Summer season in Ocean Shores — boy have we been busy on the beach! The weather was wonderful, besides the usual occasional rain shower. Temperatures were just right for splashing in the waves or shell hunting at Damon Point. So many great weekends in just a few months. Here’s a look back at all the fun.
The month of May started with the Grays Harbor Expo bringing every kind of vendor imaginable, ice and chainsaw carvings, music and family fun in the Convention Center. The beach fun was just beginning with the painting of the blue sky in spectacular colors during the Festival of Colors kite event. In June, the school year ended and excited families filled hotels, restaurants, shops and of course the beaches. We honored our country with a beautiful Flag Day Parade, creative floats passing by the center of town lined with smiling faces waiting for candy to scatter across the pavement. The Sand and Sawdust Festival was enjoyed by many, an annual tradition to visit the sculptures on the beach and watch the carvers creating masterpieces that are mind boggling that so much skill can be wielded with a chainsaw. The smell off waffle cones drifted in the air and splashes and laughter could be heard from the boaters and golfers at Pacific Paradise. Sticky fingers enjoyed ice cream and taffy while strolling through town. Ocean Shores wide variety of shops were filling up with flip flop and sun glass wearing tourists browsing from one unique stop to the next. The patios were filling up for those enjoying a cappuccino or basket of golden fish and chips.
Oh the bicycles and mopeds! We welcomed two new bicycle shops this year. With the fun of electric powered cruisers from Conway bikes and the bright yellow beauties from the Electric Beach Bikes. The guided horse riding tours from Honey Pearl Ranch and Chenois Creek were once again back to their spots on the beach and we’re sure as many summers before, excited children as well as adults experienced their first ever horseback ride.
The Fourth of July came with its usual bang. Warm temperatures and the fourth falling near the weekend date brought long lines of visitors slowing down traffic at the bluff in Aberdeen. And we are happy to report the beaches were clean by noon on the 5th. Thanks volunteers. The Beach Blast brought a carnival to add a new dimension to the offerings at the convention center. July also showed a fitness flair with the Trifreaks Triathlon and the first ever USAV Beach Volleyball tournament on the beach. A large gathering of Frisbee disc players had a blast with their tournament. What a treat to watch.
Did you visit the Lavender farm or Sharron out at Voss Acres for some summer flowers and produce? What about our beautiful parks? Seabrook and Oyhut Bay offered continues events throughout the summer with festivals, music and shopping, so much to enjoy off the beach and off of the beaten path. The end of July celebrated a successful Bikers at the Beach and Hog Wild weekend for the bikers and locals as well. August showed no sign of slowing down with an amazing turnout of humans and four legged friends at the Annual Woof-a-Thon. Ocean Shores was turned to a sea of blue and green also in August as Seahawks fans came by the thousands to kick off the season. Special guests, a parade and a spectacular fireworks show highlighted the events.
August turned to September with one of my favorite places to spend time, on the waterways with the Paddle the Shore event over Labor Day weekend on Duck Lake. A great turnout and so much fun watching the cardboard boat races.
Summer may be fading, but we are just getting started! Get ready for the upcoming Arts and Craft Festival Sept. 9-11 and the Whale of a Quilt Show Sept. 16-18 and get a head start on your winter holiday shopping. Yep I said it … the holidays are approaching. 53 days until Halloween, 78 until Thanksgiving, 108 days until Christmas. All of which are going to be fabulous here “On the Beach.”
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