It’s on again! What Chip started in 2014 keeps getting bigger and better. In 2016 it even falls on Valentines Day weekend (Feb 12-14)! Thanks to sponsors led by Boat Insurance Agency, it’ll be better than ever. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets – just click HERE. Check our Rendezvous page often for updates.
And the Ménage à Trois part of it? Chip’s working with it:
Can you believe it? Who would of thought it was possible? This February 12th, 13th and 14th, it will be the third incarnation of what has become an epic, never to be forgotten, (best not photographed) nor missed, “Winter Rendezvous,” in Poulsbo. Because it is the third Winter Rendezvous, we are naturally calling it, “Winter Rendezvous, Ménage à Trois.” I don’t actually speak French, but I think, Ménage à Trois means, “The Third Party?” Or something like that. Whatever.
It might have something to do with the title sponsor, Ménage à Trois wines.
Whether in French or English, words simply can’t describe how much fun we all had the first two years. Don’t believe me? Ask anybody who was in attendance at either, or both, of the first two. Last year everything got bigger and better from the year before and we plan on doing the same this year. So much fun!
Everybody arrives on Friday during the day at the beautiful marina in Poulsbo. You’ll want to get there in time to get registered and get rested after your crossing. Friday night there’s a great welcoming party, indoors, just steps from your boat. The band plays, the libations flow, the food is served, great prizes are given out and the weekend of fun gets underway. Oh, did I mention that thanks to the Seattle Boat Show and the Port of Poulsbo, your moorage is free! That’s right, I said your moorage is free!
Saturday around noon, we all gather at the gazebo for the opening ceremony and the ancient tradition of the lighting of the Winter Rendezvous bonfire. I figure that because this is year three, it entitles us to call it an ancient tradition. The mayor is there, the chief of Police (not sure why), Poulsbo’s royalty, the Winter Rendezvous, All Star Drum Line plays and we lay out all the events of the day. Because we are in Poulsbo, where the locals most likely do not speak English, only Norwegian, we give you some Norwegian phrases to help you mix in with the locals.
Poulsbo simply opens it doors to everyone who attends the Rendezvous, with events and special deals on everything from art, food, drink, furniture, pastries, you name it. Did I mention that this year’s Winter Rendezvous coincides with Valentines Day? Lucky for you, your Winter Rendezvous ticket also gets you into the, “Lovers and Liquors” event going on in the Son’s of Norway Hall on Saturday. Everything from chocolates, wine, cider, spirits and more, (wink, wink) to make your Valentines weekend in Poulsbo more than memorable. Simply put, There are more events happening in town for attendees of the Winter Rendezvous , Ménage à Trois than you can take in all day Saturday.
We all gather back at the bon fire, late in the afternoon, to give out prizes for the Glog competition, poker walk, etc. Most boaters head back to their boats after that to rest up for the huge night of fun to follow. The Gala, just steps away from you boat, at the Son’s of Norway Hall, features more libations, amazing food and the music of Soul Siren. This band absolutely, “killed it” last year! Check them out on Youtube. They are so much fun! I hear from people who attended last year that it was the best party they attended all year.
This event sells out and the slips are limited, so you’ll want to get your tickets, (purchased at Brown Paper Tickets) immediately. Then call the Port of Poulsbo Marina to get your pick of slips. Remember, it’s free moorage, a gift to you from the Seattle Boat Show and the Port of Poulsbo. Do you have a bunch of friends and family that you’d like to have join you for the weekend? Don’t have enough room on your boat? Don’t care for their snoring? Do they tend to fill up your holding tank? Don’t worry. This year we’ve put together some great hotel packages so they can join in the fun with you and everything is included in the package.
I can’t wait to see all of our friends from the past two years and hopefully meet some first timers. Oh, by the way. Just between you and me, Ménage à Trois does mean the third party, right? Let me know if I got that right on our Facebook page. Au revoir!
– Chip Hanauer
