South Puget Sound residents have a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at Port of Tacoma cargo and shipping operations this Sunday, Sept. 21, when the port offers its annual Free Boat Tours & Open House.
In 2002, about 1,500 people experienced a wide range of port activities – from viewing container ships nearly four football fields long, to gantry cranes that stand more than 300 feet tall.
This year, tours take place aboard the Goodtime II sightseeing vessel. Tour times are 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Exhibits will include cargo handling and longshore equipment demonstrations on the ports Sitcum and Blair waterways.
The boat leaves from Terminal 7 near the ports Main Administration Building, located at One Sitcum Plaza, just off East 11th Street – about five minutes from downtown Tacoma.
Between tours, there are several family oriented activities on the dock from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy a port open house in the Terminal 7 warehouse, where they can learn to tie maritime knots, send messages with signal flags, play trivia games and see up-close cargo handling equipment demonstrations. There will also be food, live music and face painting.
For more information, call 253/597-7564.
