown. Whether the destination is an alleyway, trail, front stoop or other hidey-hole, each spot will unearth a different act.
If you’re not ready to call it a night by the time the sun sets, make plans to see the Karl Blau Band, who will be playing at 8:30 p.m. at the Brown Lantern Ale House at 412 Commercial Ave.
Although Blau no longer lives in Anacortes — he now calls Philadelphia home — the Skagit County native is the reason AMP exists. In 2015, after opening a music venue called Anacortes Music Channel (where The Business record store now resides), he launched a 24/7 streaming station of music exclusive to Anacortes, created a monthly music newsletter called Show Chime, and founded the Anacortes Music Project.
Luckily, the nonprofit has carried on Blau’s goals of preserving the history of the seaside city and drawing attention to music events and artists. Show Chime and the nonstop music streaming station are still part of AMP’s umbrella.
In addition to his gig at the Brown Lantern, Blau will be leading this year’s rock and roll camp for youth, AMP Camp. From July 25–29, those ages 12 to 18 will form bands and create songs to be performed live on the final day of camp. No experience is necessary, nobody will be turned away for lack of funds and inclusiveness and creativity will be part of the curriculum. And for those without instruments, guitars, basses, keyboards, drums and microphones will be provided — no treasure hunt required.
For more details about Shipwreck Fest, go to shipwreckfest.com. To suss out the Shipwreck Music Festival and AMP Camp, head to anacortesmusicproject.org.
