CATHLAMET, Wash. More than 26 years ago when the U.S. Congress passed the Endangered Bald Eagle Act, the Cathlamet Women’s Club decided that it would put on a parade through Cathlamet, Wash., to show support for the bald eagle, and to encourage people to protect our famous Bald Eagle. Over the years that annual event has grown into a three-day festival visited by more than 3,000 people each year. The Cathlamet area has many bald eagles, and you can find them daily in and around Wahkiakum County.

This years Bald Eagle Days Festival is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 19, 20 and 21.

The festivities kick off with the all-ages Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. The contest is divided into three groups: children 7 and younger, adolescents 8 to 13, and adults 14 and older. The contest starts at 2:30 p.m. Friday on the sidewalk in front of the Bank of the Pacific, 56 Main St., and Cathlamet Building Materials and Ace Hardware. Judging starts at 5:30 p.m., and there will be prizes for first, second and third place.

Events kick off the next day with the Cathlamet Kiwanis Breakfast 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Marina. Choices include scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee and orange juice. The cost is $6; ages 5 and under are free. All money raised goes to youth programs in the area. Call 360-795-3501 for more information.

You can also get your heart pumping with a fun 10k run, 5k run or two-mile run/walk. Registration for all three events begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of Cathlamet Pharmacy, 74 Main St.; registration costs $12. For more information, call Mike Riley at 360-849-4305. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m.

After the race, plan to stay and enjoy the festivities in town. Grab a snack, stop by vendor booths and visit with friends. On Main Street you can see classic cars up close. Stroll through the art gallery as live bands play for your enjoyment. The kids wont want to miss the big slide and games just for them.

The parade will start at 11 a.m. Saturday and travel from Wahkiakum High School to the marina. The small town parade is so small town, everybody wants to participate: from people walking their dogs all the way to log trucks. Many trophies and awards are given each year to category winners.

At 3 p.m. Saturday there will be a firefighters water fight on Main Street near the Bank of the Pacific. Then, at night, enjoy a great fireworks show.

Sunday there will be a wooden boat show. Contact 360-849-4305 for more information.

For more information on the weekends festivities, contact the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce at 360-795-9996.