CATHLAMET, Wash. More than 26 years ago, when Congress passed the Bald Eagle Endangered Species Act, the Cathlamet Womens Club decided to parade through Cathlamet in support of the bald eagle. The club wanted to encourage others to protect the beloved bird too.

Over the years, the annual event has grown into a festival drawing crowds of more than 3,000 people. The bald eagle is no longer endangered, and Wahkiakum County is proud of the fact many eagles can be seen in and around the area.

The annual Bald Eagle Days Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19 in Cathlamet. The festival is a weekend of fun and offers one of the best fireworks shows in the state of Washington.

Each year the festival has a theme and the parade entities decorate floats, trucks, tractors, etc. in accordance with the theme. Trophies and other awards are handed out to category winners. Parade participants range from people walking their dogs to driving log trucks.

For more information visit http://www.cathlametchamber.com/bald_eagle_days.php, call 360-795-9996 or email wchamber@cni.net

This years schedule includes:

Friday, July 18

2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sidewalk Art Contest at Bank of the Pacific.

3 to 6:30 p.m., Farmers market with live music, vendors, fresh meat, veggies, breads and more on Puget Island.

3, 4 and 5 p.m., Spirit of Chief Wahkiakum Trolley rides between the marina, town and the high school. Call the chamber for more details.

5 to 8 p.m., Tsuga Art Gallery will have live music, food, fun and friends on Main Street.

Saturday, July 19

7 to 10:30 a.m., Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the marina. Call 360-795-3501 for more details.

The Bald Eagle Run registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. downtown, and the 10k, 5k and 2-mile Bald Eagle Run will begin at 9 a.m. The run-walk challenge will begin and end at the Cathlamet Pharmacy stage. Call 360-849-4305 for more details.

Noon, The parade begins and stretches from Wahkiakum High School to the marina.

1 to 5 p.m., Two bands play love music. Running with Scissors will play from 1 to 3 p.m., and Vibes will play from 3 to 5 p.m.

Food and craft vendors will be set up on Main Street all day. Look for the Chambers famous Buffalo Burgers.

4 to 5 p.m., Waterball fight with the Fire Department.

All Day, Laser Tag is new this year in the arena on Main Street. The Kids Area will feature fun and games. The Historical Museum will offer train rides and rootbeer floats.

Fun and games will be going on all day in the Kids Area.

Train rides and rootbeer floats will be going on all day at the Wahkiakum Historical Society Museum.

At the marina, enjoy a beer garden sponsored by Drop Anchor Brewery beginning at 6 p.m. Jones & Fischer, a Seattle-based country-rock band ,will put on a live concert from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $2 cover charge.

10 p.m., The fireworks show at the marina, sponsored by Bank of the Pacific, will light up the sky.