2016oysterfest preview

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October 1 & 2, 2016 • Shelton, WA

Washington State Seafood Festival 1

2016 OYSTERFEST

CMYK

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Washington State Seafood Festival Since 1982, OysterFest has been a premier event and economic force in Shelton, WA. Though food is paramount there is much to see and do including entertainment, kids’ hands on activities, marine displays as well as the regional shucking competition.

While shuckers compete for the fastest time in the official West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship, the Seafood Cook off invites professional and amateur chefs to compete in an exciting seafood battle.

It’s not just great food (local nonprofits offering a vast variety of food and drink seafood and non-seafood), beers, wines, and music – exhibits also demonstrate how important clean water is and the on

site displays and marine touch tanks allow visitors to get “up close” with a variety of wonderful sea creatures including crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and limpets.

This and more has made Washington’s Seafood Festival a much anticipated family event. Thank you for making it all possible, we couldn’t have done without you – vendors, exhibitors, customers!

2016 OYSTERFEST food vendors – 7 West Coast Oyster SHUCKING Competition – 11 Washington State WINE TASTING – 17 ENTERTAINMENT Schedule – 21 COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Local 4th Graders enjoy Kids’ Day –23 SEAFOOD COOK OFF – 27 BIVALVES FOR CLEAN WATER – 33 SEA MORE IN THE AREA A guide to boating and shellfish gathering in the area - 38 VISIT OUR TOWNS Towns & lodging directory –42 Getting to OysterFest – 5 Parking & Shuttles – 6 RV camping – 40

October 1 & 2 Shelton, Washington

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2016 OYSTERFEST

Dick Oltman

Each pearl starts small

Founding father of OysterFest

OysterFest would not be here today without the vision of Shelton Rotarian – Dick Oltman.

In 1979, retired from a military career, Oltman was completing a graduate program in tourism at George Washington University that required a thesis.

Oltman’s thesis was comprised of an inspired plan to promote tourism and awareness of the shellfish industry in creating the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship and Washington State Seafood Festival – OysterFest.

Dick approached Skookum Rotary Club with the idea. Skookum said “yes” on March 10th, 1982. With less than seven months to get organized – they pulled it off with incredible results.

Oltman created the first OysterFest “road-map” with an operating plan, policies and procedures – many of which are still in use today. The event served as a fundraiser for the Skookum Rotary Club and other not-for profit local organizations. Private and public organizations were asked to provide hands-on exhibits. In addition, the event highlighted that the shellfish and timber industries can and do co-exist successfully. The October dates were selected to promote off season events and insure that the shellfish would be at its peak quality.

“OysterFest was conceived as a family event, and it still runs that way,” said Oltman in an early interview.

www.hcc.net

Address correspondence to:

Family rates, diverse entertainment, marine exhibits, youth activities and careful monitoring make it a fun event for all ages.

The Skookum Rotary Club is proud to return event profits to the community: providing scholarships; recognizing academic achievement; hosting the Mason County Science Fair: sponsoring water quality education programs; and many other local service works from food banks and homeless shelters to the annual Music in the Park concerts.

Along with the original conception of OysterFest was the idea that it would be a revenue source for nonprofits. Vendors are all local groups – many making their yearly budget at the event.

The real pearls of OysterFest are the volunteers who run every single aspect of the event – caring for Oltman’s vision and celebrating one of our community’s most treasured resources – aquaculture.

360.898.2481

OysterFest

PO Box 849, Shelton, WA, 98584 WWW.OYSTERFEST.ORG This publication is produced by IMAGE IN ACTION DESIGN in partnership with the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club.

For contribution guidelines and advertising call (360) 427-5599 Image in Action Design, PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584

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Keeping our community connected Copyrighted Material 2016

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2016 OYSTERFEST 4

When? Where?

Chart your course to

Cradled by acres of evergreen forests, in the shadow of the Olympic range, Mason County hosts a myriad of lakes, streams, saltwater coves and inlets– abundant with life. Come for the oysters, but stay and enjoy all the other great things the area has to offer!

No matter whether you are wanting adventure, family fun – or a quiet day relaxing – in Mason County you are 15 minutes from creating the next amazing life experience – year round!

South of Shelton is the home Taylor Shellfish Farms. Shipping their Mason County product worldwide, this business offers a retail store as well as tours of the operation on request.

Hood Canal’s clear deep waters provide world-class shrimp and salmon fishing, scuba diving, and miles of pristine shoreline for boaters, kayakers, beachcombers and lovers of shellfish. From luxurious & unique lodging and dining ––to sampling local wines and spirits or simply a walk on the beach – this is a spectacular place to spend a few rejuvenating days.

The southern portion of Hood Canal provides recreation opportunities with easy access to mountain trails and alpine views. Stop by for visit at the Hama Hama Oysters in Liiliwaup.

Family owned and operated, Hama Hama has been harvesting oysters and clams on the Canal for four generations – grown and available on site daily.

Want to try your hand at gathering shellfish? Local marine state parks have shellfish resources for the public to harvest. Arm yourself with a shellfish license (available locally at community retail stores) and head to the beach at low tide. Check the WDFW and the State Shellfish hotline for updates on locations, seasons and closures.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our backyard!

Here to help: Hoodsport Visitor Information Center 150 N Lake Cushman Road / Highway 101 Hoodsport WA | 360.877.2021

Kamilche Visitor Information Center Squaxin Nation, Little Creek Casino State Route 108/Hwy 101 | 360.432.0921

Shelton Visitor Information Center In The Red Caboose at 221 West Railroad Downtown Shelton, WA | 360.426.2021

Ride FREE in Mason County From ferry dock in Seattle to trailheads near Hood Canal – and OysterFest, Mason County Transit is offers green, easy & inexpensive bus connections. masontransit.org

Official Event Website: oysterfest.org

2016 OYSTERFEST, October 1 & 2, is hosted on Sanderson Field, 1/2 mile north of Shelton, directly off US Hwy 101. Located at the airport, there is plenty of parking as well as weekend camping opportunities!

See page 46 for details.

Physical Address: 21W Sanderson Way, Shelton

How to get here: U.S. Hwy 101 runs along Hood Canal from Potlatch to Quilcene, before diverting through the forest and continuing around the Olympic Peninsula.

North 101 accesses Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend. Hwy 101 leads to Olympia and the outer coast.

From the I-5 corridor, take

exit 104 in Olympia onto Hwy 101 toward Shelton. From the coast and SW WA, take Hwy 12 eastbound, continuing on as it turns into SR 8. Exit in McCleary.

SR 106 follows the shore of Hood Canal – from Union to Belfair, where it meets up with Hwy 3 towards Bremerton and Kitsap. The Southworth Ferry travels from downtown Seattle.

SR 300 begins in Belfair and parallels Hood Canal to Tahuya, and traverses inland toward Dewatto Bay.

How far will you go for the freshest oysters? from Olympia from Tacoma: from Seattle: from Portland:

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23 miles 53 miles 82 miles 134 miles 2016 OYSTERFEST

Welcome to the 2016 Washington Seafood Festival – OysterFest

More details: Shuttle Bus

Free shuttle bus service will be provided from three parking areas: • Shelton Civic Center on Cota Street • Shelton Yacht Club just out Hwy 3 • Shelton High School on Shelton Springs Rd. Shuttle will run on approximately 30 minute intervals. The route will be marked with signs.

A message to attendees from the Grand Old Oyster – GOO – David Baker

Free Parking

All parking is free! Handicap parking is available near the gates.

Parking is available at the Port of Shelton. Exit Sanderson Way (1 mile north) road and follow signs to OysterFest.

On Site ATMs

There will be two ATM’s conveniently located at the event. Check the Official OysterFest map for details.

Pets

Pets ARE NOT ALLOWED at the event, by county law, with the exception of service dogs. PLEASE DO NOT BRING PETS to OysterFest as you will not be admitted.

Hours & Admission

OysterFest is October 1 & 2 21 W Sanderson Way, Shelton, WA SAT: 10AM – 6PM SUN: 10AM – 5PM Admission is $5 – Sunday is Family Day with kids 13 and under free.

Contact

We would love to hear from you!

You can leave a message using the contact form online at oysterfest.org.

Greetings,

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Enjoy the ev er David Bak ster (GOO) Oy ld O Grand

Join us on Facebook at: OysterFestWA for regular updates on the event!

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Visitors enjoy a variety of delicious foods at OysterFest From a delicate herbed seafood ceviche to corn on the cob – and, of course, dozens upon dozens of oysters prepared in every way imaginable – you can be sure there’s something for every palate.

Every single one of the food vendors – with no exception – is volunteering their time to create gastronomical delights (both seafood and non) in support of a local organization. ALL vendors and exhibitors must be non-profit organizations with proceeds benefiting Mason County based organizations.

That means that every bite of deep fried oyster or Squaxin fry bread gives you a burst of karma! So go crazy. Try everything and be a giver! Thank you!

So where should you start? Be sure to pick up the colorful map, schedule and exhibitor directory with your tickets.

This is just the second year for the event at its location on the Shelton airport so orientation is still very new to many long time visitors.

While the over 21 members of our group head to the ID check-in to receive their bracelets, the rest of our family rushes to the coconut shrimp line. This booth, hosted by the Senior Services for South Sound is generally sold out by mid-day each day. The succulent shrimp and the crunchy sweet coconut are an amazing combination and a great way to start your adventure.

The folks at Senior Services for South Sound raises funds to help seniors remain healthy and independent in their homes. The group also supports seniors through the provision of Meals On Wheels, health services and social support. Might as well get two orders of coconut shrimp!

Another popular food spot is the Squaxin Elders salmon & fry bread.

Grilled to perfection, moist and fresh, the slab of seasoned salmon perfect complements the crispy hot fried bread.

All the proceeds go to assisting elder members of the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Looking for oysters?

Well, that’s no problem either. If you can imagine it, the folks at OysterFest have probably made it happen –grilled oysters bathed in melted garlic butter; Oysters Rockefeller, with a delicate wash of seasonings; deep fried oyster

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(continued from previous page)

fritters with a tangy ice cold dip; fortifying hearty – burn your tongue– oyster chowder; skewered oysters wrapped in rashes of thick bacon – well, you get the idea.

Prefer the purist approach to your oysters? That’s covered too. After all, Mason County is home to some of the best oysters in – the world! Sweet and petite yearling Pacifics with their signature cucumber finish and briny liquor; or perhaps you prefer the milky white firm texture of a two-season cupped tumbled oyster.

with vinegar and shallots, or a squeeze of lemon – both are a perfect balance to the briny, somewhat creamy oysters.

Again, go crazy – not only is it good for you (unless your doctor gave you reason to not eat raw seafood) it is all for a good cause.

Where ever your taste buds wander through the food tents this year at OysterFest it will surely to be a fun and tasty experience.

See you in the coconut shrimp line!

Stop by the raw oyster bar hosted by the Marine Education Science Society (MESS) for some of Hammersley Inlet and Hood Canal’s finest examples.

These prized shooters need no dressing – but if you like, splash on a little mignonette—a piquant sauce made

The coconut shrimp line is well worth the wait!

Shelton Shellfish Market 130 SE Lynch RD Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 432-3300 Monday - Sunday 10am - 6pm

Oysters - Clams - Mussels Geoduck - Smoked Salmon 2016 OYSTERFEST 8

Paired with a great brew Microbrews share the spotlight with great food at OysterFest. Featuring its own live music stage, the microbrew area is always a popular spot. No one under the age of 21 is permitted in the designated microbrew area and all patrons will be asked to show ID at the entrances to receive an “OVER 21” bracelet that can gain access to the area.

2016 Preliminary

OysterFest Microbrews Alaskan Backwoods Brewery Blue Moon Deschutes Brewery Elysian Firestone Full Sail Georgetown Brewery Gig Harbor Brewery Kona Lagunitas Lazy Boy Lost Coast Mack & Jack

Narrows New Belgium Ninkasi NW Brewery Puyallup River Red Hook Samual Adams Seattle Cider Shock Top Silver Moon Stella Ten Barrel Widmere Woodchuck

What goes well with oysters?

WE ESPECIALLY SUGGEST R GIN, the second in our series of seasonal Pacific Northwest gins. It is a distilled, slightly smokey, dry gin, which is best when enjoyed with oysters. The barley is cold-smoked in the Hama Hama Oyster Co. oyster smoker in Lilliwaup and the spirits are aged in our facility on the banks of the Hood Canal. R GIN is named for the lively, old wives’ tale that oysters are best in months with the letter “R.”

STOP BY OUR TASTING ROOM IN HOODSPORT. Hours: Thursday, Friday, Sunday noon – 5PM; Saturday 10AM – 6PM. Private tours are available, contact us for details, 206-300-0877.

Proudly supporting OysterFest 2016 24210 North Highway 101, Hoodsport, Washington 98548 | 206-300-0877

www.hardwaredistillery.com

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2016 OYSTERFEST

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West Coast

OYSTER SHUCKING

Competition

October 1 – 2 | Shelton, WA

Focus on speed, precision and presentation Skill, speed, excitement – a few reasons the shucking competition is the centerpiece of OysterFest. To win the West Coast Speed and Half Shell Oyster Shucking Competition contestants open an oyster – cleanly – and quickly. This is no simple task.

Over the course of two days of competition, 12PM – 4PM on both days of OysterFest, contestants vie for the title of the fastest oyster shucker or the best half-shell oyster shucker – or as the case may be – both titles.

The championship in Shelton is a preliminary event to the U.S. shuck-off at the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival in late October held in Maryland.

The National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest® features the fastest men and women shuckers representing ten states and the fastest shuckers competing for cash prizes totaling $1,800.

Winners from previous years have competed in the International Oyster Festival in Galway, Ireland. In 1984, Diz Schimke, the winner of the West Coast Shucking Championship went on to win at the national level and then received title for the best presentation laurels in Ireland. In 1985 he shared the national title in Maryland with his wife, Vicki.

The competition goes through more than 500 dozen oysters, generously donated by Taylor Shellfish. Each shucker draws a tray of two dozen oysters by lottery and arranges them in preparation for the contest.

Shucking Stage sponsored by TAYLOR SHELLFISH FARMS

An appeal may be made to the judges if the contestant feels an oyster is of inferior shape or quality. Participants may supply their own gloves, towels and knives.

As the contest begins, the shuckers hold their knives at head height to indicate readiness. At the signal from the chief judge, the timekeepers start their watches and the contestants begin. The shuckers rapidly open and place each oyster, completely severed from the shell, on its unbroken half-shell on the tray. The trays are coded and the judges sequestered so that the competition is completely impartial.

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Speed is the primary factor on Saturday – with the fastest times usually coming in under two minutes!

On Sunday, speed is still a factor, but even more so is presentation in what are called the Half -Shell trials. Each contestant must not only shuck 24 oysters, but place each on its back in the half shell.

An appetizing arrangement of a tray of shucked oysters is rewarded over a sloppy or butchered offering where speed has been favored. Any cuts in the oyster itself, or pieces of shell in the finished half-shell, will cause points to be deducted from that shucker’s overall score – which means the person who shucks fastest may not necessarily end up the winner.

Prizes are awarded each day for the fastest times at 5:30PM.

2015 WEST COAST OYSTER SHUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 1 2 3 4 5 6

SPEED SHUCKING – SATURDAY MIRIEL SILVA 01:12:94 ALEJANDRO LEON 01:16:22 MARIO LEON 01:16:65 GERARDO LEON 01:24:00 MARCOS MENDOZA 01:28:41 DIONISIO LEON 01:30:53

HALF SHELL SHUCKING – SUNDAY MIRIEL SILVA 02:41:80 DAVID LECK 02:44:00 RAYMUNDO MEZA 02:51:90 GERARDO LEON 02:52:30 MARIO LEON 03:09:50 DIONISIO LEON 03:38:20

1 2 3 4 5 6

BEST PRESENTATION: MIRIEL SILVA

On Saturday the prize for first place for Speed Shucking is $400. On Sunday, the winner gets $600 for presentation at the Half-Shell competition. Prizes are given through the 6th place each day. There are also cash prizes for the fastest amateur shucker each day.

Oyster Shucking SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 12 - 4PM – on the hour oyster–shucking 5PM – shucking finals | 5:30 – awards SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2016 12 - 4PM – on the hour oyster–shucking 5PM – shucking finals | 5:30 – awards

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Train rides provided by the Kristmas Towne Kiwanis

Bring the family to OysterFest There is so much to do and see at OysterFest for the whole family.

Join us Sunday and enjoy FREE admission for kids 13 and under!

Apart from the great variety in yummy food and desserts there are lots of activities and exhibits to touch, SEA and experience. The Shelton Scale Ship Modelers will display their beautifully detailed model ships that cruise across a large water tank. As well, this year, there will be remote control airplane demonstrations and trials.

Volunteers have fun at the Kids Activity Area

There are also are several fun activities for kids including entertainment on the kids’ stage, mini golf, face painting, games, train rides and hands on fun including educational exhibits and the marine touch tanks filled with Pacific sea creatures. Don’t miss the Professor Bamboozle Show daily in the Kids Area.

Hide the ice cream and ketchup with a butterfly or puppy face!

Kids enjoy the variety of textures found in the marine touch tanks 13

2016 OYSTERFEST

Learn a little more –

Educational exhibits draw thousands OysterFest features exhibits that showcase the beauty and delicacy of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Attendees enjoy hands-on opportunities to learn about the tidal zones and opportunities to protect and enjoy our local waters.

The marine touch tanks especially are a perennial favorite. With creatures carefully gathered by divers in Hood Canal and South Puget Sound exclusively for these exhibits, the ecosystem in the touch tanks is as close to mother nature as you can get without actually being there. The environment in the tank provides healthy living conditions for crabs, oysters, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sand dollars, periwinkles, mussels, hermit crabs, moon snail and other species that dwell in the shallow waters.

Attendees are able to observe how the animals interact in their native habitat.

Washington Sea Grant biologists and volunteer guides are on hand to answer question and offer tidbits of interesting information about the animals. Based at the University of Washington, Washington Sea Grant provides statewide marine research, outreach, and education services. The National Sea Grant College Program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

In addition to the marine touch tanks there are exhibits on aquaculture practices, education, water quality, natural resources and public safety.

The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association works on behalf of its member to illustrate a broad spectrum of issues in their booth including environmental protection, shellfish safety, regulations and provide public information materials and answer questions.

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The Mason County Noxious Weed exhibit educates the public on degrading impact of noxious weeds and offers advice on which native plants can help home owners protect their waterways. The Mason Conservation District also provides a display to assist residents by providing a link between landowners, industry, and government agencies and presenting technical and financial assistance to residents willing to implement conservation best management practices.

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Also onsite with information is the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Program. Their mission is to educate and prevent illness in people who eat Washington-grown molluscan shellfish. If you have any questions about when and where oysters or clams are safe to eat; how you should handle them; or what seafood eaters with special health conditions should be aware of – the DOH will have your answers.

The Mason County Public Utility District # 3 also provides an educational display at OysterFest. Stop by their booth for helpful hints to reduce energy use and be safe around electricity.

Be sure to check out tall the exhibitors and their locations in the foldout map and schedule available at the ticket and information booths or view the list online at oysterfest.org.

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2016 OYSTERFEST

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Washington wines at OysterFest ‘16 What wine goes with a poached dill salmon, geoduck or clam chowder? OysterFest believes the answer is a Washington State wine. To help make a perfect pairing, OysterFest annually hosts a tasting hall featuring Washington wines exclusively.

In 2016 nineteen wineries showcase their best wines that have garnered accolades and medals throughout the Northwest. Whether you prefer a robust red, a subtle white, or sweeter options – you will find it at the 2016 OysterFest.

Friends gather to visit with local vintners and sample the variety of over seventy wines. Purchase a souvenir glass for $5 and tasting tickets for just $1 each. Tickets are redeemable at any of the winery tables for a sample pouring.

Attendees are also able to purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home with them.

The Skookum Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Horizon’s Edge Winery has been chosen to carry the 2016 labels. Two wines were selected – Barrel Select Red Wine and Afterglow Rose.

Barrel Select Red Wine is a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Lemberger.

Pairs well with thick buttery oysters, steamed clams, or a rich pasta. Afterglow Rose, is a Riesling base with a hint of raspberry. It is a semi sweet at 2.3R.S. making it great with BBQ oysters and a mild cheese. Horizon’s Edge has been attending since 1985, “OysterFest is one of our winery’s biggest events of the season,” remarks owner, David Padgett. The selected wines will be available at OysterFest with the commemorative design featuring the artwork of Shelton artist, Nick Visser.

Visser’s ink over watercolor was selected from the entries received for the 2016 OysterFest design contest. The piece is entitled “A great evening for a shucking.”

Visser has studied at the Art Institute in Seattle.

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2016 Wineries

CONVERGENCE ZONE CELLARS is a

family-owned winery located in Woodinville and North Bend. Wine maker, Scott Greenberg, blends the grapes into small production, premium quality wines. Featured wines: Dewpoint 2013 Riesling; Drizzle - 2013 Pinot Gris; Mistral - 2013 Grenache;Squall Line - 2013 red blend. czcellars.com

GINKGO FOREST WINERY vineyard,

winery, and tasting room are located near Mattawa and the Columbia River.

OysterFest 2016 features: Ginkgo Botanical White - 2013 white blend; Melanage de la Foret - 2012 red blend; Mourvedre - 2012 dry red; Raspberry Sensation - port ginkgowinery.com

HOODSPORT WINERY, established in

1978, is one of the earliest wineries in Washington. Located in Hoodsport, the winery is known for its fruit,

berry and grape wines. Hoodsport has received over 500 awards – the highest award for their 1994 Cabernet at Vin Expo in France in 1996. Tasting room and store open daily. hoodsport.com

HORIZONS EDGE WINERY

2016 LABELS

was established in Zillah in 1983.

Horizon’s tasting room allows spectacular views of Mt Adams, Mt Rainier and vineyards while sampling in an intimate setting. horizonsedgewinery.com

What You Don’t See Is Important, Too

HYATT VINEYARDS, Zillah, was estab-

lished by Leland and Lynda Hyatt. The winery site was planted in 1983 with full crush and production facility. Hyatt has three vineyards, growing a wide array of grape including Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Malbec and varieties of Muscat. OysterFest 2016: a 2013 red blend; a 2014 Pinot Gris; 2014 Black Muscat; and a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. hyattvineyards.net

Call or stop by Brady Landcape Supply for all your yard needs!

Congratulations & Thank You Shelton Skookum Rotary on 35 years of supporting the community with OysterFest !

Behind the scenes, our working forests are protecting clean water, clean air and wildlife habitat—all while supporting the local economy. We’re the best neighbor you’ve ever had.

360-426-0700

922 East Johns Prairie Road, Shelton, WA 98584

bradytrucking.com 2016 OYSTERFEST 18

LEONY’S CELLARS is a boutique win-

ery based in Cashmere. Their wines are handcrafted in small batches using premium Washington grapes. In 2016 Leony’s will present: Ascendance - 2014 Cabernet Franc; First Instinct - 2015 rose of Pinot Noir; and Brave - 2013 Pinot Noir. leonyscellars.com

MADSEN FAMILY CELLARS is a bou-

tique winery located just north of Olympia, exit 111 off I-5.The winery features Bordeaux red varietals, several blends, along with selections of both dry and sweet white wines. Tasting room. madsenfamilycellars.com

MAISON DE PADGETT WINERY

specializes in Chardonnay, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, sweet wines and ports. Owned and operated by the Padgetts, guests are invited to tour winery. maisondepadgettwinery.com

MARCHETTI WINES, founded 2001,

specializes in unsulfited red wines.

Award winning vintner, Rich LaRosa, sources Marchetti’s grapes from Eastern Washington, processing and bottling in Olympia. 2016 OysterFest: Caberbet Frank - 2015 dry; Sangiovese - 2015 dry; Tempranillo - 2015 dry; and Tempranillo Port - 2015 not sweet. marchettiwines.com Masquerade Wine Co., Bellingham’s urban winery crafts red, white and sparkling wines. Their méthode champenoise sparkling wines are excellent with oysters and other seafoods. Oysterfest 2016: NV Columbia Valley; Sparkling Moscato - NV Columbia Valley; Roussanne - 2014 Columbia Valley; Pinot Noir - 2011 Wilamette Valley masqueradewines.com

MCKINLEY SPRINGS WINERY was

established in 2002 in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills. OysterFest 2016 wines: Viognier - 2012; Chenin Blanc - 2012; Cabernet Sauvignon - 2010; Unbroken - 2012 Bordeaux style blend mckinleysprings.com

MOSQUITO FLEET WINERY is a small,

family owned and operated boutique winery with several 90+ point wines on record. Mosquito Fleet is known for their award-winning reds. Their facility and tasting room is located in Belfair. mosquitofleetwinery.com

NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN WINERY

is a family owned and operated, award winning winery using Washington grapes, fruits and honey. 2016 OysterFest features: Peach - NV fruit; Copper Creek Blackberry - NV fruit; Reserve Syrah - 2011 red; Cabernet Sauvignon - 2012 red. nwmountainwine.com

New patients are always welcome!

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Creating smiles through gentle techniques!

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2016 OYSTERFEST

SCATTER CREEK WINERY is a family

owned winery in Tenino. Established in 2005, Scatter Creek has won multiple awards including second place in the 2014 Best Winery (Evening Magazine). 2016 OysterFest: Peach Breeze - 2014 Chardonnay; Big Jake - 2014 Cab-Cranberry blend; Berry Select - 2014 Merlot; Peach Breeze - 2014 Chardonnay. scattercreekwinery.com

STOTTLE WINERY, located in Lacey and

Hoodsport, produces hand-crafted, award-winning wines from the oldest vineyards in Washington.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine wrote about their wines, “Nothing to say but bravo.”

Stottle will be bringing the following wines to OysterFest: Viognier - 2014 Viognier - white; Syrah - 2012 Syrah red; Cabernet Sauvignon - 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - red; Lucille - 2013 Late Harvest Viognier - dessert stottlewinery.com

STINA’S CELLAR is a family owned and

operated winery located in Lakewood with a focus on small lots. 2016 OysterFest: Siegerrebe - 2014 white; Tempranillo - 2013 red; Sweet Pomegranate Wine - NV dessert/sweet; Petit Verdot - 2012 red. stinascellars.com

TANJULI WINERY produces wines from their Rattlesnake Hills estate vineyard.

At OysterFest they will feature Picpoul Blanc Estate - 2014; Orange Muscat - 2013 Estate; Malbec - 2009 estate; Pinot Noir - 2012 Estate tanjuli.com

WALTER DACON WINERY, located in

Shelton, is dedicated to Rhone style wines and sources grapes from vineyards in the Yakima and Columbia valleys. Walter Dacon wines reveal the underlying fruit blended with gentle, precision use of oak. Tasting room open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 – 6PM. 2016 OysterFest: Skookum

White - 2014 Pinot Grigio; Skookum Red - 2012 Blend (Sangiovese, Syrah, Grenache,Mourvedre, Cab Sauv); Sangiovese Garnacha - 2012 Blend; GSM - 2012 Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre. walterdaconwines.com

WESTPORT WINERY is located between

Aberdeen and Westport. The winery, restaurant and gardens are open daily for lunch and dinner. They were voted Best Winery by King 5 Evening Magazine for six of the past eight years, received the Grays Harbor Environmental Stewardship Award in 2015, and were name Best Winery, Best Wine Shop, and Best Boutique Winery for 2016 by South Sound Magazine.

2016 OysterFest wines: Shorebird 2015 Chardonnay; Jetty Cat - 2013 red blend; Duckleberry Grunt - NV blueberry Gewurztraminer; Pineapple Express - NV pineapple Riesling westportwinery.com.

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2016 OYSTERFEST 20

OysterFest

Live music for all tastes — from blues and vocals to rock’n’ roll

Entertainment at OysterFest features some great new acts as well as a few old favorites. Presenting an eclectic variety of live music styles along with the exciting Shucking Competition and Seafood Cook off OysterFest hosts plenty to see and do for the whole family.

STRIKE NINE will open the 2016 event with some heavy metal rock in the beer garden (21 and older). Playing covers for bands from Alice in Chains to Bad Company, they coin it “drama free rock.”

While the wine stage (open to all ages) presents the FAMILY STRING BAND and the vocals of singer JOANNE GREEN, the five member band, RAUCOUS, (pronounced “Rock Us”) will get the audience moving at the Microbrew Stage with an energy-packed, audience-friendly performance playing a wide variety of classic rock and dance music.

TAMMY FROST TRIO is a blend of country, blues, bluegrass, soul, and Americana. She is the product of “old school Honkytonk

Teenagers “and all that it implies. Frost is accompanied by band members, Al Alto and Pete Jungshafer.

An annual favorite – HURTS LIKE HELL – will follow the KNUCKLEHEADS on the Microbrew stage Saturday. Hurts Like Hell formed in Olympia in 2011 when drummer, Ben Hawkes, dreamed of putting his favorite local players in a blues band together.

The band wrote and toured locally and was voted Weekly Volcano’s Best Blues Band in Olympia in consecutive years. The band brings their blistering brand of blues rock to bars, venues and clubs all over the Great Northwest.

Sunday’s Microbrew Stage starter,

CHROME BETTY BAND has its roots

in the Olympia garage band scene of the 1960’s. Four of its members quit their formal musical education to pursue rock and blues music.

Chrome Betty Band primarily performs covers of rock and blues tunes: Clapton, Stones, Petty,

2016 ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, October 1 MICROBREW STAGE 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM

STRIKE NINE 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM

RAUCOUS 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM

KNUCKLEHEAD 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM

HURTS LIKE HELL 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM event closes at 6:00 PM

WINE STAGE FAMILY STRING BAND 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

JOANNE GREEN 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

DAVE & WILL 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

TAMMY FROST BAND 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Visit Oysterfest.org for updated schedule

A GREAT STEAK?

We’re worth getting the band together for!

Celebrating six years of delicious food in Shelton!

360-432-5844 Monday thru Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm 405 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Shelton – minutes from OysterFest

21

2016 OYSTERFEST

21

Dylan, Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Allman Brothers, to name a few long with a few original tunes of their own.

On the Wine Stage Sunday enjoy LORREE GARDNER from 10:30 to 12:00 and then

DRIVING SIDEWAYS

from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.

PSYCHEDELIC SHADOW SHOW takes the stage at 1:30 Sunday,

treating audiences to an authentic experience in the music of Jefferson Airplane, Cream, Joplin and many more favorites performed as they were by the original artists.

brew Stage with their classic rock and roll favorites and close out OysterFest 2016.

Starting at 3:30 PM this popular rock and roll five piece band will energize your afternoon!

ANDREW LANDERS performs on the Wine Stage 2:30 - 4:30 PM, while an annual favorite – THE VARMINTS takes over the Micro-

For schedule updates visit the OysterFest website, oysterfest. org or view the on site map available at the gate.

OysterFest

2016 ENTERTAINMENT

Sunday, October 2 MICROBREW STAGE

10:00 AM

event opens @10:00 AM

10:30 AM

LORREE GARDNER 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM

CHROME BETTY 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM

ANDREW LANDERS 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

3:30 PM

The Varmints

4:30 PM 5:00 PM

DRIVING SIDEWAYS 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

PSYCHEDELIC SHADOW SHOW 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

WINE STAGE

VARMINTS 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM event closes at 5:00 PM

Visit Oysterfest.org for updated schedule

(360) 490-4964 Aquaculture specialists Please call for more information

Text GOLDCOASTOYSTER to 22828

to receive our quarterly newsletter with great ideas, information and recipes!

goldcoastoyster.com 2016 OYSTERFEST 22

Take home a piece of OysterFest The souvenir team at OysterFest have been hard at work all year designing great keepsake items to mark your weekend at Washingon’s premier shellfish festival in Shelton– from commemorative wine glasses to warm fleecy oyster embellished hoodies – and everything in between – there is something for everyone’s taste! Be sure to visit the souvenir tent early in the day as favorite items always sell out fast! Cash and major credit cards accepted.

Volunteers, Deidre and Patty, assist customers at OysterFest 2015.

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2016 OYSTERFEST

AL V I T S E F D FOO A E S r a t E o T R A T m u AS W L A The Skook U N N 35TH A ts the n e s e r p b y Clu

Reason#23

Fresh Clam Chowder Shelton Lions Club

Reason#7

– assisting with sight & hearing problems by

Coconut Shrimp Senior Services of South Sound – assisting seniors with expenses, providing

providing exams and glasses for those in financial need.

meals, home help and care

Reason#19

Oyster Rockefeller Mason County Association of Realtors – a group raising money for student scholarships.

Reason#70,000+

Funds to Local Community Shelton’s Skookum Rotary Club

Reason#27

Geoduck Fritters & Corn dogs Wildcatz Cheer and Fitness

–$70,000 donated from 2015 OysterFest including $20,000 in scholarships and $15,000 grants.

– a non-profit group that provides after school tumbling and cheer practice for kids.

Reason#115

Firehouse Chili & SnoCones Mason 5 Firefighter’s Association – a group of Fire and EMS that promotes the health, and well being of firefighters and the community

Reason#8

Linguini with Clam Sauce Canal Ct. #79 Order of the Amaranth – a organization donating to Diabetes research, youth scholarships, domestic violence center and community food baskets.

2016 OYSTERFEST 24

October 1 & 2, 2016 Reason#65

Grilled Oysters Boy Scouts Troop #110

Shelton, WA

– preparing youth to be responsible citizens and leaders following the scout law and oath.

Reason#95

Grilled Corn on the Cob Shelton High Band Boosters

– funds helps pay for buses, competitions, uniforms and other band expenses.

Reason#43

Crab & Shrimp Cocktails & Salmon Bacon prepared by the Hood Canal Kiwanis – helping children locally and all over the world.

Reason#238

Chocolate Covered Strawberries on the Half Shell dipped by Youth For Christ – an international non-profit working with youth in six Shelton schools, the juvenile detention center and with teen parents.

Reason#15

Fudge on the half shell Mason County Optimist Club

– to “bring out the best in kids,” through recreational, educational and athletic activities.

Just a few of the countless reasons your support of

OysterFest benefits our local communities.

thank you.

25

2016 OYSTERFEST

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ENJOY EXPRESS SERVICE to and from Olympia, between Shelton/Belfair, and Bremerton during commuter times.

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MASON TRANSIT AUTHORITY 2016 OYSTERFEST 26

360-427-5033 1-800-374-3747 MasonTransit.org

OysterFest KIDS DAY September 31 | Shelton, WA

Kids’ Day at OysterFest—

Over 12,000 students served and counting On the Friday before the festival opens to the public bus loads of local fourth grade students arrive at the OysterFest grounds to get the opportunity to get a little wet while learning how to take care of our natural resources.

Kids’ Day was added to the OysterFest line up of activities in 1993 to provide students a unique, fun opportunity to learn about the world they live in and how to protect and care for the environment and themselves. The program was the brainchild of Jim Freed, Skookum Rotarian, and Teri King of Washington Sea Grant and Skookum Rotarian. The two conceptualized the program in 1992 shortly after King took her Mason County position with the University of Washington.

She received $500 CoastWeeks grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to supplement in-kind funding from Washington Sea Grant and Skookum Rotary and Kids’ Day was born. The first year was hectic, with students in the third, fourth and fifth grades traveling all over the festival site for their fast paced sessions. An air horn moved the students from station to station and still does to this day.

The instructors had never taught lessons so efficiently, but after the first few rotations in the morning, they had adapted their lesson plans. At the end of the day all of the volunteers were exhausted and exhilarated but there was no turning back as the event was a resounding hit!

The program was forced to turn down many schools the first year and it became obvious that the participation needed to be narrowed down to one grade level.

Over the years the event has been finetuned with intense program scheduling, incredible volunteers, and dedicated instructors. Kids’ Day has hosted many environmental educators from around Washington State and has been a model for a few of their events. Some of 1993 students have returned to teach as professionals in the environmental field.

Stations have evolved as well.

The popular, touch tank display is always a perennial hit. The Hood Canal Aquanuts and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife have taught in that station since 1993 with

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2016 OYSTERFEST

the Marine Education Science Society (MESS) members now providing the touch tanks and some of the lessons.

The Washington State Department of Health staff created Oscar the oyster especially for Kids’ Day at OysterFest in the mid 90’s to demonstrate to students how shellfish concentrate phytoplankton and pollution in their bodies. Both Oscar and the touch tanks are also on display for OysterFest.

Organizations that have been participating since 1993 include: Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Department of Ecology, Mason Conservation District, Washington State University, Mason County Medic One, Mason County Public Utility District #3 and Washington Sea Grant. Organizations joining them in 2016 include the North Mason Kiwanis, Marine Education Science Society, and the Skokomish Tribe.

Teachers utilize Kids’ Day to jump start environmental lessons for their students and expand upon them in their classroom with the aid of the lesson plans provided. Kids’ Day offers sessions on water quality, pollution prevention, marine animals, ecosystems, electrical safety, conservation of natural resources, boating safety and more—teaching children important lessons and providing useful tools for the future.

You know the event is a big success when you see students thriving, teachers engaged and the original GOO and Kids’ Day volunteer, Dick Oltman exclaim that “Kids’ Day is one of the best things we ever added to OysterFest. Now some 23 years and 12,000 students later the event is still going strong, funded completely by the Skookum Rotary Club Foundation and Washington Sea Grant with support from agencies, organizations and community volunteers.

2016 OYSTERFEST 28

OysterFest

SEAFOOD COOK OFF

Competition

October 1 – 2 | Shelton, WA

Be transported by the excitement & delectable aromas Original recipes created by Northwest gourmet amateur and professional chefs, will be dexterously prepared to bring appetizing aromas and tastes, guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding palate.

This year’s 36th Year’s OysterFest anniversary will feature chef ’s competing for prize monies totaling $1300 and the prestige honor of being OysterFest Cook-off champion. The grand prize winners of 2016 were John Clark and Maria Ancira who split the grand prize winnings. They will return this year to face off again – both are great to watch.

Competition at the OysterFest cookoff will take place over the two days of OysterFest, starting at 10AM with different chefs cooking for one hour staggered at 30 minutes intervals. The three menu categories include appetizers, soups and stews and main course.

The last competition on Sunday will be the Iron Chef competition. The chef ’s competing will be personally invited to compete in this completion. They will have no idea what the ingredients they will be given to cook with. They will have 1 hours to complete their dishes.

In each of the categories a gold, silver or bronze medal will be given respectively to the top three contestants.

The awards ceremony will be held at the end of the day on Sunday. The winners for each category and grand prize winners will be announced.

All contestants will compete for title of the prestige of being crowned the grand champion. The winner will be selected based on their point count of all entries in all categories.

Judging will be by a panel of professional chefs headed by Chris Plemmons, CEC, Culinary Arts Instructor at Olympic College; professional chef Jack Campbell of Clackamass, OR;

The Port of Shelton is proud to partner with the 2016 OysterFest event. portofshelton.com 29

2016 OYSTERFEST

Darrel Harris, owner of Boccata Deli, Chehalis, WA; and Walter Bronowitz , CCC, CCE, AAC. Walter was recently honored by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the nation’s largest organization of professional chefs. He received the 2012 Western Region Hermann G. Rusch Chef ’s Achievement Award during the ACF Western Regional Conference held at Sparks, Nevada.

For more information about the cookoff contact Debbie McHargue (360) 490-5981 or dmchargue@hotmail.com

How to Shuck Oysters

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Recreational Shellfish wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish All oysters taken on public tidelands must be shucked on the beach, and the shells left behind.

You will need a shellfish license , an oyster knife and a pair of gloves. .Adults may shuck a child's daily limit so long as the child participates in some way in the gathering. For illustrated details on two popular shucking methods, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish.

1. Insert

the blade, of the shucking knife at the hinge between the two

valves. Twist the blade until there is a slight pop.

2. Slide

the blade upward to cut the adductor muscle which holds the shell closed. Apply a firm hand but not to much force.

3. Open

and carefully slip blade along inside of bottom shell to cut

the other side of the adductor muscle to release meat from shell. Slurp!

If the oyster has a particularly soft shell, the knife can be inserted instead in the ‘side door’, about halfway along one side where the oyster lips widen with a slight indentation.

FRESH FROM WILLAPA BAY Welcome to OysterFest!

FLY BY OUR RETAIL STORE If you live for oysters like we do you will love our fresh and innovative products – from live shellstock in various sizes; the freshest hand-shucked Goose Points; to specialty products like party-ready shooters complete in a re-useable shot glass with a Northwest Pacific oyster in our zesty sauce (customize our oyster shooters for your business or family events); or blue seal oysters, high pressure banded and pre-shucked, ready to eat.

Goose Point Retail is open seven days a week, 9AM to 5PM.

Can’t make it to the farm? Our online store is open 24 hours a day and we are happy ship anywhere in the US.

Nisbet Oyster Co., Inc. 7081 Niawaukum St, Hwy 101 Bay Center, WA 98527

Sales@goosepoint.com

2016 OYSTERFEST 30

www. goosepoint.com (360) 875-6629 | 1-888-875-6629

How did your oyster grow?

Have you ever wondered how the same species of oyster, Pacific for example, can have such varied flavors or textures? Just like the different wines offered at OysterFest – growing area and method make all the difference!

Not all bays in Washington are the same; some are muddy, some sandy and some rocky. Each type of shellfish growing ground has opportunities and limitations for success. Oysters grown on top of muddy ground often sink into the mud suffocating them for they aren’t able to circulate water and food into their bodies. As such, muddy bays have led to culture techniques that suspend the oysters above the mud such as long lines, stakes, suspendednets, and racks and bags. Firm sandy and rocky bays allow for oysters to be grown on the bottom as well as using the off bottom techniques described for muddy areas.

In addition to substrate type, location of the oysters on the beach will determine how long the oyster will take to achieve a marketable size. Oysters grown in the intertidal area are exposed to daily tidal inundation will have well developed adductor muscles and thicker shells thus being heartier for shipment. Oysters suspended in the water column for growing will have the benefit of a constant food source and thus grow quickly with delicate shells.

Often times suspended oysters are placed in the high energy intertidal environment for a few weeks prior to market to harden the shells for shipment and condition the oysters to hold their shells shut.

Beach grown clusters

The method of growth can greatly change the shape of the oyster. A Pacific allowed to grow naturally on the beach will have a sturdy irregular shell with a great deal of frills. The regular exposure to low tide exposure also strengthens the shell – protecting the meat from heat as well as predators like sea stars and crabs. In Europe, where there is very limited tidal change, some farmers pull the oysters from the water for periods of time to mimic the tidal action.

The tumble bag creates an altered but a marketable shape for cultured oysters.

Oysters are placed in the bag as small seed and the tide does the rest. The tidal flip and roll chip off the fragile off

suspended tumble bag singles

31

2016 OYSTERFEST

tide driven tumble purse bags

the fragile shell lips and force the oyster to curve. The result is a deep cup in its lower shell.

Each bay has its own selection of phytoplankton yielding oysters with different meat colors and flavors.

Pacific oysters grown in Willapa Bay have a different “merrior” from those grown in Samish Bay.

Hood Canal oysters are claimed to be more briny than the sweeter cucumber flavored bivalves grown in Hammersley Inlet or South Puget Sound waterways.

Just like the well attuned vintners of the Rhone Valley, oyster connoisseurs are able to detect the subtleties of each bay by tasting the meat and observing the shell. Can you taste the difference?

Tasting Notes

An oyster can offer a number of flavor notes due to species and merrior. Tastes can range from some salty to floral, some have fruity notes, mineral flavor or even hints of spice or mushrooms.

BRININESS amount of salinity or seawater flavor CUCUMBER NOTES green, slightly bitter flavor of a cucumber SWEET mild and sweet not briny MELON flavor of the raw oyster

SALINITY Salt is often the first and sometimes primary flavor of an oyster. A fully saline oyster will have a very briny taste while oysters with very low salinity, can taste flat, sweet or almost buttery.

TEXTURE should be soft and fleshy,

crisp on the palate.

FINISH the last impression after swallowing. Common finishes are MINERAL, METALLIC, EARTHY, KELPY, CUCUMBER or MELON.

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2016 OYSTERFEST 32

@CHELSEAFARMS

Meet the

Oysters Bivalve Shellfish —

Canaries in the coal mine, grazers of the sea

By Teri King and Janis McNeal

Publication reproduced with permission of Washington Sea Grant

Shellfish are a keystone species, studied by water investigators to determine the health of a water body. Clams, oysters, mussels and other bivalves filter seawater and, in the process, can accumulate environmental contaminants in their tissues.

Polluted shellfish beds are often an early warning to a larger problem that needs immediate attention. Marine water quality standards are more stringent for shellfish harvesting than for wading and swimming.

Since shellfish are a food, the threshold for contamination is much lower than for external contact with marine waters.

Bivalve shellfish also play an important role in the food web. These grazers of the sea filter copious amounts of phytoplankton rich water, converting it into a delectable dish — just as cows grazing in a pasture convert grass into steak. The role of shellfish in this transformative position within the marine ecosystem is essential in the cycling of nutrients in our marine waters. By converting phytoplankton into tissue and shell, the shellfish are able to improve light penetration in the water column, reducing overall turbidity and benefiting larger aquatic plants such as eelgrass. Bivalve shellfish help control the overabundance of phytoplankton in parts of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound, where nitrogen has led to over-fertilization of marine waters.

The best option for marine waters is to greatly reduce the flow of nitrogen from land to sea. Failing that, bivalve shellfish introduced into nitrogen-rich marine waters can be an effective part of a remediation plan. The animals consume and retain nitrogen. When they are harvested, the nitrogen they consumed is removed from the system.

IT’S IN THE WATER

Shellfish harvested in clean water are safe to eat; shellfish harvested in dirty water are not. Clams and oysters filter the water, picking out phytoplankton, bacteria and viruses to feed themselves.

Shed by all warm-blooded animals, fecal coliform bacteria are food for bivalve shellfish and can cause illness in humans. Information is available from the Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Shellfish and Water Protection or local county health jurisdictions. The state and counties generally do not assess private tideland water quality. Shoreline property owners may be able to infer the water quality of their tidelands based on state assessments of a nearby commercial operation or public beach.

The not so secret secret to into good oysters – is safe handling.

From the moment you purchase, insure that they are kept cold and fresh – on ice or covered with a damp cloth in the fridge to keep them moist.

Fresh oysters must be alive just before consumption or cooking.

Tap on the shell– a live oyster will close up and is safe to eat.

Olympia

The native oyster to Washington State, the Olympia oyster is a half dollar sized delicacy with a metallic finish. The Olympia oyster fishery rush ran from the mid-1800s until about 1915 to supply California’s demand for oysters. The oysters were harvested from the protected shallow bays of southern Puget Sound and Willapa Bay until pollution and over harvesting caused a collapse of the wild fishery.

33

2016 OYSTERFEST

Meet the Oysters

-continued

Virginica

The decline of the delicate Olympia oyster opened the door for the import of the larger Virginica oyster from the east coast into Washington in the early 1900s. Although they grew, the eastern oysters did not adapt well to Washington waters and experienced large die offs when transplanted. Currently there are still beds of Virginica oysters raised by Washington shellfish farmers.

Kumamoto

Japan also hosted another species of oyster known as the Kumamoto that has a small deep cup and a sweet meat that is prized by raw oyster consumers. Brought to Washington from Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, they do not reproduce in the cold Washington waters so growers rely exclusively on hatchery stock.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Standing on your beach looking up at the land, what do you see? A house, a dog, a nicely manicured lawn — and a bright green algae trail coming from a bulkhead weep? Does your house have a septic system? If so, do you know where it is located? Inspections are important to make sure that all of the components of your system are working properly and the septic tank doesn’t need to be pumped. Routine septic system inspections will help catch problems before they give you a stomachache. Washington Sea Grant offers publications, workshops and videos about septic system operation and maintenance.

ANIMAL WASTE

Pacific

Native to Japan, farmers began experimenting with the Pacific oyster in 1904 and Washington began importing seed from Japan in commercial quantities in the 1930s. This practice of importing seed from the Matsushima Bay lasted for over 45 years. The Pacific is now the most important commercial species on the West Coast. Beginning in the 1950s researchers began to study Pacific reproduction to reduce the dependence on seed imports. Since the 1970s local shellfish growers have relied on hatcheries for the production of Pacific seed to meet the demand for NW oysters.

Another approach would be to sample your beach’s shellfish and submit them to a lab for analysis. One test, however, will only be a snapshot of the water quality conditions on your beach on that day. Contamination levels can change with property use, weather and season. Do not harvest and eat shellfish if there are any doubts about their safety.

The prized cup of the Kumamoto oyster and its limited supply has growers altering their shellfish practices to create deep cupped Pacific oysters to meet half shell market demands. Growers use flip or tumble bags to constantly chip the shell of the Pacific to force it into a deeper cup. The result is specialty oysters marketed with names such as Kusshi, Shigoku, Sea Cow, Blue Pools, Chelsea Gems, Baywater Sweets, etc.

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Dogs, cats, chickens, birds, horses and other livestock all can contribute to fecal coliform pollution. Letting the rain wash away the poop in your yard can flow down onto your shellfish. Pick up your pet waste, bag it, and put it into the trash, not the septic system.

For livestock, contact your local conservation district for manure management assistance. If you have a dock that seals and birds like to visit, it is important to sweep the feces into a bag, not the water, and put the bag in the garbage.

Even dry feces can contain active pathogens.

YARD AND GARDEN

What products do you use on the lawn or in your garden to keep it free of weeds and pests? Are those products running off onto your beach? If they are, the shellfish may be concentrating those compounds in their bodies.

Try slower-release fertilizers that bind better to the soil and plants, releasing nutrients needed throughout the season. If you use fertilizers, use only the recommended amount. You may even decide that you don’t need a bright green lawn and the fertilizer applications that go with it. A simple way to see how far your fertilizer is running is to dye it with a food-grade dye — a blue dry drink mix will work. Fertilize with the dye-covered granules as usual, then water. If the dye is running into the water, you know the fertilizer is right there with it. Keeping fertilizer applications farther from the shoreline may help. Remember: fertilizers make sea plants, as well as land plants, grow.

FILTER YOUR RUNOFF

Plant and maintain shoreline vegetation. Trees, shrubs and small plants can all work together as a biological filter, taking up excess nutrients and water that would otherwise run onto the beach. The fibrous roots of trees

and shrubs can also help to hold the soil on the bank and keep it from being washed down on top of your oysters or clams. Pacific oysters have an ability to clap their valves and uncover themselves — up to a point — but the smaller Olympia oysters can suffocate if buried under too much silt. Too much sediment running onto the beach can also bury clams deeper, smothering them if they cannot climb higher to expose their siphons to the water.

One of the greatest joys Puget Sound has to offer is the opportunity to dig clams and shuck oysters, creating a healthy, delightful meal out of a day’s gathering. Even more special is the ability to step right outside your front door and harvest shellfish from your own tidelands. By taking care to limit the nutrients and pathogens running off of your property and into the Sound, and by maintaining a healthy population of shellfish on your beach, you will be helping to improve the water quality of Puget Sound — one bite at a time.

ASSISTANCE FOR WATERFRONT OWNERS Teri King from Washington Sea Grant offer technical assistance to waterfront property owners interested in enhancing their beach with shellfish for personal consumption and water quality concerns. She also works with tideland owners to develop small and large scale shellfish culture operations.

Since 1977 Washington Sea Grant has offered training to tideland owners and shellfish producers about sustainable culture methods, optimizing production, animal health, seafood safety, harvesting, pollution and processing.

For more homeowner opportunities or to schedule a site visit contact (360) 432-3054 or wsgcanal@uw.edu or visit wsg.washington.edu.

COMING SOON! Your Committed Community Partner bringing 200 SUSTAINABLE JOBS to beautiful Mason County.

Sierra Pacific Industries P.O. Box 700 Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-8200

spi-ind.com/employment

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The world is your oyster – there’s an app for that

Want to know about all your favorite oysters and where to find them? Pearl gives users a way to learn about oysters and find what is available with real-time restaurant menu information.

For oyster lovers, the Pearl app takes advantage of a unique mobile design that allows users to search for their favorite oysters, locate restaurants nearby that have them on the menu. Users view flavor profiles, save oysters they like, and rate oysters.. The app allows farmers to load flavor profiles and restaurants to drop in their oysters and specials in less than five minutes. Pearl matches these oysters and instantly displays their profile in the app.

The app outlines Pearl’s vision to better connect suppliers, restaurants and diners for a better seafood experience. Pearl hopes record diner preferences that restaurants can use to drive more efficient ordering behaviors for restaurants and farmers.

Originally established solely as an “oyster app,” Pearl has recently expanded to host “a sea of choices” following seafood – farm to table.

Download the free app today and help local farmers by tagging a few of your favorites at OysterFest!

MARSHALL SAN FRANCISCO NAPA HUMBOLDT

Bay to Bar Since 1983 At HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO., we take great care in everything that we do– from cultivating shellfish, to respecting our environment, to presenting our product to you.

We call it our Bay to Bar philosophy, where every step is important in cultivating the best oyster experience possible.

HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO. IS A CERTIFIED B CORPORATION People Using Business As A Force For Good

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2016 OYSTERFEST

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Boat to OysterFest!

Sail or motor in from Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle and beyond – OysterFest shuttles even connect with the Port of Shelton public moorage!

Explore our restaurants and shops and make a weekend excursion of your trip to the WA Seafood Festival.

“Sea” more of the OysterFest area

Since long before the first European explorers sailed among the islands and bays of the Salish Sea, the tribes fished, hunted and lived off the abundant wild plants, animals and bounty of the sea.

Today, the cold, clear waters of South Puget Sound still provide a harvest of salmon and shellfish. The great depths of Hood Canal – more than 600 feet deep – produce an annual shrimp catch that has become a late-spring ritual going back many generations.

Taylor Shellfish Farms, the Northwest largest exporter of shellfish, as well as many medium and small oyster, geoduck and clam farms can be found up and down the waterways of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound.

Oysters can be found on most beaches of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound, and those blessed or lucky enough to own a waterfront home often gather, eat or farm their own shellfish. Several state and county parks allow public shellfish gathering – see page 42.

There are many public boat launches and fuel at several marinas. Boating and sailing are treasured to such a high degree that three of the county’s state parks, Stretch Point, Hope Island and McMicken Island, offer boat access only.

Launches & Marinas SOUTH PUGET SOUND

Cruising the area offers striking views of the Olympic Mountains, access to state shellfish beaches, and seasonal fishing, crabbing and shrimping.

During OysterFest there is a FREE shuttle from the Shelton Marina to the event.

Arcadia Point The Squaxin Island Tribe owns this launching site, which is open to the public.

Allyn Waterfront Dock & Park (360) 275-2430 | Allyn, WA Marina features launch ramps, moorage and pump-out. Park includes gazebo and play area.

Hope Island State Park Buoys, floats and docks offer tie-ups for access to a 106-acre marine camping island park.

Fair Harbor Marina (360) 426-4028 | Grapeview, WA Services include fuel dock, moorage, store, espresso, showers and restrooms.

Port of Allyn North Shore Dock & Launch (360) 372-2408 | portofallyn.com Launch ramp and dock, marine pump-out.

Latimer’s Landing on Pickering Passage Harstine Island, WA Located adjacent to the Harstine Island bridge.

By car take Pickering Rd. off State Route 3.

Jarrell Cove (800) 362-8823 | Harstine Island, WA Overnight and permanent moorage, pump-out, RV sites, fuel dock, store, and beach.

Jarrell Cove State Park Harstine Island, WA | parks.wa.gov Moorage dock and buoys, pump-out station, tent sites, toilets, showers.

Shelton Marina & Yacht Club (360) 426-9476 | Shelton, WA Public launch ramp, gas dock and berthing for Shelton-based watercraft up to 50 feet.

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HOOD CANAL

Twanoh State Park Between Belfair and Union, WA | parks.wa.gov Double boat launching ramp and parking area Alderbrook Resort & Spa (360) 898-2200 | Union, WA Dock with guest moorage. Boat rentals available.

Hood Canal Marina (360) 898-2252 | Union, WA Privately owned marina open to the public.

Rest-A-While Marina & Dive Center (360) 877-9122 | Hoodsport, WA Sling boat launch, moorage, storage and rentals.

Camping, and supplies as well as dive shop.

SummerTide Resort & Marina (360) 275-9313 | Tahuya, WA Lodging, RV space, boat rentals and supplies

Shellfish Gathering Prepare yourself with buckets, boots, license and check the tides & harvest map – to harvest shellfish on local saltwater beaches – State Parks in Mason County support a healthy stock of clams and oysters for license holders – free for the taking (following regulations and limits).

If you harvest clams or oysters, make sure to keep them on ice or eat them soon after harvest. The DOH advises that all shellfish recreationally harvested during the months of June-September, should be cooked thoroughly to avoid illness due to Vibriosis. It is best practice to read all posted warnings or call the Marine Toxins/ PSP Hotline: 1-800-5625632 for a recorded message that is updated regularly.

Visit the Shellfish Safety Map at doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety. There is also a mobile friendly version of the map at doh.wa.gov/ shellfishmobilemap.

Clam and oyster season are beach specific and may change annually. Remember, Check BEFORE you dig – always check the current year’s harvesting season before taking from any public beach.

Public shellfish beaches SOUTH PUGET SOUND

Hope Island State Park, Boat access only. Oysters are incidental at this site but clamming can be quite good. The season is short, usually only the month of May. North Bay – Abundant Manila clams and an enhanced oyster bed.

The season here is short and locked into May and September under terms of a shoreline agreement.

Oakland Bay Tideland, – Open year-round, good shore access with parking. Manila clams and oysters can be found here.

HOOD CANAL

Belfair State Park –Excellent beach for oysters and Manila clams can be found here.

Potlatch State Park – Seasonally, open - excellent for oysters and a variety of clam species, especially Manila clams.

Your complete hunting, boating, fishing and repair destination since 1948.

Lilliwaup State Park –Open year-round, excellent for oysters and native clams. Clamming can be quite difficult due to the cobble substrate, but the beach is abundant with butter clams.

Rendsland Creek – Open yearround, excellent for oysters and a variety of clams can be found here although not in great densities.

Twanoh State Park – Open yearround for oysters and seasonally for clams, check season before harvesting. Good beach for Manila clams.

DNR 33, 47 & 48 – are boat access only beaches, open year-round for clams and oysters.

Eagle Creek –Open year-round for oysters and seasonally for clams, check seasons before harvesting.

This is an excellent oyster beach.

•Fishing tackle & gear •Hunting gear & optics •Guns & ammunition

•Marine accessories •Electronics •Parts & service department

741 West Golden Pheasant Road, Shelton, WA 98584 Phone: (360) 426-0933 Fax: (360) 427-0866

Toll Free: (877) 426-0933

www.verles.com

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The details:

Staying on site at OysterFest

All sites are $30/night Friday and Saturday including one day admission for two people each night Camping is also available on Thursday and Sunday for $15/night. Campers may arrive starting at 12PM on Thursday. On-site registration will be open on Thursday from 12PM until 6PM, Friday from 9AM until 8PM, and Saturday from 4PM until 6PM. Outside of these times you are welcome to park in the overflow area, and come to the RV registration tent when it opens.

The ground is very level and packed dirt/gravel/grass. There are no hookups. Showers will be on the west side of the event, the same side as the tent camping. Quiet hours will be from 11PM until 7AM. You are welcome to run your generators at all other times.

SHOWERS

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served

E

Reserved Sites & Groups

Reservations (200+) will be taken for reserved sites until mid-September, unless this area fills before then. Reserved sites are adjacent to the event.

First-come/First served

All sites in the reserved area that are not taken will be available for first-come/ first-served reserved camping. When you arrive you will be told if you are in the overflow area or reserved area. You can register on line for these sites up until the time you.

Tent/Small RV

This area will be first-come/first served.

Sites will not be marked – it will be up to the campers to arrange appropriately.

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OysterFest - October 1-2 Sanderson Field | Shelton, WA Road between RVs. All reserved sites are 40’ X 20.‘ Each side of the event hosts two rows of 50 rigs. There are a total of 200 reserved spaces.

Back in/pull in – No pull through.

E EVENT ENTRANCE

East R e

RV Are a served

Tent/ Small RVs

RV Are a

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Overflow RVs

OYSTER FEST EV ENT

RV’s will be parked on the east and west sides of the festival, just outside the paved runway, outside the inside fence, stretching the entire length of the festival.

PARKING/ VEHICLE ENTRANCE

West R e

OysterFest will be held once again on the north side of the Port of Shelton\ property, on an abandoned \airport runway.

The festival, including car parking and RV’s, will be inside a fenced area.

RVS/CAMPING

Overflow RVs

Reserve Online

Want more information or would like to make your reservations online? Visit oysterfest.org for best options or to reserve your perfect space!

RESERVATIONS: OYSTERFEST.ORG

Thank you for supporting OysterFest

Stay in our local communities

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Little Creek Casino Resort | W 91 State Route 108, Shelton | (800) 667-7711 | little-creek.com

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Pirates Cove Caboose | 202 E Pirates Creek Rd, Shelton | (360) 569-2799 | greatgetaways.com

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Shelton Inn | 628 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 426-4468 | sheltoninn.com

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Shore Lane Beach House | E Shoreline, Shelton | (206) 999-1720

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Super 8 Motel | 2943 Northview Circle, Shelton | (360) 426-1654 | super8.com

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City Center Best Rates | 128 E Alder St, Shelton | (360) 426-3397

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WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE/HIMLIE, INC

Since 1964 the Himlie family has helped many families open doors to new beginnings and call Mason County “home” – thank you for joining us on the journey!

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Harstine Island Beach Cabin | 21 E Dana Dr, Shelton | (253) 943-5264 | harstinerental.com

Boat Rentals

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A Lighthouse on Hammersley | 292 Libby Rd, Shelton | (360) 427-1107 | lighthouseonham.com

Thank you OysterFest and Shelton Skookum Rotary for 35 wonderful years of supporting the community!

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SHELTON AREA LODGING

Wi/Fi

Sound. Shelton was once served by a fleet of steamboats. Traveling down Hammersley inlet on the tidal currents, these ships delivered supplies.

Tugboats still ride these tides to deliver throughout Puget Sound. Didn’t eat enough at OysterFest? There is no shortage of dining in Shelton. From the famous shellfish dishes provided at Xinh’s to milkshakes at Nita’s Cafe – and everything in between: a steak at the Strip; BBQ at Mo’s; or sushi at Osaka’s.

All are located on Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton.

Dining: Driving (D) Onsite (O) Walking (W)

SHELTON, home city to OysterFest, is the westernmost city on Puget

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Windermere Real Estate/Himlie, Inc BUYING OR SELLING?

Contact Windermere/Himlie, Inc today!

(360) 426-2646 920 Railroad Avenue Shelton, WA 98584

www.shelton.windermere.com

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2016 OYSTERFEST

HOOD CANAL LODGING CUSHMAN, Lake Cushman is a 4,010-

acre lake on the Skokomish River above the west shore of Hood Canal. As a popular retreat for hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking, Cushman’s shoreline is dotted with resorts and rental cabins. The lake is notable for its beautiful crystal clear blue water and the huge round rocks surround-

ing it.

HOODSPORT, perched on Hood

Canal’s west shore, is renowned among SCUBA divers. There is waterfront lodging and dining available in town and along the meandering Hwy 101 leading in and out of the waterfront village. Be sure to stop in at Hoodsport Coffee Co. Hardware Distillery, Hoodsport

SKOKOMISH TOURISM

for a coffee or the perennial favorite, Olympic Mountain’s locally made ice creams with great flavor combinations like local peaches, blackberry, or the not so widely popular, but definitely worth talking about, geoduck ice cream!

The Hardware Distillery, located in the former hardware store downtown, offers daily tours and tastings Thursday through Sunday.

POTLATCH is located on the western ENTERTAINMENT & DINING 19330 N. US HWY 101 • Skokomish, WA 98584 360.877.5656 • MyLuckyDogCasino.com

FUEL 19392 N. US HWY 101 • Skokomish, WA 98584 360.877.2024

LODGING & RV SITES 21660 N. US HWY 101 • Potlatch, WA 98584 360.877.9422 • wfresort.com 25381 N. US HWY 101 • Hoodsport, WA 98548 360.877.9522 • GlenAyr.com

BOAT LAUNCH 21451 N. US HWY 101 • Potlatch, WA 98584

CAMPING, RV SITES & BOAT LAUNCH 7211 N. Lake Cushman Rd. • Hoodsport, WA 98548 360.877.5760 • SkokomishPark.com

S ko ko m i s hTo u r i s m . c o m 2016 OYSTERFEST 42

shore of the Great Bend of Hood Canal, near the mouth of the Skokomish River.

Potlatch State Park is a 57-acre camping park with 5,700-feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal.

LILLIWAUP is located at the mouth of

Lilliwaup Creek. US Highway 101 passes through the town. Tucked in the center visitors will find a small shop, post office and motel. The Lilliwaup store is another opportunity for Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

North of Lilliwaup is the three generation owned Hama Hama Oyster Co. with seafood store including fresh oysters and clams as well as plenty of picnic and local products. During the Summer and on weekend, stop by the Oyster Saloon and enjoy beer, wine and a variety of seafood items prepared fresh for you with the farm operations in the foreground.

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Port Townsend

Port Angeles

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Sequim Elwha Sol Duc Hoh Rain Forest

Seattle

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OYSTERFEST

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Olympia

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Alice’s Little Beach House | Eldon | 877-9226

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Creekside Inn | 27131 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | 877-9686 | creeksideinn-wa.com

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Eagle Creek Guest House | Lilliwaup | 877-5542 | eaglecreekguesthouse.homestead.com

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Glen Ayr Waterfront Resort | 25381 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | 877-9522 | glenayr.com

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Lake Cushman Resort | 4621 N Lake Cushman Rd | 877-9630 | lakecushman.com

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Lilliwaup Motel | 28621 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | 877-0002

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Mike’s Beach Resort | 38470 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | 877-5324 | mikesbeachresort.com

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The Moose House at Lake Cushman | Lake Cushman, Hoodsport | (503) 393-6397

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Pali-Kai Canal House | 327000 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | 426-2224

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Sunrise Motel & Dive Resort | 24520 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | 877-5301

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The Waterfront at Potlatch | 21660 N Hwy 101 | 877-9422 | thewaterfrontatpotlatch.com

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Lake (L)Beach (B)

5 Pets OK

CUSHMAN, HOODSPORT, POTLATCH & LILLIWAUP

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TV/Cable

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Dining: Driving (D) Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

Aberdeen

Tacoma

Arcadia

Telephone

Shelton

Sea-Tac Airport

Gig Harbor

Allyn

Waterview

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*Phone number area code 360, unless otherwise specified.

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2016 OYSTERFEST

You will

our oysters.

the Marine Education Science Society (MESS) members now providing the touch tanks and some of the lessons.

The Washington State Department of Health staff created Oscar the oyster especially for Kids’ Day at OysterFest in the mid 90’s to demonstrate to students how shellfish concentrate phytoplankton and pollution in their bodies. Both Oscar and the touch tanks are also on display for OysterFest.

We sure do.

2016 OYSTERFEST 44

ers ley I n l et

PO BOX 622, SHELTON WA 98584

SOU T

866-922-7469

OUND MA HS

Organizations that have been participating since 1993 include: Washington State Department of Health, Wash- Family owned & operated South Sound Mariculture prides itself ington State Department of Ecology, on producing premier Northwest oysters & clams. Riding the currents Mason Conservation District, Wash- of Hammersley Inlet, our unique tumble bags roll with the tides, creington State University, Mason Countyating perfect oysters that are firm & full-flavored.

Medic One, Mason County Public Utility District #3 and Washington SeaThrough a unique partnership, our shellfish are available exclusively Grant. Organizations joining them in through Hama Hama Oyster Co. and are featured in restaurants all 2016 include the North Mason Kiwan-over the world. is, Marine Education Science Society, and the Skokomish Tribe.

We are pleased to support the Marine Education Science Teachers utilize Kids’ Day to jump startSociety at the 2016 OysterFest by supplying oysters to their raw bar. environmental lessons for their students You know the event is a big success Taste the freshness and join us in sponsoring marine education at when you see students thriving, teachand expand upon them in their classevents and in our local classrooms. ers engaged and the original GOO room with the aid of the lesson plans and Kids’ Day volunteer, Dick Oltman provided. Kids’ Day offers sessions on proud be aDay small farm in Mason County.

ULTURE exclaim thatto “Kids’ is one of the water quality, pollution prevention, We’re RIC best things we ever added to Oystermarine animals, ecosystems, electrical Fest. Now some 23 years and 12,000 safety, conservation of natural resourcstudents later the event is still going es, boating safety and more—teaching children important lessons and provid- strong, funded completely by the Skookum Rotary Club Foundation and ing useful tools for the future.

Washington Sea Grant with incredible m

Ham

Allyn House Inn | 18350 State Route 3, Allyn | 535-2198 | allynhouseinn.com

Waterview

Boat Rentals

RV Sites

Kitchen

Beach (B)

Pets OK Pool & Spa (S)

Telephone

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ALLYN (ON CASE INLET)

Wi/Fi

ALLYN/BELFAIR/UNION LODGING

Dining: Driving (D) Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

Photo: George Stenberg Photography

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Belfair Motel | 23322 NE State Route 3, Belfair | 275-4485 | belfairmotel.net

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Cabin on Hood Canal | 121 NE Wagon Wheel Road, Belfair | 277-0257 | cabinonhoodcanal.com

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SummerTide Resort & Marina | 15781 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya | 275-9313

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Sisters Point Waterfront Cabin | 12121 NE North Shore Rd, Belfair | 275-6816

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa | 7101 E State Hwy 106, Union | 898-2200 | alderbrookresort.com

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The Bend on Hood Canal | 253 E Great Bend Drive, Union | 490-5545 | thebend.us

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Cameo Boutique Cottage & Suite | 6871 E State Hwy 106, Union |490-7006 | cameoboutique.com

BELFAIR (ON HOOD CANAL)

UNION (ON HOOD CANAL)

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Harmony Hill Retreat Center | 7362 E State Hwy 106, Union | 898-2363 | harmonyhill.org

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ALLYN, located in the protected waters of the

South Sound, is famous for kayaking and boating on Case Inlet. Check out the Kenny’s School of Chainsaw Carving and the Allyn Waterfront Park.

BELFAIR, is nestled in the tip of Hood Canal.

Belfair has local and chain restaurants along with major grocery stores and many small local shops.

UNION, on Hood Canal’s south shore is renowned as a artists haven. With a range of lodging– from quaint waterfront cottages to resorts with boat rentals, the town was recognized as a “Prettiest Town in America.” Favorite local dining spots include the Union Cafe deli, Alderbrook Resort and Three Margaritas. Stop by the Union City Market for local produce and gifts including oysters and clams to take home.

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2016 OYSTERFEST

All aboard the shellfish trail— Like shellfish? Then the Washington Shellfish Trail is where to start your next journey. Volunteers are working with folks that grow, cook, and display shellfish to create a fun trail that you can follow to explore all that is shellfish.

Similar to the wine trails of Eastern Washington, the trail will bring you from the Columbia River north to the Canadian border and explore not only Washington’s famous oysters, but also clams, geoducks, and mussels. Visit farms, gather your own shellfish off public beaches and attend events that embrace this resource, like OysterFest.

The Washington Shellfish Trail will guide you on your year-round journey.

Understanding the role of shellfish in our communities is essential to the long term health of our shellfish resources. The trail will emphasize the interconnectedness of aquaculture within our rural communities and the value of shellfish to our well being. The Shellfish Trail was recently awarded funding from the National Sea Grant Program and is being developed by the partnership of Image In Action Design and Washington Sea Grant.

You will be able to select a mini geographical tour or focus on one specific type of shellfish.

The options are endless and build upon the other Washington trail systems such as the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway. All of the stops will have specific points of interest and learning opportunities that will enhance your adventure.

Did you know that the North Bay WDFW property boasts the largest population of Olympia oysters in Puget Sound? This and more will be highlighted features on the Trail. We will also have an oversized picture frame for you to take commemorative photos of your adventure at key stops. Stop by the WA Sea Grant booth at OysterFest to catch your family shot in this giant frame and tag tour visit on facebook #shellfishtrail.

If you are interested in your shellfish company or site becoming part of the trail please visit the shellfishtrail.org website for details.

2016 OYSTERFEST 46

Events such as OysterFest will be featured on the Shellfish Trail and will host the mobile shellfish picture frame.

www.shellfishtrail.org

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2016 OYSTERFEST

We Like To See You Smile!

2016 OYSTERFEST 48