About 100 people from around Grays Harbor County and the North Beach celebrated with the Quinault Indian Nation and local dignitaries on Friday as the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino held a grand opening for its $25 million expansion that opened earlier this month.

The first phase of development in the expansion includes a new circular bar, expanded gaming offerings, including a “smoke-free” gaming area, a Quinault-themed buffet and an expanded kitchen. The expansion follows the previous completion of a 159-room remodel at the resort.

Don Kajans, General Manager/CEO of Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, and Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp were the opening speakers during the Grand Opening ceremony, which was attended by County Commissioners Vickie Raines and Randy Ross, Ocean Shores Mayor Crystal Dingler, members of the Quinault Nation Tribal Council, several members of the Ocean Shores City Council as well as a few celebrities like the Williams and Ree comedy team (Bruce Williams and Terry Ree) now appearing at QBRC. Members of the Quileute and Hoh tribes also were present.

“I am so impressed with our ability to come together as a team,” Sharp said. “This can only be accomplished with teamwork.”

Melanie Montgomery, chair of the Quinault Nation Enterprise Board, cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open the expanded facility.

“The success of QBRC is attributed to the outstanding customer service and dedication of the entire hard-working team,” Montgomery said, also thanking the tribe and Tribal Council. “The feedback from our membership is truly appreciated, and we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without our tribal members.”

The expansion incorporates many traditional Quinault cultural elements, such as the canoes created and painted by tribal artists in the buffet.

“I am very proud of the outcome of this expansion and I am for the community to enjoy the new buffet and casino space,” Montgomery added. “To me, this property and all of our Quinault businesses represent opportunity.”

Tribal Council members to participate in the ceremony included Vice President Tyson Johnston, Treasurer Larry Ralston,and Council members Gina James and Chet Tweed.

Sharp’s mother, Ann Maria Masten, and great aunt, Hazel Rosander, each said prayers and gave a blessing to the project. Masten gave thanks “for all the jobs that are provided for the county, for the tribe, for all the surrounding area.”

“On behalf of future generations of all citizens in Grays Harbor, and the future of our people, we honor you, we thank you and we welcome you to this grand opening,” Sharp said.

Kajans said the staff at QBRC is proud of the project. “I want to thank my wonderful staff, who make me look so good and make it look so easy,” Kajans said.

“Everybody has given so much to get us here to this position,” he added.

Raines noted Quinault Beach Resort opened in 2000, remarking that “QBRC has been a true winner on the Washington coast.”

“As one of the largest employers in Grays Harbor County, I appreciate the QBRC team for the pride they have in serving their patrons,” Raines said.

“Owned by the Quinault Indian Nation, and operated by the Nation’s Enterprise Board, the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino has been a wonderful addition to the North Beach area,” Raines said.

Dru Garson, CEO of Greater Grays Harbor Inc., pointed to the “economic impact the Quinault Indian Nation has here in Grays Harbor County.”

“This is truly a great opportunity to be able to bring more visitors to our area, to generate more economic impact and to be able to help grow economy,” Garson said.

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp, center, welcomes vistors to the grand opening of the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino expansion, along with Tribal Council Members from left: Gina James, Tyson Johnston, Larry Rolston and Chet Tweed.

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: Quinault Beach Resort & Casino CEO Don Kajans and Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp greet a VIP crowd for the grand opening of the facilitie’s expansion, as staff look on in the background.