It’s one of the city’s biggest events of the year, and the 2019 Washington Summer Festival kicks off Friday afternoon. With a little something in store for everyone, this year’s festival promises a mix of time-honored traditions and brand-new activities.

“We try to have a festival that has something for everybody,” said Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Catherine Glover. “It kicks off the summer.”

Now in its 37^th year, the Chamber, with the support and sponsorship of many local businesses, hosts the festival each year. Drawing an average of 10,000 people to Washington, Glover says the festival presents great opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits alike.

“It brings people in from out of town to come enjoy our area, and it’s also a celebration of local people,” Glover said. “We’ve got a lot of nonprofits that are vendors this year, and they use this as a fundraiser for the year, so we encourage everyone to come out and help support them.”

At the heart of any good festival, a bustling midway will spring up on Stewart Parkway, offering arts and crafts, food, games and rides. The amusements on the parkway will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, then reopen from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, marking the overall hours of the festival. For the ride-lovers of all ages, a $20 pass will buy all-you-can-ride amusements from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

On the entertainment front, the festival has plenty to offer. Live music kicks off Friday evening with a concert by hometown favorites The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard. The group will take the stage at Festival Park from 7 to 10 p.m., with a fireworks display slated for 9 p.m., contingent on the status of a burn ban in effect for eastern North Carolina.

On Saturday, three concerts will take place throughout the day, starting with a performance from Spirit Theory at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce lawn from 2 to 4 p.m. The music continues at the Chamber from 4 to 6 p.m. with a gospel concert sponsored by Washington’s local radio station, The Vine Connection. Rounding out the evening, Breadwine and Blooze Band will play at Festival Park from 7 to 9 p.m.

As for other activities during the festival, eclectic is a fitting descriptor. Festival patrons will have an opportunity to meet with 2019 Watermelon Queen Amy Arnold. Arnold, a Washington native, will represent the North Carolina Watermelon industry in the coming year. She will be at the Chamber of Commerce from 10 to 11 a.m.

Visitors can also check out the Little Washington Sailing School with boat rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or amuse themselves with three magic shows taking place at the Chamber at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

At 3 p.m., a Bill’s Hotdogs-eating contest will showcase some of Washington’s most voracious appetites, with participants gorging themselves on a hometown favorite. Those with the stomachs for the challenge should sign-up at either Washington Bill’s Hotdogs location.

“It’s a really family-friendly event,” Glover said.