Winter is slowly coming to an end and we are all eagerly awaiting the first signs of spring on the beach.
For some, it means snow melting. Maybe daffodil buds pushing their way through the soil preparing to bloom so the deer can eat them.
There are definite signs of birds returning to the shores to begin the spring migration. In Ocean Shores, one of the sure sign of spring is the celebration of everything beachy.
March begins with the 30th annual Beachcombers Fun Fair. The Beachcombers’ Fun Fair is an opportunity for people who love life on the coast to celebrate this wonderful area and all it offers.
The event is held every year the first full weekend in March. The 2016 event will be held March 4-5, with exhibit check-in on March 4. On Friday, everyone is invited to enter their beachcombed treasures for exhibit in 44 different categories.
There is no entry fee and ribbons will be awarded. Scientists and knowledgeable speakers will present seminars on a variety of topics Saturday and Sunday. Browsing among the information booths and talking with specialists intrigues others. NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is bringing “Big Mama” with them to the Fair this year. Big Mama is an exact replica of a whale that breeds in Hawaii and frequents their sanctuary, as well as the Salish Sea, in the summer months with her calves.
On Saturday morning, Explore the Shores is designed especially for children, but of course adults get interested too. Vendors sell many unique beach-related items. Sunday morning you can participate in a guided beach walk or help with a beach clean-up called Dash for Trash or Treasure. It’s fun and educational.
Now is the time for everyone to get out on the beach and find the treasures the winter storms deliver to our beaches. Just dress warmly and take along a couple of plastic market bags to carry your finds. Then enter them in the Beachcombers Fun Fair.
Get your taste buds ready for the 11th Annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival &Seafood Extravaganza on March 17-19 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Think you make the best clam chowder in Ocean Shores? Here is your chance to prove it and take home the top prize. You can enter in the Sunday Amateur Chowder Contest. All chowder must be delivered in a crock pot and a minimum of 16 ounces must be provided for the judges. Amateurs are not permitted to sell their entries or to provide tastes to the public. In addition, there is food and wine tastings, amateur and professional chowder competitions. Are you crafty? Why not enter the clam gun or clam art decorating contest? So much to see, vendors, cooking demonstrations, live music, and more. Fun for the whole family. Admission is $3 a day – $5 for the entire weekend – Kids under 12 for free. Check out the website for entry forms http://www.oceanshores.org
Another exciting sign of spring happened about 4 miles off the coast of Seabrook this last week. Some beautiful footage was floating around on Facebook posted by Ruben Estavillo with Gary Martin and Eric Ellingson.
Gary Martin counted 22 orcas breaching. They were spread out over about a mile all moving south down the coast. It is absolutely stunning. Get on the Facebook and check it out. www.facebook.com/QuinaultFishingGuide
Spring is on its way to Ocean Shores friends, and it is going to be Clamtastic.
Submission considerations: onebusibee@outlook.com
