OLYMPIA – May 18, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend ShellFest, this year taking place in Grays Harbor County.
ShellFest is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Westport Light State Park, 1595 Ocean Ave., Westport. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/kogKNsN9jDT2).
The event will include exhibits, shellfish lunch, children’s activities, beach walks and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound and the coast as part of the statewide Washington Shellfish Initiative (WSI). Activities will include low-tide beach walks guided by local experts, shellfish displays, hands-on activities for children, touch tanks and much more. A shellfish lunch will be provided by Xinh’s Clam & Oyster House, Taylor Shellfish Farms and Goose Point Oysters. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is free with a suggested donation of $7/person or $20/family to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation.
A Discover Pass will not be needed for vehicle access to the park this day because June 4 is a State Parks ‘Free Day,’ in recognition of National Trails Day. Event organizers recommend that participants bring their own chairs, dress for the weather and bring mosquito repellant.
ShellFest kicks off the weeklong Washington Shellfish Week, June 4 through 11, with activities and events taking place in various locations on the Washington coast and in Puget Sound.
Gov. Jay Inslee launched Phase II of the Washington Shellfish Initiative (WSI), a collaborative partnership with federal, tribal, industry and non-profit partners aimed at protecting and enhancing unique shellfish resources that are at the heart of creating shellfish farming jobs, cleaning Washington’s waters and continuing traditions of eating shellfish from our shores. Washington became the first state in the nation to establish a shellfish initiative. Follow #digWAshellfish, or visit https://aquaculture.wsg.uw.edu to learn more about shellfish week events.
Other event partners include the Washington Department of Ecology’s BEACH Program; Washington Department of Health; the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association; Washington Sea Grant; CoastSavers; Washington State Parks Volunteer Program; Westport Aquarium; Westport South Beach Historical Society; Department of Fish and Wildlife; Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce; City of Westport; Willapa Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association; Brady’s Oysters; National Wildlife Federation; and Razor Clam Society.
Shellfish have a significant influence on Washington’s cultural and culinary identity and as recreational, commercial and tribal resources. Event sponsors all have a role in protecting and preserving shellfish.
About Westport Light State Park
Westport Light State Park is a 212-acre day-use park on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The Westport Lighthouse, for which the park was named, stands on adjacent Coast Guard property. This park offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and easy pedestrian access to the beach. A boardwalk connects the park with Westhaven State Park, 1.3 miles away. For more information, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/284/Westport-Light.
About the Washington State Parks Foundation
The Washington State Parks Foundation mission is “to ensure a vibrant Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. We engage, expand, and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for, and treasure our state parks.” For more information, visit http://wspf.org.
Follow Washington State Parks Foundation:
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626
John Floberg, Washington State Parks Foundation (206) 437-6086
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
-30-