Grays Harbor Tourism

17 Things to Do Around Grays Harbor in 2017

Lake Aberdeen is a prime spot for peaceful moments.

It’s a new year, a time for fresh starts, new pursuits and ambitions, and maybe some resolutions. And, in addition to those personal goals, add some community exploration and celebration to your 2017 bucket list. Here are some of the highlights of Grays Harbor County to explore this year.

Visit one of Grays Harbor’s Museums

From the Lady Washington to the Polson Museum, the Westport Maritime Museum to the Aberdeen Museum of History, there are numerous opportunities to take in a bit of local history and learn something new about where we live. If you haven’t experienced one of Grays Harbor’s museums, make 2017 the year to do it.

Catch a Movie at Hoquiam’s 7^th Street Theatre

The 7^th Street Theatre is a wonderful 1920’s era building, full of historic features and charm. They’re gearing up for their movie season, which starts with a showing of Rocky on January 20th and 21st. Keep an eye on their events calendar as they are often the venue for various performances throughout the year.

Get Fit with a Class at the YMCA

If you’re looking for snow, Wynoochee Dam is the place to go.

If a healthier lifestyle is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, consider signing up for a group class at the YMCA. There’s something for everyone and every budget, whether you’re into swimming, yoga or strength training. Working out on your own is great, but having a group to help motivate you is one of the many benefits of our local YMCA. Check their website for scheduling and more information.

Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/01/11/grays-harbor-activities-2017/

Fantastic Fungi to Flavor Festival at Lake Quinault

Fantastic, flavorful fungi can be found all over Olympic National Park! Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Perched on the hip of the Olympic Peninsula, the historic Lake Quinault Lodge is famous for stunning vistas, soaring evergreens, and its verdant rain forest setting. The lodge is also known for special events like its annual Quinault Mushroom Festival. Set for October 21 – 23, this year’s festival is brimming with a wide variety of taste and instructive opportunities for fungi fanatics and anyone who wants to savor the unique world of flavorful fungi.

“The Quinault Mushroom Festival is in its 14th year,” says Sandra Miller, Activities Manager for the lodge.

This year’s festival will serve up are a variety of indoor and outdoor events as well as educational opportunities. Explains Miller, “We have field trips, big mushroom displays to view and the possibility of picking mushrooms. Mushroom guides determine where people will go to pick mushrooms according to where the mushrooms are. We have sign up sheets available so people can sign up for a field trip in advance.”

mushroom festival lake quinault — Mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes! Photo credit: Kristine Lowder.

“People come because they’re mushroom enthusiasts. They’re primarily from the Pacific Northwest,” says Miller who expects the largest crowd on Saturday, October 22. While some visitors come just for the day, others make a weekend out of it, enjoying mushroom talks, displays, and guided field trips hunting for elusive chanterelles. Enthusiasts who stay through Sunday get an added bonus. Says Miller, “The lodge chef does a cooking demonstration on Sunday as part of the event.”

An important part of the ecosystem in and around Olympic National Park, mushrooms are the reproductive structures or fruit of certain fungi. According to the Washington National Park Fund, mushrooms and truffles are important wildlife food consumed by deer, elk, bear, small mammals and mollusks. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/09/29/mushroom-festival-lake-quinault-lodge/

The Seasonal Delight of Salmon Fishing in Grays Harbor

Catch a Coho or a King this year on the rivers of Grays Harbor. Photo courtesy: Bureau of Land Management.

As daylight begins to dwindle and the gray slowly starts replacing the blue skies, an excitement builds among residents of Grays Harbor. With each raindrop that falls, we inch closer to a time of the year that defines who we are and a seasonal event giving many locals a sense of pride.

Life comes alive in the fall. Early in the morning, standing on the shorelines or waist deep in the rivers of the region, anglers connect to a historical salmon run that has provided culture and survival for millennia. Our home and our backyard is one of the best salmon habitats in America, giving those of us who head out to the waters a chance to witness and experience a timeless tradition.

The return of the salmon in Grays Harbor brings together our community and shapes our culture. Photo Credit: Douglas Scott. — The return of the salmon in Grays Harbor brings together our community and shapes our culture.
Photo Credit: Douglas Scott.

Salmon runs around Grays Harbor have been a cornerstone of life in the region since the first humans called this place home. For thousands of years, salmon returned upriver in staggering numbers, so thick that it is said you could walk across the river on their backs. The healthy salmon population, as well as numerous other resources, led settlers to relocate to the area at the end of the 1800s. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/10/09/salmon-fishing-in-grays-harbor/

Grays Harbor Tourism Announces 2017 Grant Program

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS FOR THREE TOURISM-RELATED GRANTS

Tourism in Grays Harbor County brings

in more than $260 million in local revenue

ELMA, WA – Oct. 11, 2016 – The Grays Harbor County Department of Tourism is now accepting applications for three tourism-related grant programs.

The grant programs and their deadlines:

Festival and Event Grants (deadline Oct. 31, 2016)
Tourism Services and Projects (deadline Oct. 31, 2016)
Special Marketing Project Funding (for consideration at Jan. 2017 LTAC meeting: Dec. 31, 2016; for consideration at May 2017 LTAC meeting: April 29, 2017).

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 Grant Applications will be accepted from qualifying non-profit entities organizing tourism based activities within Grays Harbor County, except those municipalities that are allowed by law to collect and manage 3% lodging tax revenues generated within their corporate limits. Grant funding is provided to increase tourism activity within Grays Harbor County.

Full details regarding what is a qualifying organization, and/or expense, is available on the appropriate grant application. Applicants with additional questions can contact the Grays Harbor Tourism Office, which allocates more than $200,000 in grant funds annually.

“We are very fortunate that our County Commissioners have continued to support the funding of this grant program. 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.

Saying Goodbye to the Quinault Big Cedar and Hello to New Olympic National Park Adventures

For generations, the Quinault Big Cedar on North Shore Road captivated the hearts and imaginations of all who gazed at this wooden giant. Inspiring wonder and joy to countless visitors, this tree was a popular destination in one of America’s most-visited National Parks. Sadly, the mighty cedar met its demise due to natural causes in late July 2016, just two years after the famous Kalaloch Cedar tree fell during a windstorm. Once one of the many jewels of Olympic, the tree now returns to the ground, where it will be the nourishment for future giant trees taking its place.

Fallen giants are nothing new to the Olympic Peninsula. Throughout the rainforests and wilderness of Olympic, the remains of tall trees litter the landscape, giving much needed food to the younger trees struggling to get enough nourishment and sunlight in the rainforest. Using the fallen tree, saplings take root in the downed log, using it as a nurse log to grow strong and tall. The circle of life isn’t limited to animals, and not a single part of the Big Cedar will go to waste. Further generations will return to the region and find another giant standing, having grown from the remains of the once popular Quinault Big Cedar.

Once standing nearly 174 feet above the fern-covered, muddy forest below, the Quinault Big Cedar finally succumbed to gravity and the elements of the Quinault Rainforest. At 61 feet around, this tree was huge and nearly impossible to capture in a single photograph. Visiting the cedar was highlighted by posing for a picture, climbing inside of it and experiencing the sights, smells and enormity of the forests of the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. The Quinault Big Cedar was hollowed out and was slowly deteriorating, with signs this towering monster wouldn’t be around much longer. Once it finally fell, many were left wondering what would happen to this popular trail and inspiring destination. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/08/05/quinault-big-cedar/

FIVE ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED AT THE 2016 GHC FAIR

Fair runs from Aug.10-14 in Elma, Washington

ELMA, WA – July 20, 2016 – If you love the Grays Harbor County Fair, you know all about the entertainment, exhibits, food, rides and fun – and this year’s Fair, Aug. 10-14 in Elma, is ready to deliver it all once again.

But the Fair also offers lots of hidden treasures throughout the fairgrounds. Here are five not-to-be-missed attractions and events at this year’s Grays Harbor County Fair:

Predators of the Heart: It’s Washington’s largest traveling wildlife and reptile show, providing wildlife education for all ages. Each entertaining show stars the animals themselves, leading to appreciation, affection, compassion and respect for all living creatures. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14 on the Custom Security Stage and sponsored by Sierra Pacific and Great Northwest Federal Credit Union.

Roberto the Magnificent: Captivating audiences for more than two decades, Roberto the Magnificent is recognized as one of the nation’s most unique variety acts performing throughout the country. Robert learned to juggle and unicycle at age 11, and within four years he was awarded a silver medal at the World Juggling Championships. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14 strolling the fairgrounds and on the Jodesha Kids’ Zone Stage.

Eric Haines “One Man Band”: Haines is a born entertainer, with amazing abilities as a one man band, singer, guitarist, banjo player, unicyclist, juggler and stilt walker. He’ll be roaming the fairgrounds throughout the Fair. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14.

Talent Show: Area singers, dancers, comedians and others will compete in the 36^th Annual Fair Talent Show on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. on the Custom Security Stage. Cash prizes will be awarded for top talent in each age division – and it’s always a Fair favorite.

Car racing: The Grays Harbor Raceway will roar with car racing on Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. – a Grays Harbor County Fair tradition – and like all the fair entertainment, the car races are free with paid admission to the Fair, and are sponsored by Grays Harbor Raceway.

“Our Fair theme this year is ‘Through the Years’ as we honor the tradition of the Grays Harbor County Fair,” said Mike Bruner, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds and Tourism Manager. “There’s so much to see and do at the Fair. We encourage visitors from throughout Western Washington to come and enjoy some old-fashioned country fair fun.”

Fair admission tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and $6 for students 6-15 (kids 5 and under are free). The Fair will also honor current and former military service members with a $2 military discount throughout all five days of the Fair. Other Fair discount admissions include Kids’ Day promotions on Thursday Aug. 6 featuring $1 off Kids Admission and discounted carnival rides, and Sunday features free admission from 10 -11 a.m. only. Unlimited Davis Carnival ride wristbands are available at the pre-sale price of $22 at the Grays Harbor County Fair office and all Grays Harbor County Anchor Banks through Aug. 9. Once the Fair starts, the ride wristbands are priced at $26 and are purchased at the carnival lot.

Fair hours are 10 am – 10 pm, Aug. 10 – 12; 10 am – 11 pm, Aug. 13; and 10 am – 6 pm, Aug. 14.

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

Headlining Entertainment Brings Awesome Sounds to the Grays Harbor County Fair

Charlie Daniels, known for his contributions to country, bluegrass and Southern rock music performed at the Grays Harbor County Fair in 2012. Photo courtesy: Grays Harbor County Fair.

Summer in Grays Harbor County brings thoughts of family fun, games and rides, the aroma of outdoor cooking, and visions of a variety of farm animals. It is fair time. The Grays Harbor County Fair is a summer tradition. Located in Elma, fair goers travel from Grays Harbor and beyond to celebrate on August 10 – 14. The Grays Harbor County Fair strives to showcase the best of the county’s agriculture, art and industry. Yet this small county fair is perhaps best known for headliner quality music acts attracting attendees throughout the state.

“It is very important for us to bring in top quality entertainment and to offer something special to the people of Grays Harbor at an affordable price,” says Grays Harbor County Fair Manager, Mike Bruner. “We are unique in that we offer the traditional fair attractions with rides, games and fair food, but we are one of a kind in that we are a small fair that offers big-time entertainment.”

“Not many fairs our size offer the headliner quality music acts that we have been able to bring in for many years and have become known for.” Bruner adds, “In addition to our amazing musicians, we also offer smaller stage entertainment with a variety of comedians and acts. There is a little bit for everyone at our fair.”

Headlining concerts this year feature Brothers Osborne and Tanya Tucker. Grammy Award nominees the Brothers Osborne are best known for their hit singles “Stay a Little Longer” and “Rum.” The country-rock siblings started their musical journey during household jam sessions and now claim to be carving their own path in country music with an old school rock approach that features a singer and guitar playing duo. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/07/11/grays-harbor-county-fair-2/

Our Aberdeen’s Murals on the Map Instill Pride in the Community

Hoquiam artist Jenny Fisher recently completed her mural ‘Immigrants’ celebrating the immigrant history of Grays Harbor.

Aberdeen is witnessing art growing on formerly ugly, bare walls. Murals are being created along the downtown corridor. A spectacular piece titled ‘Immigrants’ has just been completed by Hoquiam artist Jenny Fisher. Its bright colors are glowing in the July sunshine transforming the formerly naked western wall of the Union Gospel Mission.

The history of murals in Grays Harbor began in 1988 when the county received funds for 40 murals in honor of the State of Washington’s Centennial Celebration. The ‘History of Transportation’ mural at the downtown bus station is one of the five surviving Aberdeen paintings. Sadly our damp coastal climate destroyed five of the ten original centennial murals.

In 2012, the deteriorating ‘History of Transportation’ was restored by artist Jenny Fisher 25 years after she had created it. Another centennial piece, ‘Aberdeen, Washington, 1889-2014’, on the wall of the south side Swanson’s grocery store was restored by Gavin Miller in 2012-13. The original artist, Bob McCausland, had passed away.

The restoration of historical murals is happening thanks to the hard work and initiative of the people of Our Aberdeen, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009. Sylvia Dickerson chairs Murals on the Map, one of the committees of Our Aberdeen’s Art Promotion Group directed by local artist and board member Mery Swanson.

Sylvia believes public art is very important. “We want to enable people to do projects that create community pride and entice people passing through to stop and see what Aberdeen has to offer. We have a thriving art community to build on.” The particular goal of Murals on the Map is to “restore, document and create new murals throughout the downtown corridor.” They have accomplished much. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/07/16/our-aberdeen-murals/

American Tree Farm System Celebrates 75 Years

Seventy-five years ago, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) established the first ever certified tree farm in North America on the Clemons Tree Farm near the City of Montesano in Grays Harbor County. From that beginning, the ATFS has grown to over 80,000 family owned tree farms nationwide, and over 900 in Washington State alone. A coalition of forestry partners has come together to organize a celebration of this significant milestone.

June 18, 2016, in Montesano, WA, a free public event will highlight the integrated nature of what it is to be a tree farmer, starting with the compelling story of a multi-generational tree farm and ending with the story of how the seedlings we plant will ultimately be used in tall wood buildings that will grace our cities in the future. In between those bookends from growth to ultimate use, elected officials and agency leaders will talk about the significance of small forest land owners as a critical part of our rural economy, environment, and social fabric.

The ATFS National Office will offer a wider perspective on the importance of looking forward while building on where we have come from over the past 75 years. We close wit a ceremony honoring tree farmers who epitomize what it is to be stewards of the land and then head out for some interesting forester-led tours of Lake Sylvia State Park.

Events start at 9 am, and close out the day with tours from 1:30 to 4 pm. Additional information and registration materials can be found at www.wafarmforestry.com, or by calling Kelly Zandell at 360-388-7074 or emailing info@wafarmforestry.com.

Explore the “Ring of Fire” Movie Train Wreck

In 1961, Grays Harbor was experiencing the beginning of the end of the timber industry’s economic boom. In just a few short years, mills would close and mill-workers would be out of a job, but for now, life was good in Grays Harbor County. The city of Ocean Shores had recently started to be built as a luxury “California-Style” community on the Washington Coast. Hollywood Stars, such as Pat Boone, were investing in the region and were greeted by thousands of fans when arriving at the Bowerman Field Airport.

That wasn’t the only thing Hollywood about Grays Harbor in 1961. Up in the deep gorges of the Wynoochee River, the people of Tinseltown were filming a movie.

While the “Ring of Fire” movie may not have been a blockbuster, it left a permanent mark on Grays Harbor.

Earlier in 1961, a movie called “The Ring of Fire” was set in Washington State, but was being filmed in Oregon. Starring David Janssen (The Fugitive TV show) and Frank Gorshin (who played the Riddler in the original Batman), the plot of the movie was silly, centering on a police chase from Tacoma to Shelton and then through the woods of the Pacific Northwest during a wildfire. This disaster film ends with the couple fleeing the city on a train, only to have their train get stuck on a wooden bridge over a deep gorge. Read more here http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2014/07/23/explore-ring-fire-movie-train-wreck/