Pacific Northwest Culture
I
became interested in Carver and his work when I learned that he had been born in Clatskanie, Oregon. An annual event, the Raymond Carver Writing Festival showcases scholars and writers who tout the genius of Carver, who over the years achieved the reputation of being a consummate practitioner of the contemporary short story.
Steal Time to Write
This is a wonderful gift to a community of readers and writers. The Pacific Northwest seems especially attractive to those breeds, who deny themselves the temptations of sunshine and beaches and hunker down on gray rainy days over a littered desk or a sodden tavern table.
12:30-1:30pm at Fultano’s Pizza Readers: Derek Sheffield (Leavenworth, Wash), Dayle Olson (Cathlamet, Wash), Mandy Ellen (Clatskanie, Ore.)
12-5:30pm at various locations in Clatskanie. Self-guided. Pop in to sponsoring sites, pick up a keepsake print and spend a few minutes writing to short prompts from festival writers. A different printed prompt will be offered at each location, so plan on stealing time for all of them! Poetry and Prose Reading
Writing Workshop
SCHEDULE
2-3pm at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Ballroom Presenter: Martha Gies (Portland, Ore.) Use prompts suggested by two or—time permitting—three of Carver’s poems. A fun exercise for writers of prose and poetry alike. No public sharing required. Bring your notebook and a pen. Pre-registration appreciated.
Opening Reception/Welcome
Prose and Poetry Reading
10-11:30am at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Ballroom Guest presenter: Laura Moulton (Portland, Ore.) Featured presenter: Martha Gies (Portland, Ore.)
3:30-4:30pm at venue TBA Readers: Holly Hughes (Chimacum, Wash), Armin Tolentino (Vancouver, Wash.), Moe Bowstern (Portland, Ore.)
Carver didn’t spend a lot of time in Clatskanie, but he seems to fit this Northwest persona well. I highly recommend the Carver Writing Festival, whether you are a reader or a writer. Maybe I’ll see you there. -- Ned Piper
2025 Festival Theme
“Call it a Polestar” Raymond Carver once described a signal moment in his development when a stranger offered him a lens to a broader world and, “as if reading my heart,” an invitation to pursue his dreams. Carver wrote of this experience, “I was just a pup then but nothing can explain, or explain away, such a moment: the moment when the very thing I needed most in my life — call it a polestar — was casually, generously given
Publishers & Writers Fair
10am-1pm at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Ballroom Vendor tables by local authors, regional writing organizations and presenters. A select assortment of Raymond Carver books for sale, along with Raymond Carver Writing Festival commemorative posters, stickers, postcards and badges. Maybe even a few tee-shirts in random sizes! Presented by Astoria’s The Writer’s Guild.
to me.”
In chaotic and unstable times, what unexpected forms of navigation do we encounter, seek, or create to guide us through? More info/Registration: clatskaniearts.org
CALL IT A POLESTAR
MUSEUM MAGIC Story & photos by Joseph Govednik, Director, Cowlitz County Historical Museum
RETURNS NEXT ISSUE
Raymond/ South Bend
Oysterville •
Vader
Ocean Park •
Grays • River Chinook
101
Astoria
101
Seaside
Pacific Ocean
Cathlamet 4
WestportPuget Island FERRYk
Warrenton •
Mount St. Helens
Skamokawa
Vernonia
Oregon
Ape Cave •
Kelso
Clatskanie
Birkenfeld
18 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2025
Longview
Rainier
Woodland
Columbia City
• Ridgefield
Scappoose•
To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland
503
•Yacolt
St Helens
NW lius Corne oad Pass R
Cougar •
Kalama
Sauvie Island
Portland
Skamania Lodge
Vancouver Col. Gorge Interp.Ctr as m a C • Bonneville Dam 14 Crown Troutdale Point
Festival Finale!
6:15pm Dinner (reservations required) at the Clatskanie Food Hub. Whimsical and seasonal Farm-to-table food featuring a menagerie of locally grown savory delights handcrafted by Bluebell Bakeshop. Non-alcoholic beverages supplied by The Wild Locals, beer and wine available for purchase. Reservations are required, $20 per person.
VISITOR CENTERS FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information
504
Castle Rock
• Naselle
Long Beach Ilwaco
Columbia River
Washington
5:30-6pm at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Birkenfeld Theater Award presentation and readings from the winners of the 2025 Poetry Contest in both youth and adult (over 18) categories.
7:15-8:30pm Open Mic Poetry Jam (free and open to all) at the Clatskanie Food Hub. An opportunity for festival participants to share their words in a supportive and fun atmosphere, sign-ups will be available all day and on site in case of last minute inspiration.
Raymond Carver
To: Centralia, Olympia Mt. Rainier Yakima (north, then east) Tacoma/Seattle
Poetry Contest Award Ceremony
• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitor Center I-5 Exit 39. 105 Minor Road, Kelso,Wash. • 360-577-8058 • Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., Woodland, Wash. 360-225-9552 • Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 • Castle Rock Visitor Center Exit 49, west side of I-5, 890 Huntington Ave. N. Open M-F 11–3. • Appelo Archives Center Local in 1056 SR 4, Naselle, Wash. 360-484-7103. for Points o mation f In • Pacific County Museum & Visitor Center Recreat terest Hwy 101, South Bend, Wash. 360-875-5224 Special ion Dinin Events • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Arts & Eg ~ Lodging 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) ntertain ment Long Beach, Wash. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 • Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce 1715 Bay Ave., #1, Ocean Park, Wash. • South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, Ore • 503-397-0685 • Seaside, Ore 989 Broadway, 503-738-3097; 888-306-2326 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Center Maryhill Museum 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807
son Steven Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods
Hood River
The Dalles
Goldendale
To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID
Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. Consult a real map for more precise details. We are not cartographers.