GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW “MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS” GRANT

 

Tourism in Grays Harbor County brings

in more than $260 million in local revenue

ELMA, WA –  August 15, 2017 – The Grays Harbor County Department of Tourism is now accepting applications for a new grant program for “Major Tourism Attraction Grants.”

The grant program and it’s deadline:

Grant applications must be received by the Grays Harbor Tourism office no later than Tuesday, September 5^th, 2017 at 5:00 pm for the 2018 Grant Cycle.

Applications for this grant category include major festivals, events and planned activities/services that benefit the tourism industry in Grays Harbor County. Successful applicants of this grant category must show that the project will:

Create a significant tourism draw, or hospitality benefit, for a duration of five (5) days, or greater, within the 2018 calendar year and/or beyond.

1. Bring in and/or support a significant number of visitors or attendees from outside a 50 mile radius; and will generate, or support overnight stays within Grays Harbor County for a period of five (5) days, or greater, within the 2018 calendar year and/or beyond.
2. Have the potential to produce a total economic benefit to the Grays Harbor Community of greater than $50,000.

Under State law (RCW 67.28) Grays Harbor County receives funds from room taxes imposed on lodging facilities. These funds can be retained and utilized by the County for tourism promotional operations, or expended for projects and activities established by an eligible entity under State law.

Grays Harbor Tourism Major Tourism Project Grant Applications will be accepted from qualifying entities organizing tourism based events, activities and services within Grays Harbor County, except those that take place within municipalities that are allowed, by law, to collect and manage 3% lodging tax revenues generated within their own corporate limits, or those that do not pay into the County’s Lodging Tax system. It is preferred that grant funding be awarded to help promote tourism generating activities, events and services from October thru May, during shoulder and off-seasons, to generate overnight stays (heads in beds) and increase tourism activity within Grays Harbor County. However, this does not exclude new or existing festivals and events that take place during peak season.  Priority consideration may be given to shoulder and off-season activities.

“We are very fortunate that our County Commissioners have continued to support the funding of this and our two other Tourism Grant Programs. They understand that tourism is vital to Grays Harbor’s economic success,” said Kelly Peterson-Lalka, GH Tourism Public Relations/Office Manager. “Tourism results in more than $260 million of revenue and over 5,000 jobs for Grays Harbor County. When we support tourism, our local communities reap the rewards in tax revenue, jobs and community infrastructure. It is a win-win.”

Applications for grant funding are available from the Grays Harbor Tourism office. For more information, contact Kelly Peterson-Lalka at 360-482-2651 or petersonk@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

 

 

 

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Grays Harbor County Fair: Five Fantastically Family Fun Features

By Gregory Zschomler

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Grab your family and get ready for some good old-fashion fun in the sun. Its Grays Harbor County Fair time, August 9 through 13, and that means you and your family are in for a great summer-time tradition. There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages at this year’s “Pig Tails & Country Trails” Grays Harbor County Fair, held at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds in Elma.

First, there are the midway games and the carnival rides. It’s always fun to go head to head with family members in the balloon pop or ring toss. Or, see who will be brave enough to take on the tilt-a-whirl and other thrilling rides. Winning a giant teddy bear playing the midway games is a welcome bonus.

Carnival ride wristbands are $27 during the fair, and include unlimited rides for the day of purchase. Carnival wristbands may be purchased at the Carnival Lot through the entire Fair and do not include Fair Admission.

Carnival Ride Hours: Noon to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

Best Amusement Bargain: Presale Discount Carnival Wristbands are available until August 7, 2017 at the Fairgrounds Office and the Montesano, Elma, and Aberdeen Anchor Bank branches. Presale wristbands are just $22, which is a $5 savings.

Second, there’s the fair fare—that is, the food that’s fun. You won’t be able to resist fair treats, like Shaved ice, cotton candy, elephant ears, hand dipped corn dogs, and deep-fried Twinkies. All kinds of treats unique and delicious food can be found. Of course, there are grilled onion burgers, fries, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, barbeque, fish and chips, Mexican and Asian foods and more. There is truly something for everyone. You’ll find concessions spread about the fairgrounds.

Best Bargain Bite: Curley fries are a family-friendly favorite and filling, too. Wash them down with an ice cold lemonade.

Third, there are all those cute animals. Piglets and calves and lambs and bunnies and… Well, the list goes on and on. Chat with the hard-working 4H and FFA kids showing their animals and learn what goes into their care. They may even let you pet a few!  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/08/01/grays-harbor-county-fair-five-fantastically-family-fun-features/

On August 11 through 13, 2017,  just seven short miles from the City of Westport, the waves off of Grayland Beach will have more action than normal.  The Grayland Open will take place along this popular section of coast in Washington State. Above the crashing breakers and foamy surf, the best amateur Jet Ski free riders will be competing in round one of the US Nationals. The event isn’t just limited to US riders, as many of the top riders in the world will be competing right here in Grays Harbor.

The Grayland Open was nothing more than a thought in the head of organizer Dan Lindgren ten years ago. A decade ago, Dan would invite people to experience Westport and enjoy the surf of the Washington Coast. As his personal event got increasingly popular, he talked to people at other events and decided to make an event happen locally. What started as a local contest, has grown every year since with the possibility of having 50 to 60 of the world’s best riders participating in this year’s event.

On the waves near Grayland State Park, the region is now home to one of the premiere Jet Ski competitions in the US, with daring riders performing aerial tricks on the turbulent waves of the Pacific Ocean.  The Grayland Open is one of four competitions at this level and one of the top surf and air competitions in the US. The other major events happen around in the United States in places like Daytona, Florida, Virginia Beach, Virginia and the Oregon Coast.

Attracting America’s best amateur Jet Ski riders for a free ride competition, the Grayland Open is sure to leave you mesmerized by the abilities of these riders. What originally started as a way to expand the exciting sport to his local community, the Grayland Open has evolved into watching the world’s best perform backflips, barrel rolls and numerous other great-named tricks before the judges and fans on the coast.

When asked why people should attend this year’s Grayland Open, organizer and participant Dan Lindgren stressed, “The goal is to open people’s eyes to the sport. Most people around the world would pay a lot to watch the best riders in the world compete, but the people of Grays Harbor have a chance to view world class competition for free.”

With free admission to the 6th Annual Grayland Open, events like this are a treasure for Grays Harbor and should be seen by all. This year’s event has the highest level of talent in the country and will be well worth taking the time to witness it in person. All you have to do is get to the beach, pull up a chair, and break out the binoculars and camera to witness the very best of this fast-growing extreme sport unfold before your eyes.

He went on to explain that extreme sport lovers will thoroughly enjoy and be motivated to get involved in the sport after watching the event.  The Grayland Open is a great opportunity for both new riders or anyone curious, as every class of rider is welcome to participate, take classes and learn from the world’s best Jet ski riders.

The event lasts the entire weekend, but the best time to attend will be Sunday morning, starting at 10:00 a.m., when the final heats for the best riders will occur. The top four riders from Saturday’s heats will be participating in the semi-final and final heats, battling it out for a place on the podium. Once the finals are announced, riders invited by the judges are encouraged to participate in the ProJam, where the top five to eight riders perform for 15 minutes to show off their best tricks and wow the crowd. A winner is crowned king of the ProJam to end the event and an exciting weekend along the Washington Coast.

The event is family friendly, as the riders typically bring their extended family along to turn the whole event into a Jet Ski community reunion. The Jet Ski community welcomes the public. Between races and during the event, access to all the riders is granted, with riders more than happy to answer questions about their sport, let you check out their skis (as they refer to the Jet Ski Machines) and explain how they perform such incredible tricks.

With plenty to do in neighboring Westport, taking a weekend trip out to the Grayland Open is something every Grays Harbor resident should take the time to do. Have a day at the beach and watch incredible extreme athletes perform the Jet Ski skills right from our own coast. Rally around the Grayland Open as a boost to the community and economy of the region.

All photos courtesy Grayland Open.

The Grays Harbor County Fair is nearly here. Oh, the food, the fun, the festivities! Carnival rides and games, that unique and blissful “fair food” and the hometown entertainment, as well as livestock and home crafts—could it get any better? Yes! And it does.

As always, there’s world class music coming to the Grays Harbor County Fair. And, this year’s headlining entertainment on the Pepsi Stage is no exception, featuring one of Billboard’s Top country artists, 2016 CMA nominee Old Dominion. Also appearing on the grand Pepsi stage are the locally popular Olsen Bros. Band from Olympia, a popular fan favorite that continues to grow in popularity. For something different, enjoy a cappella group The Coats from Puyallup and Portland’s Petty Fever—an award-winning Tom Petty tribute band.

RCA recording artist Old Dominion’s music has what reviewers call an “old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit” that features “radio-friendly hook-heavy pop nuggets.” The band hits the Pepsi Stage on August 9. According to their website the band has “emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music.” When they released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, ‘Entertainment Weekly’ called it a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut.”

Old Dominion released their platinum single, two-week Billboard No. 1 “Break Up with Him” and the RIAA certified gold country/pop crossover (skater) hit “Snapback” prior to their third Billboard Top Ten single “Song for Another Time.” At the time that this article was written, their song “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart” has spent 16 weeks on the Billboard charts and is currently at number 15 and climbing. They spent last summer on Kenny Chesney’s Spread the Love Tour.

Sponsored by Big Foot 107.3 and North Beach RV, Old Dominion hits the Grays Harbor County Fair Pepsi Stage hot off their spring tour with Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. The ACM and ACCA Breakthrough Duo/Group of the Year are also nominated for two CMA Awards: Best New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year and Favorite Duo or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. Reserve seating tickets for the Wednesday, August 9 concert are now on sale at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds for $40 each. Those who purchase these tickets receive free fair admission. For those brave enough to take a chance, there is limited, general admission bleacher seating that’s free with paid fair admission. See fairgrounds website for details.

 

The Thursday, August 10 show features nationally touring artists, The Coats—the Pacific Northwest’s premiere a cappella band. In a career spanning almost two decades, the quartet has shared the stage with dozens of acts such as Gallagher, The Beach Boys, Jay Leno, Trisha Yearwood and Eddie Money. Performing classics and covers from Country to Christmas, their intensely arranged yet hilarious, interactive performance blends music and comedy. The concert is free with paid fair admission.

Originating in Olympia, The Olson Bros Band burst onto the country music scene in 2013 and had more than fifty shows on their 2016 summer schedule including an opening gig for Craig Morgan. Lead by singers and songwriters Luke and Isaac Olson, The Bros have recently been enjoying a little time on the radio waves throughout Washington for their new single “Dangerous.”  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/07/06/old-dominion-grays-harbor-county-fair/

2016 CMA NOMINEE OLD DOMINION HEADLINES FIVE DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT

 

ELMA, WA – June 30, 2017 – The Grays Harbor County Fair is a summer tradition, and this year’s event offers five days of music, food, animals, exhibits and family fun Aug. 9-13 at the fairgrounds in Elma.

 

It’s a real old-fashioned summer fair: from the 4-H animals and gardening/baking displays, to the amusement rides and games and musical entertainment for the whole family. And save room for all of the delicious fair food.

 

“We’ve got another great music lineup throughout the five days of the Fair,” said Mike Bruner, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds and Tourism Manager. “But there’s more than just great music. Our theme this year is ‘Pig Tails & Country Trails,’ with fun new activities, exhibits, animals and shows, combining with returning favorites for the ultimate fair experience.”

 

This year’s top headliner is the 2016 CMA nominee Old Dominion, hot off their spring tour with Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. The ACM and ACCA Breakthrough Duo/Group of the Year are also nominated for two CMA Awards: Best New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year and Favorite Duo or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. Golden Circle reserved seats for the show are $40, which includes admission to the Fair. Tickets are available in advance at the Grays Harbor County Fair office. General admission seating for Old Dominion is free with paid admission to the Grays Harbor County Fair. Old Dominion is sponsored by Bigfoot 107.3 and North Beach RV.

 

For something different, enjoy a cappella group The Coats from Puyallup, appearing Aug. 10 on the Pepsi Stage.  Also returning to the Pepsi stage on Aug. 11 on are the locally popular Olsen Bros. Band from Olympia, a popular fan favorite from last year. Plus, following the car races on Aug. 12 is Portland’s Petty Fever – an award-winning Tom Petty tribute band, sponsored by Bayview Building Materials of Elma.

 

There’s lots of other entertainment included with fair admission, including a talent show Aug. 11, award-winning comedian/magician Steve the Pretty Good (performing daily), Muriel’s Petting Zoo, the exotic animal rescue and educational exhibition A Walk on the Wild Side, sponsored by Sierra Pacific and Great Northwest Federal Credit Union, and more. And of course, all of the popular animals, floral, garden and food displays throughout the grounds.

 

The raceway will roar with car racing on Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. – a Grays Harbor County Fair tradition – free with paid admission to the Fair, and sponsored by Grays Harbor Raceway.

 

The Grays Harbor County Fair runs Aug. 9-13 at the fairgrounds in Elma, Wash. The Fair is affordable to everyone, with many admission discounts. The Grays Harbor County Fair honors current and former military personnel with a $2 Military Appreciation Discount available daily.  Thursday is Kids Day, and all youth get a $1 discount off Fair admission – plus kids 5 and under are free every day of the Fair.  Admission is free from 10-11 a.m. on Sunday of the fair. Or, on Sunday, bring your Buy-mart Card and get a $1 discount all day.  Parking is $5 per day. Carnival wristbands, for unlimited rides, will be on sale at three Anchor Banks in Grays Harbor County (Elma, Montesano and Aberdeen)—pre-sales are $22; day of fair price will be $27 each.

 

Fair hours are 10 am – 10 pm, Aug. 9-11; 10 am – 11 pm, Aug. 12; and 10 am – 5 pm, Aug. 13.

 

For more information on the Grays Harbor County Fair call 360-482-2651 or visit the fair website at ghcfairgrounds.com.

 

 

It’s summertime and the living is easy. We in Washington are blessed with miles and miles of beautiful, pristine beaches. But, how to decide which ones to visit? For truly supreme and secluded coastline, take a trip to the North Beach area of Grays Harbor. While this entire area offers fantastic vistas, great razor clam digging (in season), fishing, bird watching, excellent hiking and a variety of aquatic sports, each area is unique in its own special way. Here is a guide to get you started, but don’t forget to branch out and explore. You’ll be happy you did.

Moclips and Pacific Beach

In addition to its gorgeous beaches, Moclips is well known for the Museum of the North Beach. This local treasure is chock full of an eclectic assortment of historical items and fascinating curios. Here you’ll find records from the 1964 tsunami, a fully restored 1910 wedding dress from the region’s first “royal” family and a train room showcasing an assortment of memorabilia from the Northern Pacific Railway Company. Perhaps most popular of all is a growing exhibit of Japanese tsunami debris collected from local beaches.

While you’re in town swing into the Sea Gate Restaurant & Lounge for an informal and surprisingly delicious meal you won’t forget. The pizza is a great option and burgers are big and juicy. Then stop into Emily’s Confections in Pacific Beach for a delectable treat. Be sure to take some time to wander around this quiet little seaside town. Unexpected treasures await.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, check out the Ocean Crest Resort, a local gem that’s been family owned for three generations. This resort is perfectly situated between forest and sea, offering its guests the best of both. Its clifftop location offers breathtaking views sure to make an impression. Ocean Crest Resort also offers the best in comfort with an indoor pool, spa, health club, fine dining restaurant and cocktail lounge.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/06/28/grays-harbor-summer-beach-vacation/

 

It is a silly thing to do, having to choose your favorite local rainforest. Yet for residents and visitors to the Olympic Peninsula, it is a common struggle. Picking between the Hoh, the Queets, the Bogachiel and the Quinault is like choosing a favorite child. But when deciding where to go on a weekend adventure, we find ourselves doing just that. Many love the classic mosses of the Hoh or the seclusion of the Queets and the Bogachiel. For most residents of Grays Harbor, the one true must-experience rainforest is found in the Quinault rainforest.

While the others are breathtakingly beautiful, the Quinault combines rugged, wilderness beauty with a breathtaking lodge, a myriad of activities and some of the best hiking, kayaking and exploring in the world. Sure, it averages nearly 11 feet of rain a year, but that rain makes it beautiful, clean and ridiculously green. The Quinault Rainforest is a wilderness playground of stunning sights and the perfect destination for your weekend adventure.

The Lodge

One of the first things you see as you leave Highway 101 and head along the South Shore Drive of Lake Quinault is the incredibly gorgeous architectural wonder that is the Lake Quinault Lodge. Originally built in 1926, in the same style as the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone, the two story, V-shaped structure is rumored to be the location where President Franklin Delano Roosevelt decided to support the creation of Olympic National Park.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/06/30/rediscovering-the-quinault-rainforest/