Despite the clouds, I set from Sequim headed for Joyce, about 35 miles away. Founded in 1913 by Joseph M. Joyce, the little town of Joyce breaks out in a big way the first Saturday of August. Blackberries grow very well around here (too well if you ask me and my pinpicked hands after pulling them out in what feels like a vain attempt to keep them out of my yard.). The Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival celebrates this tasty and prickly bush.
Tiny and super sweet, wild blackberries are picked to make the pies at Joyce Daze.
Yup, I’m in the right place. Parking is in a big field, which today was a bit muddy, and my car definitely needs a wash now. It was dry when I left Sequim, but by the time I got to Joyce, a light drizzle and then rain had moved in. Walking across the field back to the festival, I really should have worn closed-toed shoes, not my sandals.
They start selling pies and slices of pie at 10am. By the time I got around to getting a slice just after noon, they had sold out of all 229 pies! Next year, I’m buying pie first. The only one left was baked specially for the bands who played during the festival. I asked if they would share the recipe, but after being told it was an old recipe and getting my hopes up, no such luck.
I think the bands earned their pie, playing in the rain!
All proceeds from the pie sales, the raffle, t-shirt and merchandise (non-vendor) go toward scholarships for the graduating Crescent School district seniors.
There were lots of booths, with handcrafted and artisan items, as well as food.
Debi of The Shepherd’s Fold demonstrates how to spin wool.
Such beautiful things she makes.
I couldn’t resist, and bought a loaf of parmesan oregano sourdough bread.
I couldn’t decide which was cuter, the little boy hiding behind his cotton candy, or his brother challenging him to a sword fight because his cone looked like a sword.
One whiff of these cinnamon-vanilla fresh roasted almonds, and I bought a bag.
I peeked inside the original log train depot built in 1914 which is home to the Joyce Museum. Items are donated by the surrounding community, making for a very eclectic and memory-ladden museum.
The Joyce General Store, where I stood by the gas pumps, under cover, drying off my camera lense before the start of the parade.
A bit before 1pm, the fire engine sirens blared, the fire trucks headed out, and the M.C. for the festival let us know that the parade was forming up.
The color guard and military floats drove by. When they stopped and the National Anthem was played, despite the rain, hats were removed, hands placed over hearts, and most of us sang softly.
Dozens of classic cars followed next. These were my favorites.
And my favorite one of all, this 1906 Buick.
The first car in Clallam County, which was sold in Port Angeles in May 1907. Top speed of 25 mph, handcrank to start her up, two speed transmission and leather seats. I missed the rest of the M.C.’s description, too busy oohing and ahhing over the car. Steering wheel is on the right, which intrigues me.
Photo from the North Olympic Heritage — Bert Kellogg Photograph Collection. Description reads: First car in Clallam County, 1906 Buick belonging to James “Jim” Herbert Gibson (9/1882-1/18/1947) parked in front of Jens Bugge’s store in Sequim in May, 1907. Yup, it’s the same car!
There were a few floats, bagpipers, martial arts, horses, all the things I love about small town parades.
The Joyce Grinch is selected by voting, at a penny a vote, at various businesses. The money raised is used to purchase food for those stuggling economically. There was a toy drive as well, with a collection booth at the festival.
Drove by these wild peas on the way home. There’s a reason why Hwy 112 is called the The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway, and is a National Scenic Byway. Even in the fog and drizzle.
Things to keep in mind:
- Hwy 112 is shut down for the parade, and there’s no other way around. If you’re heading west, you won’t be able to go past Joyce during the parade, so plan accordingly.
Links of Interest:
- Joyce Daze website