The Beach to Chowder Challenge, in its 32nd year, has had a little page as a part of funbeach.com for the 14 years or so that site has been active.  We’re delighted to report it now has a home of its own on the web:  www.beachtochowder.com.

The mighty group of volunteers who have headed up the event for much of its existence added a certified half marathon last year, which has made it attractive to even more runners.  You can download their brochure and registration form online, or pick up a copy here in our office, or at the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.  Artist Don Nisbett made it easy for us to look good designing that one!

~Keleigh

Today is about remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.   Gratitude doesn’t seem enough to offer the loved ones of these men and women.

I suppose what I should be blogging about today is that Karl, along with Astoria Sunday Market Director Cyndi Mudge, built a brand new site for this event, but what I want to tell you is this: Start training now: The Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is just 3-1/2 months away!

The mission of the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is to offer fishermen and industry professionals an opportunity to bond and share information that will save lives, improve productivity, increase demand for seafood products, and promote job opportunities. The mission is also dedicated to educating the public about the fishing industry including the steps fishermen have taken to ensure a renewable resource for the future. The Festival will showcase American fisheries and the process of selecting, preparing and cooking seafood.

The REALITY of the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is FUN FUN FUN!

• Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition, the Signature Competition of the Festival – No Whiners, Only Highliners! There are three categories:  kids, under age 40, and 40 and above. Cash prize for 1st place is $500 plus prizes from industry leaders.  Additional $500 to overall winner for a total cash prize of $1000.  There is a practice area set-up for competitors.
• Dover Sole Relay – Slimy, Fishy Fun!  Teams of three compete for the highly coveted Dover Sole Crown. This is a relay race carrying a shovel full of Dover Sole – the slipperiest, slimiest fish in the sea.  Winners are based on speed and number of fish left on the shovel.
• Filleting Competition – Surgical Precision at Lightning Speed! Filleters will be competing in three heats with the winners of each heat competing in the final round.  Cash prize plus industry prizes for the top filleter.  Winners are judged on speed and recovery.
• Hyster Competition – Contestants maneuver through an obstacle course
• Survival Suit Races – See crabbers run.  Run crabbers run!
• Wizard of Crab Coiling Competition – Do we even have to explain this?

September 18-19, 2010

When you visit the new site, take a look at the Captain Phil Harris Memorial CD and the Raffle Tickets.  Both of these were also beachdog projects!

The Port of Ilwaco got a little face lift this spring, adding a right sidebar for their social networking activities.  If you’re not yet a fan of Discover Ilwaco on facebook, make a point of it!  Then head down to the Saturday Market tomorrow.  It’s the best!

The Rotary Clubs of Astoria and Warrenton Sunrise are joining forces to produce the inaugural “Columbia Canines Woof Walk” on August 7th in Astoria.  The event takes place along the Riverwalk, between the Red Building and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, where participants can stroll at their own pace and have their entry card stamped by volunteers.  Walk both directions, or take the dog-friendly trolley one way.  At the end, enjoy vendors and performers.  You KNOW we’ll be there!

Keleigh designed and illustrated the collateral package for the event, from logo to postcard, brochure, posters, entry form and website.  Who do you think was her inspiration?