The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend our ShellFest 2014 at Belfair State Park in Mason County.
The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Belfair State Park, 3151 N.E. State Route 300, Belfair. The day will include exhibits, food, activities and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound as part of the statewide Shellfish Initiative, started by Governor Christine Gregoire.
Activities will include low-tide walks guided by local experts, ice tables with shellfish displays, and hands-on activities for children. Special presentations by the Skokomish Tribe include cedar bark pounding; short-rope weaving demonstrations; and songs, drumming and storytelling by Delbert Miller. Taylor Shellfish will provide lunch from noon through 2 p.m., featuring Chef Xinh Dwelley of Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House in Shelton. Lunch will consist of sautéed clams and mussels and geoduck chowder. Lunch is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person or $15 per family to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation. A Discover Pass is required in the park on event day.
The Washington State Parks Foundation mission: “Our purpose 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.
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 through Puget Sound cleanup efforts.
Other event sponsors include the Washington BEACH Program (jointly led by the Washington state departments of Ecology and Health), the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Washington Sea Grant, Washington State Clean Vessel Program, Northwest National Wildlife Federation, Washington State University Kitsap County Extension and the Washington State Parks Volunteer Program.
For more information about the ShellFest 2014 event, contact: Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626, srey.ryser@parks.wa.gov or John Floberg, State Parks Foundation, (206) 437-6086, john@wsfp.org
About Belfair State Park
Belfair State Park is a 65-acre park on the southern end of Hood Canal. The park is noted for its saltwater tide flats, wetlands, beach grasses and pleasant natural areas for wildlife viewing, beach walking and saltwater swimming. More information and directions are here: http://www.parks.wa.gov/475/Belfair
______________________________
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. Washington State Parks turned 100 years old on March 19 and invites the public to join the celebration at events in parks all over the state, all year long. For more information, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events/.
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.
-30-