Port family festival moves to 2021

The Port of Whitman County announced that the Snake River Family Festival, scheduled for May 30, is canceled.

Prior to the final cancellation decision, there was a possibility of postponing the event to an available slot at Boyer Park and Marina in August.

“There were two days in August that Boyer Park had available to move the Snake River Family Festival to, but those two dates also had conflicting events in the community,” said Port of Whitman Communications Director Sarah Highfield.

One of the Saturdays conflicted with the Lentil Festival in Pullman and the other Saturday would have been a busy time for harvest, as well as conflict with events at Washington State University, Pullman and the Colfax School District.

On April 7, the port commissioners decided on canceling the event for this year.

To be able to transfer any deposits made from the port for this year's event, port staff requested the commissioners to agree upon a date for the 2021 Snake River Family Festival.

“We are looking for potential dates for 2021, the staff is recommending May 22, 2021,” Highfield said. “We will be able to transfer our deposit for performer Sammy Eubanks to the new 2021 date.”

The port commissioners agreed that May 22, 2021, would be an appropriate date for next year's festival. This date will precede Memorial Day as well as county high school graduation ceremonies.

Set to kick-off the season April 1, Boyer Park and Marina is still in operation.

“Boyer Park is leasing out campsites and they do have campers down there currently,” said Kara Riebold, port chief operating officer.

According to the Washington State Parks website, Boyer Park and Marina doesn't have any current alerts.

Since Boyer Park and Marina is a part of Kampgrounds of America they are allowed to be open during this time.

According to the KOA COVID-19 update, most of the campgrounds are open and honoring reservations and new guests. Some KOA campgrounds may remain open but offer only partial services.

While campsites are open at Boyer Park and Marina, the restaurant is currently closed.

“We believe that there are intrinsic health benefits from enjoying the outdoors. Whether you decide to camp today, or just step outside, we all need a breath of fresh air,” said the KOA COVID-19 update. “We will continue to provide content and updates regarding our campgrounds, as well as information on getting outdoors and camping in these difficult times.”

The only KOAs in Washington that are closed are Bay Center/Willapa Bay KOA Journey, closed for the foreseeable future and Starbuck/Lyon Ferry closed to new arrivals.