Editor’s note: The Olympic Music Festival is about to begin, so we thought it was a good time to share this parent review from last summer, along with the 2011 schedule and prices.
Picnic. Sunshine. Pet donkeys. And Mozart?
A classical music concert isn’t usually considered a kid-friendly outing. But the Olympic Music Festival near Quilcene has, if anything, become more idyllic as our status changed from newlyweds to parents.
Even kid-free, we didn’t bother with the pricier seats inside the barn, where the Philadelphia String Quartet plays weekend shows throughout the summer. The professional musicians sounded wonderful enough just outside the barn doors, as we sprawled on a hillside lawn at the 55-acre farm, picnic and lemonade and maybe even Sunday paper at hand. For our 7-year-old and toddler, something about being released from the dress-up clothes and hushed atmosphere of most concert halls, being able to squirm or lie down or wander, also makes the experience a pleasure instead of a drag. It’s also a reasonable day trip, especially when taking the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.
Festival programming tends toward mainstream composers and well-loved pieces. If the kids tire after an hour of Mozart or Schumann, there’s plenty to appease them while still letting adults hear at least some strains of the show.
Hike up to the wooded area beyond the main lawn, where kids love climbing on the ancient tractor and other decommissioned farm equipment, as well as just exploring around the trees. Bring carrots to feed the friendly donkeys corralled behind a fence – their numbers have risen and fallen over the years, but they’re always prepared to act hungry. Tour the well-kept flower and vegetable garden on the grounds, admiring the blooms and learning the names of new plants.
Our kids are generally happy to return to the blanket after stretching their legs, taking in the harmony of the pianos and violins with an appreciation that’s been music to all of our ears.
Tips: Light lunch fare and coffee is available at the festival, but we recommend packing a picnic. If taking the Edmonds ferry, you’ll pass the Red Apple supermarket in Clinton, good for supplementary snacks. Bring a blanket and arrive early for the best lawn seating (ideally under a shady tree, but bring sunscreen just in case). No one will frown if your kids (or you) silently read a book or finish a crossword while the musicians play. Remember there can be long ferry waits on summer weekends.
