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Enthusiasts from the Northwest Steam Society are gathering their fleet of boats and historical memorabilia at Blaine Harbor for their 50th anniversary celebration of all things steam, Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13.

Five boats arrived for the Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival on August 5-6, but organizers said they hope to see 16 steamboats and two steam cars for their annual public event.

The steam society's relationship with Blaine stretches back to the early years of the maritime festival, said Blaine Chamber of Commerce volunteer Carroll Solomon.

Courtesy Photo

A Northwest Steam Society member takes their boat on the water in an archived photo. The steam society's 50th annual public event is Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13, and will feature 16 steamboats, models and memorabilia in Blaine Harbor.

"They've always been a part of our event on a smaller scale, but this year there are going to be more of them, and they're going to be here longer," she said.

The steam society plans events throughout the year for members to swap parts and stories, discuss issues and solutions and, most of all, enjoy peace and silence on the water.

Those interested in learning more about the steam society can find them at Gate 2 in Blaine Harbor ready to answer questions and show off their steam collectibles on Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. The Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, will also have an indoor display of steam memorabilia, including models, engines and two presentations chronicling the history of the steam culture from the 1960s to today.

To read more from this article, visit: https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/northwest-steam-society-hosts-50th-public-meet,27356