PORT ORCHARD — Saturday might be a good time to don a sturdy hat while walking about downtown. It’s a time-proven technique to avoid those pesky dive-bombing seagulls who have a need to lighten their, um, load while preparing to snack on food left by visitors.

That’s because it’s time for the Seagull Calling Festival along the Port Orchard waterfront, where contestants take part in replicating a shrill, gull-like shriek to entice those familiar airborne winged creatures to come a-callin’ for a taste treat.

The traditional event is sponsored by the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce and judged by a distinguished group of community leaders and elected officials, draped in judicial robes and topped by powdered white wigs.

The Seagull Calling Contest kicks off at noon Saturday, followed by the sale of roasted wings, prepared and cooked by contestants — professionals and amateurs — that morning. Their culinary work will be available for purchase beginning at 1 p.m.

Prior to that festival action will be the Seagull Splat 5K Run at 9 a.m. and the Seagull Splat Kids Run at 11 a.m. Runners, who will travel along Bay Street and Beach Drive, can register for the races beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The Wolf Pack Invitational Regatta also launches on Sinclair Inlet beginning at 2 p.m.