Is June really drawing to a close and the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner? While it may be hard to believe when the clouds still dominate most of our days, the sun, and the fireworks, are not far away.

Here are some of the 2017 Fourth of July fireworks shows and holiday events around Grays Harbor County, organized for you from A (Aberdeen) to W (Westport) and many letters in between.

Aberdeen/Hoquiam

Aberdeen’s annual waterfront Splash Festival happens on Tuesday, July 4. The day-long festival with inflatable games, rides, live music, food and craft vendors, and family entertainment begins at noon and runs until 5:00 p.m. at Morrison Waterfront Park. For the evening, the Splash Festival switches to Seaport Landing (the historic seaport on the opposite side of the Chehalis River) from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. The fireworks display, which may be seen from either side of the river, begins at 10:00 p.m.

The tall ships (Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain) will be docked at the port for free (donations encouraged) onboard tours during the day and offering sailing excursions (for a fee) during the fireworks. Entertainment includes the Marlin James Band and the All in Band at the port as well as Son of Reptile Man, Trevor & Lorena, and Leapin’ Louie at the waterfront. Contact the City of Aberdeen Parks Department for more information at 360- 537-3229.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/06/20/2017-grays-harbor-fourth-of-july-fireworks-shows-and-events/

 

Five Places in Aberdeen to Find the Spirit of Kurt Cobain

 

Along the muddy banks of the Wishkah, under the often dreary and gray skies of Grays Harbor, the spirit of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana live on. Not much has changed in Aberdeen and Hoquiam since Kurt roamed the streets as a child and teen, but the places he frequented in his youth are now visited by those hoping to get a taste of the region that defined Kurt, his music and the Pacific Northwest.

Aberdeen was home to grunge and Kurt, whose lyrics portrayed emotional honesty. While Kurt was alive, he and Aberdeen had a tumultuous relationship at best. Today, the relationship has improved as the city and the region recognize his work and celebrate him as the incredible artist and musician he was.

As you enter Aberdeen from the east, the city’s celebration of Nirvana’s front man is obvious thanks to the large “Welcome to Aberdeen” sign including the phrase, “Come as You Are.” Erected in 2005, the sign helps show the changing perception of one of Aberdeen’s most famous residents and is one of the most photographed images in Grays Harbor County. There is a pullout along the highway to snap a quick picture, but the true Kurt Cobain and Nirvana experience is found throughout town, making for a perfect day of exploring and experiencing Kurt’s early years.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/04/28/five-places-in-aberdeen-to-find-the-spirit-of-kurt-cobain/

Get ready for flying dirt, the smell of exhaust and all the sounds, sights, smells and excitement that only a dirt racetrack can bring. Racing fans planned to hit the track at Grays Harbor Raceway for opening night on April 29, but our endlessly wet spring forced a delay. Opening night is now May 6 with races planned throughout the season, ending September 30. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and races start at 7:00 p.m. Races typically end around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. making for a full night of racing fun. Be sure to bring along jackets or blankets since nights can get chilly at the track.

Steve Beitler, the promoter for the Grays Harbor Raceway, notes several highlights for the season giving the community plenty to look forward to. “Races will include sprint cars, modifieds, street stocks and midgets,” he shares.

Fans can expect three big fireworks shows this season. “On Memorial Day we’ll have a big fireworks show and mid-season there will be another fireworks show during the mid-season championship,” Beitler says. “Then, there will be another big fireworks show for the championship race on September 30.”

Fans also have some national races to look forward to. “There will be a classic race on June 30 and July 1, which is a national. And July 29 brings the Modified nationals.”

Beitler shares that the Raceway will also host some new and exciting events this season. “On August 19 we’re going to have a Big Rigs race and on September 4, we’ll have World of Outlaws. We also have Monster Trucks coming to the Raceway on September 16 and 17,” says Beitler.   Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/05/03/grays-harbor-raceway-3/

When you think of the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds you may simply think of the annual county fair, but the event center is bustling with all kinds of activities from personal to public. There’s always something going on at the fairgrounds, and that means a great boost to the local economy.

Many family-friendly events crowd the months on either side of the popular August fair. Dog, horse and car shows; antiques, quilts and Christmas crafts; rodeos, swap meets, a home/garden show and tractor pull are just some of the events packing the calendar. And, when events aren’t vying for the weekends, the weekdays are sought after by local horseback riding groups such as the local Twin Valley co-op of the Washington State High School Equestrian Teams, the Grays Harbor Mounted Posse, and the non-profit Hope from Horses—all keeping the arenas and horse barns really busy.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/05/05/grays-harbor-fairgrounds-equestrian-events/

Grays Harbor is known for many things – world class fishing, clam digging, access to the Olympic National Park, whale watching and endless adventures in nature. However, there is one aspect of Grays Harbor that sees visitors flocking to the region every year. Each spring, for just a few weeks, the mudflats and beaches of Grays Harbor transform into rich feeding grounds, rumored to host nearly a million shorebirds.

As the shorebirds fly in huge, synchronized groups darkening large portions of the sky, raptors soar high above, waiting for the moment to swoop down and pick off a smaller bird in the air. Shorebirds are visible around Grays Harbor for most the year, making this an excellent adventure no matter the season.

The shorebird migration in the months of April and May is an event everyone should see, highlighted each year by a huge festival at the Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge. Known as the Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival, this event draws birders from around the nation, all enamored with the majestic and beautiful flocks of avian who call our region home for a few weeks each year.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/05/05/where-to-watch-shorebirds-in-grays-harbor/

Whether you are a long-time Harborite or a new transplant to the region, you likely have a fierce loyalty to and love of our area. The amazing natural beauty, from the wide-open beaches to the mysterious and deep forests, coupled with the rich history of the people and industries make this our home. And, these things also draw more and more people here for their vacation.

Grays Harbor County, from the eastern border with Thurston County to the Pacific Ocean, saw significant increases during 2016 in tourism dollars flooding into the area. Money spent by visitors engaged in tourism related activities can be directly connected to increased economic vitality for the entire community.

Mike Bruner, manager of Grays Harbor Tourism, explains how when more people visit Grays Harbor, everyone wins. “The tourism industry is a huge contributor to our economic vitality. We need to all appreciate, understand and cultivate that in our community.” Not only are tourists spending dollars at local businesses and injecting dollars into the economy through purchases, but they are creating jobs. From gas stations to grocery stores to restaurants and outdoor recreation groups – Grays Harbor residents are often employed by businesses supported by tourism.

Grays Harbor Tourism’s focus is to help attract visitors. Their efforts include supporting event venues like the Grays Harbor Fair and Event Center and Straddleline ORV Park as well as marketing the wide variety of activities and recreation available throughout the area. “Through our marketing efforts, potential visitors from southern British Columbia to northern California and as far east as Idaho and Montana are seeing the real Grays Harbor and all it offers,” Bruner explains. “Grays Harbor is now a destination for a very diverse tourist demographic.”

How does the tourism group support this marketing? Most the revenue for tourism is generated directly from tourists themselves. “A three percent motel/hotel tax is assessed for every visitor that stays within the county (excluding Ocean Shores and Westport who collect their own taxes),” Bruner explains. “Every time someone stays in a lodging option in our area they pay that three percent tax which goes through the state coffers and into the county tourism budget.” The tourism group utilizes this income to both market the area to more tourists as well as create better facilities for big events, drawing visitors to the area. With more people visiting Grays Harbor, what does that mean for all of us?

“In 2008 the county collected $582,929 in 3% HM tax returns,” says Bruner. “In 2015 the county collected $978,778. That is a massive increase and tells us that more and more people are visiting and staying in our area.” For 2016, numbers are estimated to top one million dollars collected.

“The increase from 2008 is close to half a million dollars just generated from that three percent hotel/motel tax,” he continues. “Every $30,000 of additional money generated through this tax represents an additional one million dollars spent on overnight stays. And, that’s just on accommodations.” From 2014 – 2015, the difference in tax collected represented an increase of $1.15 million in overnight stay dollars spent in one year alone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

10^th Annual Chocolate on the Beach Festival

Offers 10 Miles of Chocolate Fun

 

Family activities from Moclips to Copalis Beach

 

Elma, WA – Feb. 14, 2017 – The 10^th Annual Chocolate on the Beach Festival returns Feb. 24-26, inviting visitors to enjoy “Death by Chocolate.” This year the Festival celebrates 10 years, with lots of chocolate and new events all along North Beach – from Moclips to Copalis Beach.

 

As an early bird bonus on Feb. 23, visitors can start working on their Chocoholic Awards by voting for their favorite chocolate coffee drink in the Battle of Bean, then check out local eateries competing for best chocolate starters, entrées and desserts, and finish their days trying out decadent drinks in the Chocolate Cocktail Throwdown. The Ocean Crest Resort will be hosting a sold out “Death by Chocolate” murder mystery dinner featuring many of their Chocoholic dishes.

 

Last year the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center added a disaster preparedness and emergency cooking class working with the North Beach CERT team. On Feb. 25 they will end the series with special guests offering a chocolate cook-off using emergency supplies and food items coming from the festival vendors in the Ocean Mist room.

 

The Ocean Crest Resort is sponsoring the Chocolate Station at the North Beach Community Center with all sorts of chocolate themed classes and demonstrations starting on Friday. This includes two taught by their Culinary Madman, Jess Owen.  This is also the location of the Silent Auction which helps to raise money for the Festival’s three grant programs. Don’t forget to pop over to the restaurant on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. for their famous Wine and Chocolate Food Party.

 

Seabrook has added many new merchants to their community this past year. Many of them will be holding their own events and specials throughout the festival weekend.

 

The 10^th Annual Chocolate Recipe Contest will be held at the Pacific Beach Community Church, which is located right next door to the elementary school. This contest is open to all ages and even has a professional level.

 

This event has grown into a huge North Beach community festival, supporting North Beach groups and organizations. Since 2012, over $26,000 has been given in grants and donations. This year the Festival will be raising funds for many local organizations.

 

Saturday and Sunday admission for the vendor building is $5 for adults, $1 for teens and kids are free. A bracelet gets visitors into the vendor building at the Pacific Beach Elementary School on both days and into all the classes, demonstrations and silent auction. Sunday is Public Safety Day, with all branches of 911, EMS, Law, Fire and active and retired military receiving free admission.

 

For more information, be sure to check out the website at www.chocolateonthebeachfestival.com or join fellow Chocoholics on the Facebook page for updates, sneaky peaks and perks.

 

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Grays Harbor County’s Lady Washington Makes Expedia List

 

Judged the ‘best thing to do in Washington’ in 2017

 

ELMA, WA – Jan. 19, 2017– Grays Harbor County’s Lady Washington was named The Best Thing to Do in Washington State in 2017, according to the travel experts at Expedia. The ship is featured in the Expedia Viewfinder travel blog, which just released its top picks throughout the U.S.

 

According to Expedia, the blog is intended to encourage people to celebrate each state’s signature culture and characters by showcasing the brand new shops, ancient landmarks, and beloved events happening in 2017. All of the results can be found at viewfinder.expedia.com.

 

The Washington entry reads: Set sail on the Lady Washington in Grays Harbor. Featured on “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Star Trek: Generations,” and more, the Lady Washington is a replica of the original Pan-Pacific trade ship of the same name. Today you can learn to sail or enjoy a little jaunt into the harbor on these vintage decks.

 

Launched on March 7, 1989, the Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, Wash., by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public development authority. The new Lady Washington is a full-scale replica of the original Lady Washington.

 

In 1787, after the Revolutionary War, she was given a major refit to prepare her for an unprecedented trading voyage around Cape Horn. In 1788, she became the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America.

 

A pioneer in Pan-Pacific trade, she was the first American ship to visit Honolulu, Hong Kong and Japan. Lady Washington opened the black pearl and sandalwood trade between Hawaii and Asia when King Kamehameha became a partner in the ship.

 

The modern Lady Washington, constructed as a brig, was thoroughly researched by historians and constructed by skilled shipwrights. She was launched as part of the 1989 Washington State Centennial celebration. The new Lady Washington is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified passenger sailing vessel. More information on sailings can be found at historicalseaport.org.

 

“We’re honored they chose one of our treasures in Grays Harbor County,” said Mike Bruner,director of the Grays Harbor County Tourism Office. “We encourage visitors to check out Lady Washington’s sailing schedule this summer to experience this amazing vessel.”

 

For more information on additional fun attractions in Grays Harbor County, go to visitgraysharbor.com.