Indulge Yourself at the 13-mile Chocolate on the Beach Festival in Grays Harbor

Chocolate on the Beach Festival death by choco cake 2017 — The amazing Death By Chocolate Cake made by Shannon Vavich of The Flying Kitchen. Photo courtesy: Ocean Crest Resort

Attention fans of delicious chocolate: you need to go to the Washington Coast at the end of February. On February 22-25, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival is once again returning to the North Beach of Grays Harbor and it is the can’t miss event of the season. Stretching for 13 miles, from Copalis to Moclips, this year’s 11th annual festival promises to be an amazing experience. As the only event bridging together the small communities along this section of the Washington Coast, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown into the perfect winter activity in the region. No matter what the weather, smiles, sweets and happiness abound, as it is always raining chocolate during the last week of February along the coast.

Chocolate on the Beach Festival chocolate eating 2011 — The annual chocolate eating contest is a favorite among festival goers. Photo courtesy: Ocean Crest Resort

“The coolest thing about this festival is that we do grants to help the community,” says Sara Owen and Stephanie Allestad, two of the event organizers. “Local non-profits can apply for a grant, and they must help with event. Then the board gets together and awards grants. Recent recipients have helped Pacific Beach Elementary get new playground equipment.”

Each year the Chocolate on the Beach Festival awards its proceeds to non-profits benefiting the North Beach. The festival started in 2008 as a fundraiser for the Museum of the North Beach and in 2012 became its own entity. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2018/02/16/chocolate-on-the-beach-festival-grays-harbor/

Ken Waite Memorial Golf Tournament

The Grays Harbor College is proud to announce that they once again will be hosting the Ken Waite Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament will be hosted at Highlands Golf Course, and all proceeds benefit Grays Harbor College Choker Athletics. The tournament is Saturday, May 12, 2018 and registration begins at 8:30 am, with golfing starting at 9:00 am. The cost is $65 per person, and the entry fee includes green fees, BBQ after golf, tee prizes, and awards. Every golfer receives a sleeve of Ken Waite Memorial Golf Balls as well. The tournament is sponsored by Snell Crane, Corona Steel, Five Star Dealerships, Schermer Construction, Northwest Rock, Tacoma Rainiers, Rognlins, Coast Crane, and Pacific Coast General Contractors. Sign up today by contacting Margo Hood at 360-538-4066. Entry deadline is May 5, 2018. Sign up as a team or individual.

Ever Growing Art Scene Livens up Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor Art Humptulips Hornbee

As humans, we are drawn to vivid colors, things out of the norm, or things that evoke an emotional response. Art is not only a form of creative expression for artists, but often times carries with it a unique story or a rich message in history that everyone can appreciate. Grays Harbor is teeming with talented artists whose creations are well worth admiring. The art scene is an important part of local culture and Grays Harbor is continually growing with exciting changes underway. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2018/01/31/ever-growing-art-scene-livens-up-grays-harbor/

Where to Explore Logging History in Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor Logging History Sign — This sign welcomes you as you enter Aberdeen from the East, find out why by visiting Grays Harbor museums. Photo credit: Douglas Scott

You’ve seen the “Lumber Capital of the World” sign as you drive into Aberdeen from the east, but do you know why the city was given that title? While almost everyone knows that the timber industry and Grays Harbor County go hand in hand, few know just how deep the connection goes, and how rich that history is.

The region was sought after for the towering resources that scraped the sky. When the British first explored this area, they are rumored to have said that whoever controls these forests will rule the world. Within 130 years of the initial “discovery” of Grays Harbor by Captain Robert Gray, Aberdeen become the largest lumber town in the world. With direct access to the Pacific Ocean, Aberdeen was once said to be the busiest port on America’s west coast. While at one time Grays Harbor was the lumber capital of the world, the remnants of the logging industry are barely noticeable today. To preserve the past glory of the region, there are a few museums where the incredible history of logging can be seen. From the coast to the friendly-rivaled cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam, these museums will have you inundated with impressible pictures, machinery and buildings form the logging heydays of Grays Harbor. Spread through the county, three museums showcase Grays Harbor’s logging history, with each a destination that should be visited by locals and visitors alike. To understand this corner of the world, visiting one or all of these collections is in order. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2018/01/27/where-to-explore-logging-history-in-grays-harbor/

Ocean Crest Resort’s Jess Owen Mixes up Local Ingredients with Global Flare

Out along the Washington Coast, where there are more pieces of driftwood than people, it can be hard to be noticed for excellence in almost any craft. Yet, up on a bluff from the breakers of the Pacific, one restaurant is becoming a Pacific Northwest leader for amazing cuisine, unique dishes and delectable delicacies. Inspired by Jess Owen’s creativity, the Ocean Crest Resort and Restaurant is one of the finest dining destinations in Washington State. Since the restaurant opened its doors in 1963, those who enjoy quality, local foods have fallen in love with the Ocean Crest. Over 50 years later, the delicious meals and incredible flavors found at the Ocean Crest continue in the spirit of its creators. Read more here at http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2018/01/12/ocean-crests-jess-owen-mixes-up-local-ingredients-with-global-flare/

Grays Harbor Fairgrounds Receives Grant for Improvements to Equestrian Area Restrooms

Grays Harbor Fairgrounds has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation to improve the restrooms at the Equestrian Center in Elma.

The grant will be used to cover the purchase of doors, paint and fixtures for the restrooms. The Equestrian Center hosts on-going programs and special activities throughout the year – from high school team events to public rodeos to horseback riding for kids with disabilities.

“We are extremely thankful for the grant from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation,” said Kelly Peterson-Lalka of Grays Harbor Fairgrounds.

“We host thousands of participants and visitors throughout the year for equestrian activities, and the improved restroom facilities will make a big difference.”

Read more here at http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2018/01/03/grays-harbor-fairgrounds-receives-grant-for-improvements-to-equestrian-area-restrooms/