Sanderson Field Airport Shelton,FestivalWashingtonSeafood40th 1982WashingtonAnniversaryState-2022 Oct. 1 & 2 Shelton FREE EVENT GUIDE | SEPTEMBER 30 -OCTOBER 2, SHELTON, WA FRI, 6 PM SEP 30
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40th SeafoodWashingtonAnniversaryStateFestival
The Washington State Seafood Festival (OysterFest) is hosted and presented by the Skookum Rotary Club. Each year members and their families create an event that assists local non-profits as well as global issues. Don’t miss the excitement on the Shucking Stage. Saturday and Sunday oyster shuckers compete for cash prizes and national recognition.
For four decades “OysterFest” has been an important event to Mason County. Although food and drink anchor the festivities, there is much to see and do for the whole family at this celebration that has a profound impact on many local non-profits. We are excited to be back live in Shelton! 1982-2022 Shucking knives out - cue the
2022 OYSTERFEST 4 It’s not just great food, beers, wines, and entertainment. Throughout the festival, exhibits demonstrate how important water quality is to our communities. Agency dis plays offer free activities and the Marine Education Science Society’s marine touch tanks are popular with attendees of all ages who like to get close with crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and other local fauna. This and more has made the Washington State Seafood Festival a much anticipated family event. Thank you for making it all possible, we couldn’t have made this return without you – vendors, exhibitors, and attendees. home?BuildingRemodeling?anew OLYMPIC MILLWORKMOUNTAIN • Quality cabinets & built-ins for every room • Pre-finished millwork • Paint grade millwork packages • Pre-hung interior & exterior doors Call for an onsite walk-through or visit our Shelton showroom. (360) 432-2992 822 E HIAWATHA BLVD. SHELTON, WA 98584 Visit our gallery online at: ommco.net Authorized Dealer FestivalSeafood40th StateWashingtonAnniversary Oct. Shelton1-2 Hosted by the SKOOKUM ROTARY CLUB | PO Box 849, Shelton, WA The Oysterfest event publication is created by Rachel Hansen, editor, Tracing the Fjord Contact: rachel@nwevent.org 360-427-5599 | tracingthefjord.com Copyrighted Material 2022 EVENT WEBSITE: OYSTERFEST.ORG
Much is the same. OysterFest is still sponsored by Skookum Rotary Club. The vendors remain local non-profit organizations, earning money to sup port their programs. Attendees can feel great that all of the money they spend goes to help the community. You may still buy a signed poster with original art work. You may take your kids to the touch tanks and feel a sea cucum ber. And yes, you can still enjoy grilled oysters provided by the Boy Scouts.
It was 2019, and everyone knows why we didn’t have one in 2020 and 2021. It’s been a while … since I was GOO, 31 years in fact. (GOO is the name we give to the OysterFest chair – the Grand Old Oyster.)
Welcome to the 40 th anniversary
OysterFest!
The tenth annual OysterFest was different from the current OysterFest in many ways and the same in others. There was no wine tasting back then, but we did have a choice of wines. You could choose red or white – it came in a box. We had no microbrew tasting. You could certainly have a beer, as long as you wanted a Miller, or maybe it was a Rainier – hard to remember that far back. Back then, to be identified the Skookum Rotarians wore blue shirts and a yellow sou’wester hat.
Now we still wear blue shirts, but have traded the sou’wester for a blue ball cap so as to not mess up our hair. Until recently there was no planned activity on Friday evening, now Shelton Rotary sponsors Oys terFunk. We had a few campers in 1991, now welcome over 500. On Saturday traffic used to get backed up to the Shelton Matlock exit as folks entered the fairgrounds. Now, in the newer location, there are few back-ups.
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Bob Miller | 2022 Grand Old Oyster (GOO)
Message from the “GOO”
It’s been a while … since we have had an “in-person” OysterFest.
As always, OysterFest takes the entire community to be successful, and we thank all of the people that rallied this year to make it happen. Another thing that hasn’t changed, except for the times getting faster and faster, is the shucking contest. The winner of the OysterFest 10 Half Shell Shucking contest was Xinh Dwelley. Does that name sound familiar? It should, she won most of the contests in the early years And then she moved over to the OysterFest cooking contest, which she won. This led to Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House, a fixture on Railroad Avenue in Shelton for many years. In recent years she has published two cook books and Xinh has always been a fixture and a positive influence at OysterFest since its inception in 1982.
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It’s been a while. I bet those of you that have attended OysterFest in the past missed it dearly. We are ready for your return. And those of you that haven’t ever attend ed, this is your chance to see for yourself what all buzz is all about around OysterFest. Mark the evening of September 30 as well as all day October 1 and 2 on your calendar! You certainly will not be disappointed. Bob Miller | GOO 1991 and
You can eat Shelton Rotary’s oyster fritters and Xinh’s famous mussel curry. You may have salmon and fry bread provided by the Squaxin Elders. And most importantly, you can meet up with friends that you haven’t seen in the last three years.
You’ll
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I am pleased to say that this year Xinh is the first ever “Honorary GOO.” Congratulations Xinh, you certainly deserve this honor!
7 2022 OYSTER FEST OCTOBER 1 - 2 Saturday: 10AM – 6PM Sunday:10AM – 5PM Adults $10 | Youth 8-17 $5 Kids under 5 (FREE) FREE PARKING & Shuttle Tickets available online in advance or at the gate! Friday, September 30 6 – 10 PM | Beer Garden Live music: The Varmints Food/Beer Garden (21+ ONLY) Tickets $5/available at the gate 5 Message from the GOO 9 Shucking Competition 11 Chef Xinh Dwelley 15 Entertainment Schedule 17 OysterFest Food 19 Exhibitors at OysterFest 21 Chowder Cook-Off 22 Oyster Merrior & ID 24 Shuck & Run 5K 30 RV/Camping and Lodging 31 Family Activities 32 OysterFunk 35 Visit Local Growers 40 Road Trip Hood Canal 44 Oyster Myths & Facts 45 Scuba dive Hood Canal It’s Oyster Season in Shelton! The cooler weather is great for oysters but it does mean you need to prepare for rain and wind. Here’s a few other things to know before you head to Washington State’s official Seafood Festival. Getting here OysterFest is hosted at the Shelton Airport north of Shelton off Hwy 101 (Map: 250 W Sanderson Way.) There is parking and room for RVs onsite. How far will you go for oysters? from Olympia 23 miles from Tacoma: 53 miles from Seattle: 82 miles from Portland: 134 miles Shuttle services in Shelton Free shuttle bus service will be provided at Shelton Civic Center and from Shelton High School. Shuttles run Saturday and Sunday Parking is free Handicap parking is available near the gates. Exit Hwy 101 on to Sanderson Way and follow signs to OysterFest. Cash machines & wifi on site There will be ATM’s located at the event. Thank you IFiber and PUD#3 for hosting free wifi! Please leave pets at home Pets ARE NOT ALLOWED at the event with the exception of service animals. Information Visit oysterfest.org or join us on FB at #OysterFestWA for updates on the event! Send us a message if you have questions! Hours & Admission OysterFunk: September 30, 6 - 9 PM. Admission $5 (21+) at the gate. Beer, wine, oysters and food available. OysterFest: October 1 & 2 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Admission: Adults: $10.00, 8-17 $5, Kids 7 and under FREE. Tickets are available online, at the gate, or with by scanning the QR code below. FestivalSeafood40th StateWashingtonAnniversary
2022 OYSTERFEST HAIGH VETERINARY HOSPITAL Supporting our large & small animal community in Mason County haighveterinaryhospital.com 81 SE Walker Park Rd Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 426-1840 Congratulations OysterFest on celebrating your 40th anniversary! 1982-2022
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Insert, twist, flick, repeat. Sounds simple, right? But if you have ever attempted to shuck an oyster you will know that isn’t easy. Gory misfortunes of stubborn oysters are as common as lad der falls and dog bites. Competition shuckers know just where to insert the knife to coax the shell open without leaving a shattered mess or a stabbed artery. OysterFest is a great opportunity to learn a few tips on shucking, but watch carefully, they move quickly! Over the two days contestants vie for the title of the fastest shucker or the best half-shell shucker or both titles.
The West Coast Shucking Champion goes through more than 6,000 oysters (donated by Taylor Shellfish). A shuck er draws a tray of two dozen oysters by lottery and arranges them in prepara tion. An appeal is made if the contes tant feels an oyster is of inferior shape. A basket of oysters is passed to each shucker from which they can choose more favorable alternates. As the contest begins, the shuckers hold their knives at head height to indicate readi ness. At the signal from the chief judge, the timekeepers start their watches and the contestants begin.
Jill Himlie, 2018WONDERFUL
Shelton’s championship is a preliminary event to the US shuck-off at St. Mary’s Oyster Festival in Maryland. The Na tional Oyster Shucking Championship Contest® features the fastest men and women shuckers competing for cash prizes. National winners compete in the International Oyster Festival in Galway, Ireland.
Thank you Taylor Shellfish Farms for donating oysters!
Shucking
each day
for
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shucking entry form and we’ll cheer you on in
The Port of Shelton is proud to partner and host the 2022 Oysterfest Event. Portofshelton.com See us for all your optical needs –the clear choice in Shelton! 1635 Olympic Hwy. N., Suite102, Shelton, WA 98584YOUopticalshopofwa.comarethefocus.We know how important your eyes are and our staff will take the time to listen to your vision concerns. Dr. Fraire offers LASIK and cataract consultation and co-management. Dr. Fraire also treats recurrent and acute conditions of the eyes such as ocular allergies, dry eyes, glaucoma, and red eyes and also fits simple and specialty contact lenses. Call for an appointment today: 360-427-7553 Need to update your look? Stop by and check out our extensive selection of designer frames!
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The shuckers rapidly open and place each oyster, completely severed from the shell, on its unbroken halfshell on the tray. Speed is the primary factor on Saturday. Cash prizes are awarded – Saturday’s Speed
Shell Competition: 1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250, with a $250 cash prize for presentation. Each contes tant must not only shuck 24 oysters, but present in the half shell. Entry fee is $15 on/before September 11th. After September 11th, fee increases to $30. The shuck ing competition is open to everyone. Visit oysterfest.org the October
Shucking: 1st $500, 2nd $250, and 3rd $100. Sunday, speed is still a factor, but even more so is presentation in what are called the HalfShell Trials. Sunday Half
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Xinh Dwelley knows seafood. Knows geoduck. And she really knows her oysters. And not just because she ran a successful seafood restaurant in Shelton for 25 years and knows how to cook them. From when she first stepped foot in America and settled on Washington’s Steamboat Island, as a bride of 19, she’s been honing her oys tering skills. Xinh married an American soldier, and he brought her to Olympia with their infant son. Speaking little English, having a young child, and not knowing anyone other than her new husband had to get stitches. This is her only oys ter shucking injury and she went right back to shucking the next day. When the first OysterFest hit the scene in 1982 they decide to host a shucking championship. Since it was a first year for the event they had to rally farmers to find shuckers who would compete.
Breaking Boundaries & Records
2022 HONORARY GOO (GRAND OLD OYSTER)
“Oh honey, I was so scared,” she admits with deep feeling, “all those people watching and it’s just me there. And I was so slow. My hands were shaking and just didn’t want to make a mess of it. And I didn’t. I was slow but so was everyone else. And I didn’t mess up any. That’s why I won.”
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Although she was scared silly, Xinh was convinced to go on the shucking stage to compete in a traditionally male dominated realm.
was frightening and overwhelming. To compound her isolation, when Viet nam fell in 1975, she lost all contact with her family. Many would have crumbled. Not Xinh. Picking blueberries or mushrooms, digging clams, before ultimately shuck ing oysters. She took evening classes to learn English and was the quickest blueberry and mushroom harvester during the day. During night tides she could dig more clams than anyone else on the beach. As far as shucking went, she had an amazing speed and accuracy at shucking oysters early on. The first day she shucked 8 gallons and broke all the records at Rock Point Oyster. The second day she shucked 12 gallons. That day she also shoved the shucking knife through her hand and
XINH DWELLEY
Box
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History was made at Shelton Skoo kum Rotary’s first West Coast Oyster Championship – as Xinh beat the men at their own grueling game. Each year Xinh’s confidence grew as she easily beat her own records. In 1989, her first place speeds was 3:08 minutes, taking Xinh on to win Nationals. In 1992, with five first place finishes –each faster than the previous years – she decided to retire from competing. Her shucking skills are still unparal leled. Gloveless, dripping with jewelry and not breaking a nail, she attacks the side of the gnarliest oysters with preci sion and speed that’s a joy to watch.
Over the decades her recognition grew. Her restaurant walls were covered with ribbons and plaques of the many honors her dishes earned as well as hundreds of images of her with famous people including Julia Child, Anthony Bourdain, and Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs, when she taught him how to clean a geoduck. In 2017, owing to a illness that was making it difficult to keep up with the restaurant pace, Xinh’s much celebrated restaurant closed it’s doors and Shelton lost a piece of its heart as Xinh Dwelley is known not just for her food but also her love of people and her welcoming and giving nature. Like the principles of Rotary, Xinh con stantly gives of herself – donating countless hours to charities and fundraisers. Even after her restaurant closed, she continued to volunteer to cook fantastic feasts through out her community.
Although her skills at handing shellfish were amazing, Xinh was starting to get noticed as a cook too. She wasn’t a trained chef but Xinh has a good memory and an innate understanding of flavors. “I make curry sauces from memory,” she says, “Our rice farm was in a tidal swamp; we had a lot of fish. That’s what my mother cooked.”
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“I loved him. He came in my kitchen and was so nice. Such a good man.”
XINH ON COOKING FOR ANTHONY BOURDAIN
Advisor
Xinh’s curries and sauces are so intuitive that every ingredient is showcased but they never distract from the dish. Many visitors to OysterFest will remember Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House on Railroad Avenue in Shelton, WA. For many years, an evening at Xinh’s was revered as a treat for birthdays or anniversaries. A trip to Oys terFest often included a dinner at Xinh’s famous restaurant.
The Perfect Bite.
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WILD & CATERINGWOODSYevent&cateringservice
In 2019 Xinh Dwelley returned to visit OysterFest sharing the launch of her first cookbook celebrating her beloved recipes. Pacific Coastal Flavors, was a great hit that led to yet more awards and accolades for this celebrated chef, selling nearly 500 copies at the OysterFest 2019 event. With the success of Xinh’s first volume of recipes, Xinh recently compiled her second cookbook, Flavors with Friends in 2021. Additional details on Xinh’s journey and her books are available for purchase online at cookwithxinh.com as well as at the 2022 InOysterFest.2022Skookum
Rotary is pleased to wel come Xinh Dwelley back to the Washing ton State Seafood Festival and West Coast Shucking Competition (October 1-2), this time as their “Honorary GOO.” Xinh Dwelley is undergoing cancer treat ments. She recently finished her second volume of recipes, Flavors with Friends (2021).
Xinh’s Bacon-Wrapped Oysters 4 cups small oysters, shucked 2 lb thin sliced bacon, cut in half 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp Johnny’s Seasoning Salt 1 Tbsp garlic, finely minced 1 tsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp basil, minced Blanch the oysters in salted water, and then rinse in cold water. Make a paste out of the soy sauce, Johnny’s Seasoning Salt, garlic, sugar, and basil. Add the blanched oysters to the sauce, and coat them well. Wrap the bacon slices around the coated oysters and secure with a toothpick. Place on a cookie sheet. Broil in oven until the bacon is gold en brown. Flip. Bake other side until golden brown. Also can be prepared on barbecue.
Wild & Woodsy Catering has a vision to create any special event. We have coordinated over 500 events over the last 35 years. Let us do what we do best so you and your guests can enjoy your time together. If you'd like to schedule an event, request menus or more information, give us a call! wwheather@wildandwoodsy.com360-229-1388w.wildandwoodsy.com
theBooSaytoFlu! Mason Health will be offering free flu shots emailToTrunk-or-Treat.duringdonatecandy,foundation@masongeneral.com The community is invited to a Cars will be spaced out 6 feet and staff will be dressed up in festive costumes. Staff will also be required to wear masks and gloves. EVENT SPONSOR www.MasonGeneral.com • 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton, WA 98584 • (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614, Toll free (855) 880-3201, TTY/TDD (360) 427-9593. Equal Opportunity Provider • Free Translation Services Provided/Se habla español • Mason Health does not discriminate on the basis of patient’s age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, culture, physical or mental disability, nancial status or condition (including the terminally ill or dying), limited English, visual, hearing or learning impaired. Mason General Hospital Emergency Department Parking Lot 06/2022
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Saturday Randy Litch will kick things off at the Bistro Stage which is open to all ages. Cowgirls Dreams opens the Microbrew Stage Saturday at 10:30 AM. Strike Nine, a Classic Rock band, is an OysterFest favorite on the Microbrew Stage Satur day at 12:30 PM. Hurts Like Hell formed in Olympia in 201. The band brings their blistering brand of Blues Rock venues all over the Northwest.
SCHEDULE | Saturday, October 1 RANDY LITCH 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM COWGIRLS DREAMS 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM STRIKE NINE 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM CLOGGERS 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM LOVE HURTSDEALERSLIKEHELL 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM RAUCOUS 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM HILARY SCOTT 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM TAMMY FROST BAND 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM FRIDAY, SEP 30 @ 6 - 10 PM “THE VARMINTS” LIVE MUSIC FOOD/BEER GARDEN ( 21+ ONLY EVENT) $5/COVER BISTRO STAGE MAIN STAGE (BEER GARDEN) RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING | MEDICARE PLANNING SOCIAL SECURITY MAXIMIZATION & LONG TERM CARE PLANNING m(360) 427-4248 www.bowmanfgi.com Are you turning 65 or currently enrolled in Medicare? Bowman Financial Group has three licensed professionals waiting to help you with your Medicare needs and questions. Call us today or visit one of our convenient locations near you! Olympia 724 Columbia St NW – Suite 245 Shelton 1615 Olympia Hwy N 65?Medicare.
ENTERTAINMENT
With two stages offering life music in a variety of genres, attendees will be sure to find enter tainment that suits every taste.
Live music for all tastes
Tammy Frost’s talent of mak ing a tune her own, in concert with the range of her voice, has attracted a loyal following. Catch her on the Bistro Stage at 4:00 PM. Raucous, 4:30 PM has per formed their smooth, classic Rock & Roll and dance favor ites at clubs, casinos, dances, festivals, fairs and various events throughout the Pacific Northwest.
2022 OYSTERFEST 16 SCHEDULE | Sunday, October 2 PINE TOP PICKERS 10:30 AM –12:00 PM VARMINTS 12:OO PM - 2:30 PM SMOOCHO GUSTO 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM LOVE MICHELLEDEALERSD’AMOUR & LOVE DEALERS 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
PM
PM C L U B IMAWINNER 1234567890ATENTERTAINMENTLIVETHEDRIFT EVERY STARTINGFRIDAYAT9PM NEW GAMES ARE ARRIVING! NEW OFFERMEMBER New Club Lucky members get a FREE burger basket! Tell your friends! CHEF’S SPECIALSTEAK Enjoy Chef’s selection of steak served with your choice of potato and seasonal vegetable on the side. STARTINGTHRUWEDNESDAYEVERYSUNDAYAT3PM PRIME RIB SPECIAL EVERY FRIDAY OR SATURDAY Enjoy $5 off Prime Rib Special! Club Lucky card required. 19330 N US HWY 101 Skokomish, WA 98584 myluckydogcasino.com 360.877.5656 NOW – JANUARY 31, 2023 Valid one time. Only valid on the Chef’s Steak Special. $5 CHEF’SOFFSTEAKSPECIAL BISTRO STAGE MAIN STAGE (BEER GARDEN) Black Star We at Black Star are so happy to again make the signs and work with Oysterfest again. Being local and so involved in this community we know how much this festival means to not just us but all the non-profits that it supports. if you get lost….just look for the signs! And if you’re in the market for signage, banners, custom apparel and more please reach out!
LADY DRINKS WHISKEY
Sunday on the Wine Stage (all ages) enjoy The Pine Top Pickers from 10:30 to 12:00, Lady Drinks Whiskey takes the stage at 12:30 PM, followed by Smoocho Gusto at 3:00 PM. Local favorite band the Var mints takes the main stage at 12 PM Sunday Starting at 3:30 PM, round the event off in at the Microbrew with Michelle D’Amour & Love Dealers. For schedule updates pick up the map available at the gate when you arrive. 12:30 - 2:30
All the food vendors at OysterFest are volunteering their time to create gastronomical delights (seafood and non) in support of a local organization. Vendors & exhibitors are non-profit organiza tions with proceeds benefiting Mason County groups. That means that every bite of deep fried oyster or native fry bread gives you a burst of karma! So go crazy. Try every thing and be a giver. A popular food spot is the salmon & fry bread. Grilled to perfection, moist and fresh, the slab of seasoned salmon perfect complements the crispy hot fry bread. Proceeds go to assisting elder members of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
The Shelton Rotary will be serving Oyster fritters and Chef Xinh’s famous Mussel Curry. The Marine Education Science Society (MESS) will be work ing with local oyster growers to serve up a selection of delectable oysters on the half shell grown in the local hours around Mason County. For those who prefer non-seafood (you do realize you are going to the Washington State Seafood Festival?) there are many options including hamburgers, chili cheese dogs, as well as BBQ pork ribs.
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Eat up – it’s for a good cause! FOOD AT OYSTERFESTFoodatOysterFest BBQ Oysters Boy Scout Troop 9110 Clam Chowder Crossroads Housing Hamburgers Hood Canal Lodge #288 Fish & Chips Jolly Jesters Pie & Ice Cream Little Skookum Club Oyster Shooters Marissa Ann Shining Star Oysters on the Half Shell Marine Education Science Society Oyster Rockefeller Mason County Association of Realtors Shrimp Gumbo Mount Moriah Lodge # 11 Harry Martin’s World Famous Oysters Youth Connection Cookies & Cheesecake Peninsula Art Association Olympic Mountain Ice Cream PEP- Prevention Education Partners
The Lodge supports the Bikes for Books program and regularly donate 4 bicycles each to Belfair Elementary School and to Sand Hill Elementary School to support their Accelerated Reading Programs. This year they will also provide two bicycles to the North Mason Timberland Library to support their reading program. They have also donated a Landsdowne Portrait of George Wash ington to the North Mason School District to be displayed in the North Mason High School library. If you’re not a seafood fan but enjoy the festival, come try the Masonic Lodge BBQ Pork Ribs!
Seattle Shellfish, LLC.
Congratulations Skookum Rotary Club & all the volunteers on celebrating the 40th anniversary of OysterFest!
Thank you Masonic Lodge #27 for your support!
2022 OYSTERFEST 18 Coconut Shrimp Boy Scouts 9112 Strawberry Lemonade Prince of Peace Crabwich Sanderson Field RC Flyer Chili Cheese Dog Shelton High School Cheer Oyster Fritter/ Curry Mussels Shelton Rotary Club Bacon Wrapped Scallops Shelton Presbyterian Youth Group Soda Skookum Rotary SeaFood and Strawberry Crepes SHS Robotics Salmon & Fry Bread Squaxin Elders Frozen Cheesecake Stephs Helping Hands Funnel Cake Stevens Racing Dipped Pretzels Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center BBQ Pork Ribs Union City Masonic Lodge #27 Eggrolls Brinnon Community Club Coffee, hot chocolate, & hot apple cider Hood Canal Improvement Club
The Masonic Lodge wants you to have a great time at Oysterfest this year. It’s so great to see so many come back out after the last few years!
In addition to the marine touch tanks, there are exhibits on aquaculture practices, education, water quality, natural resources, and public safety.
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS INTRIGUE & INSPIRE
The Mason County Noxious Weed plant exhibit educates the public on the impact of noxious weeds and offers advice on which native plants can help home owners protect their waterways. The Mason Conservation District also provides information to assist residents by providing a link between land owners, industry, and government agencies and presenting technical and financial assistance to residents willing to implement conservation best practices. Also on-site with information is Washing ton State Department of Health’s Shellfish Program. Their mission is to educate and prevent illness in people who eat Washing ton-grown molluscan shellfish. If you have any questions about when and where oys ters, mussels, or clams are safe to eat; how you should handle them; or what seafood eaters with special health conditions should be aware of – stop by the DOH booth to get all your questions answered!
Bring your curiosity! EXHIBITORS
The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers As sociation works on behalf of its member to illustrate a spectrum of issues in their booth including environmental protection, shellfish safety, regulations, and provide public information materials and answer questions.
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OysterFest features exhibits that showcase the beauty and delicacy of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Attendees enjoy opportunities to learn about the tidal zones and protect and enjoy our local waters.
The marine touch tanks are a perennial favorite with creatures gathered in local waters exclusively for these exhibits. The ecosystem in the touch tanks is as close to mother nature as you can get without ac tually being there. The tank displays crabs, bivalves, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sand dollars, periwinkles, hermit crabs, snails, and other species that dwell in our waters. Observe how the animals interact in the habitat and ask questions from volunteer marine educators.
2022 OYSTERFEST 20 360-426-2276 Choose Mason.com CHOOSE MASON COUNTY HOOD CANAL | GEORGE STENBERG PHOTO Discover your new business location and experience the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities of our county. Thriving businesses. Strong communities. The Mason County PUD 3 also provides an educational display at OysterFest. Stop by their booth in the Souvenir Tent for hints to reduce energy use and informa tion on electricity safety. In addition there are multiple booths displaying the local programs supported by funds generated at OysterFest as well as important work and humanitarian efforts of the Skookum Rotary Club and Rotary International. Take the time to see what your OysterFest dollars and donations go. Check out all the exhibitors and their locations in the map and schedule available at the ticket and information booths or view the list online at oysterfest.org. Exhibits at OysterFest Boy Scouts Troop 9110 Central Mason Fire Charlie’s Vision Habitat for Humanity of Mason County Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Kitten Rescuep of Mason County Kristmas Town Kiwanis Marine Education Science Society Mason Conservation District Mason County Fire Dist. 17 Mason County Noxious Weed Control MasonBoard County Health Mason Health Mason County Sportsman’s Assoc. Mason County Tourism Mason PUD 3 Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Assoc. Shelter SheltonBoxFamily YMCA Shelton Scale Ship Modelers Sound SpecialLearningNeedsParent/Teacher org Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Program Washington Sea Grant WSU Extension Mason County ObendorfJerry REALTOR Scan QR Code with you mobile device to access our website, services, and properties.
With over $1000 donated in prizes, awards will be made for best chowders by a Profes sional and Amateur cooks. The event spans the two days of OysterFest with Profession als competing on Saturday and Amateur cooks showing off their skills Sunday.
Project Share is an assistance program that was started in 1983 to assist low-income customers, as certified by Community Action Council, with their electric bills.
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OysterFest is pleased to announce the arrival of a new event this year – a seafood chowder cook-off. You, whether professional or amateur, are invited to compete and show the community why your chowder is the best in the area. Show us your best recipe!
This event is hosted by OysterFest and the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club. Thanks goes to Explore Hood Canal and Tracing the Fjord Magazine for coordination and sponsorship. Thank you to Mason PUD 3 for providing the assistance with volunteers and coordination during the event. For more information and Chowder Cook-Off application materials, visit oysterfest.org or www.tracingthefjord.com or call Rachel at 360-427-5599.
PROFESSIONAL
& AMATEUR COMPETITION FestivalSeafood40th StateWashingtonAnniversary Oct. Shelton1-2
CHOWDER COOK-OFF
All proceeds benefit PUD’s Project Share.
The People’s Choice Award is determined by the most tokens received. Awards will be presented each day after the final heats in the West Coast Shucking Championship.
The program is a joint effort of Mason County PUD No. 3, the Community Ac tion Council (CAC), churches, interested citizens, and PUD 3 customers.
Through the generosity of donors, more than 300 low-income families (as certified by CAC) are helped with a $175 payment on their accounts annually. All contribu tions are allocated to qualified low-income customers, there are no administrative costs. Your helping hand is a good oppor tunity for neighbors to help neighbors and your donation is tax deductible.
The Professional and Amateur Chowders will be judged by Honorary GOO, Chef Xinh Dwelley. If you love cooking chowder, now is the time to pull your team together and prove why your chowder is the best! Chef Xinh won’t be the only judge, attendees will also pick their favorite chowder in the Peoples. Choice category. Entry fees for professional cooks is $45. Amateur cooks pay $20. The chowder recipe may be seafood, a combination of seafood and other ingredients, or vegetar ian. The Chowder Cook-Off takes place from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Washing ton State Seafood Festival – OysterFest Participants must be prepared to cook a minimum of six gallons of chowder. Chow der food expenses of up to $50 per entry will be provided, if requested. Cooking starts at 10 AM and ends at noon, when serving begins.
Chefs will be provided a 10 X 10 cooking area that they are encouraged to decorate. All decorations, equipment and supplies must fit into that space. Coolers and ice are required for keeping items at proper and safe temperature. Use propane stoves or charcoal/wood grill cookers to cook chow der, electricity will not be provided and the cooking area must be self-contained. Because of noise concerns, no generators may be used in your cooking area. Attendees will be able to watch the chefs cooking, and may taste chowders beginning at noon. Tickets for tastes of chowder (5 tastes for $10) may be purchased and come with tokens for voting for People’s Choice.
Nisbet Oyster Co., Inc. 7081 Niawaukum St, Hwy 101 Bay Center, WA 98527 Sales@goosepoint.com
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.
Brininess Seawater flavor Sweet Mild & sweet Salinity Often the first and sometimes primary flavor of an oyster. A fully saline oyster will have a very briny taste while oysters with low salinity taste sweet or buttery. Texture Soft and fleshy or crisp on the palate. Finish First impression upon swallowing oyster. Common finishes are mineral, metallic, earthy, kelpy, cucumber, or melon.
2022 OYSTERFEST 22 www. goosepoint.com (360)875-6629 | 1-888-875-6629
Merrior is a word used to describe flavor of the oyster based upon the location where it was grown. Tastes can range from some salty to floral, some have fruity notes, mineral flavor or even hints of spice or mushrooms. Can you taste the difference? Coined nearly two decades ago by Greg Atkinson, food writer for The Seattle Times, after slurping Pacific oysters, the term refers to the French word “mer” (which means “sea”). Combined with the suffix “-oir” (which usually denotes a specific place) the word provide a marine equal to the word “terroir”— an established term for the way environmental factors affect a crop, commonly used in tandem with wine or coffee.
MORE THE MERRIOR
Goose Point Retail is open seven days a week, 10AM 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.
Welcome to OysterFest!
Each waterway has its own selection of phytoplankton yielding oysters with differ ent meat colors and flavors. 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. Pacific oysters grown in Willapa Bay have a distinct merrior from those grown in Samish Bay.
FRESH FROM WILLAPA 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.
Do the Oyster Lingo
European Flats OSTREA EDULIS With a smooth, round shell, shallow cup, and seaweedgreen color, Europeans have a bold flavor with a meaty, almost crunchy texture, intense mineral bite with a lingering gamey finish. Not many raise Flats. Kumamoto CRASSOSTREA SIKAMEA Native to Japan, they are unable to reproduce in local waters so growers rely on hatcheries. The prized cup of the Kumamoto and its limit ed supply has growers work ing with Pacifics to meet half shell demands. Growers use tumble bags to force Pacific into a deeper cup. Oysters with names such as Kusshi, Shigoku, Sea Cow, and Blue Pools are the result. THE MOST ABUNDANT ENERGY SOURCE IN THE NORTHWEST. POWERING OUR HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITH THE CLEANEST ENERGY IN THE COUNTRY. HYDROPOWER
There are over 150 varieties of oysters harvested and sold in North America, yet they comprise a total of only five species of oysters.
Not all oysters ARE CREATED EQUAL
Olympia OSTREA LURIDA A native oyster to Washington State, the Olympia oyster is small with a metallic finish. The Olympia oyster fishery ran from the mid-1800s un til about 1915. The oysters were harvested from shal low bays of southern Puget Sound and Willapa Bay until pollution and over harvest ing caused a collapse of the wild fishery. Non-profits are re-growing Olympia popu lations.
Pacific CRASSOSTREA GIGAS Native to Japan, Washington farmers began experimenting with Pacifics in 1904 and began import ing commercial seed in the 1930’s. In the late 1950’s researchers began to study Pacific reproduction to re duce the dependence on seed imports. Since the 1970’s shellfish growers have relied on hatcheries for production to meet Northwest oyster demands.
Virginica CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA
The decline of the Olympia oyster prompted the import of the Virginica from the east coast in the early 1900s. The eastern oysters did not adapt well to Washington waters, experiencing large die off when transplanted. Despite this, there are Washington.raisedVirginicasstillin
PHOTO: COOPER STUDIOS Project Share is a customer-funded pro gram helping families in crisis situations who need help paying their electric bills. Through the generosity of donors, more than 300 low-income families are helped each year. As other sources of aid contin ue to dwindle, more customers rely on Project Share for assistance. For more than 30 years, Mason PUD 3 customers and employees have generously funded Project Share. The Shuck & Share Walk/Run began in 2014 as a way to raise awareness (and funds) for the program. Congratulations Skookum Rotary and volunteers on celebrating the 40th anniversary of OysterFest!
2022 OYSTERFEST 24
Hundreds of walkers/runners show up each year to participate in the Shuck & Share 5K Walk/Run, which happens on OysterFest Sunday. Proceeds from the race help fund Mason County PUD 3’s Project Share program. The run attracts about 200 runners each year and raises approximately $3,000 for the program. Mason PUD 3 employees and local community members volunteer their time to organize the race each year. Success depends upon volunteers and sponsorships from about 30 local businesses. This year’s 5K takes place on October 2 at 8 AM, located at the Huff N’ Puff across from the Shelton High School. It is a nice, flat, 5K loop. You do not need to be a PUD 3 customer to participate, simply donate, or register for the 5K at www.pud3.org.
RACE FEE: 15 years and over $25 ($30 on race day). Participants 14 & under (donation only). Packet pickup on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the registration tent. 2, 2022 AT 8 AM
OCTOBER
Proud to be your neighbors. For four generations MANKE LU MB E R COMPA NY has been proud to call Mason County home. Our livings, families and futures are all connected. That’s why we are honored to annually sponsor Forest Festival and support community events like OysterFest. Relying on a wealth of experience from over fifty years of hands-on operation, Manke Lumber continues to explore technologies and practices to protect resources and provide maximum value to our customers. mankelumber.com
Shuck & Share 5K WALK/RUN
25 2022 OYSTER FEST 1-877-426-0933 Boating,Since1948. FISHING STORE BOTTOMSTEELHEADFISH ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Your Complete Hunting, Boating, Fishing and Repair Destination Since 1948. 1-877-426-0933 VERLES.COM PNW’STACKLE,REELS,RODS,BAIT&MORE!BEST FISHING STOREPUNCHCARDSNIGHTCRAWLERS Buy 9 dozen, get your 10th dozen FREE! $1.99 baker’s SALMONSALTWATERdozenSPOON Buy 12 get one FREE! Free item is of equal value or less. FLASHER FRIDAYS ARE BACK! BUY MORE – SAVE MORE! 10% OFF 1 flasher • 20% OFF 2 flashers, 30% OFF 3 or more flashers Fridays ONLY! thru August 19, 2022 DANCO FILLET KNIFE Model ST-3201-6 $1.82 each Limit 4. Special ends on 8/9/22 SALMON • TROUT • BASS • STEELHEAD TUNA • HALIBUT • BOTTOM FISH ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1948 2023 Begin Your Adventure at Verles! Our knowledgeable Pro Staff & the Verles family look forward to assisting you with all your outdoor planning – we stock a full range of marine products and parts as well as all your hunting, fishing and boating needs. Stop by and let us show you around the showroom! 741 WEST GOLDEN PHEASANT RD, SHELTON PICK UP A Punch Card!
2022 OYSTERFEST 26 40 years of tradition COMMUNITY STRONG OysterFest is possible owing to the vision of Dick Oltman, a Shelton Rotarian. In 1979, retired from a military career, Oltman was completing a graduate program in tourism. His thesis was the catalyst to create the Washington State Seafood Festival – OysterFest. The hidden pearls of OysterFest are these volunteers who run every single aspect of the event, caring for Oltman’s vision, celebrating the community’s treasured resources, promoting the Rotary ideal of service above self, and ensuring that OysterFest continues to be an important generator for commu nity non-profits. Volunteers and the Skookum Rotary Club are honored to foster and contin ue Olman’s vision. From scholarships, academic recognition, and the Mason County Science Fair to sponsoring water quality programs and providing funds to many service groups including food banks and homeless shelters. Olt man founded a legacy that will contin ue to have impact on the area for years to come. Thank you to the individuals who graciously attend their “shifts” at OysterFest for those things that they are most passionate about. You really do bring the energy that make it all happen! Lake Limerick Golf Club & Cafe Play 18 with Split tees Par 72 Annual & Winter Memberships Available We Strive to be #1 in Mason County Serving our Members and the www.LakeLimerickGolf.comPublic @golfpro@lakelimerick.com811ESaintAndrewsDriveSheltonWA98584JoinusonFBLakeLimerickGolfClub GOLF$25.00SPECIAL 9 HOLE GOLF, CART AND BEVERAGE Good Mon Fri, 6 Sep 31Oct, 2022 Call for Tee Times Pro Shop 360-426-6290
27 2022 OYSTER FEST Pedal the Rails with your family and friends. vcrailriders.com (541) 519-4200 421 W. Hanks Lake Road Located 15 minutes from OysterFest | Reserve Now!THANK YOU! Each food booth is putting money back into community programs. Skookum Rotary Club and the Skookum Rotary Foundation are proud to use funds raised with your support to give back to the community with a variety of programs: • Mason County Science & Engineering Fair (March) All Mason County grade •schoolersAcademic Excellence – (April & June) Recognition of top 10% of Mason County 8th graders & 11th graders • Community Grants/Projects (quarterly) May be financial or a physical project • Scholarships (April, May, June) • Midnight Flowers (October) Secretly plant flowers around the County • Senior Gardens (March) Maintain gardens at various senior facilities • Downtown Clean-Ups (May, September) • Business Week – Business leadership skills for high school students • Music in the Park (July, August) • New Teacher’s Reception (September) • Dictionary donations (Fall and Winter) • OysterFest (October) • Christmas Giving Tree (December) Collect gifts for kids via a public Christmas tree. Find out more about these programs and others at the club’s sheltonskookumrotary.org.website:
2022 OYSTERFEST 28 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 annu ally hosts a tasting hall featuring Washington wines This year Washington wineries have been invited to return to OysterFest to showcase their best wines that have gar nered accolades and medals throughout the Northwest. Whether you prefer a robust red, a subtle white, or sweeter options – you will find it at the 2022 OysterFest Wine Pavilion. Friends gather to visit with vintners and share the opportunity to sample the many Washington wines brought by the wineries. Purchase a souvenir glass and tasting tickets on site. Welcome to the OysterFest WINE PAVILION Tickets are redeemable at any of the winery tables for a sample pouring. Find a blend you want to take home and share with friends? Don’t worry, try to your heart’s content and then head over to the Rotary sales table in the wine tent to purchase bottles of your favorite wines to take home! The OysterFest Wine Tasting Tent is located in the center of the event area. Annually each year one winery is selected to carry the OysterFest label. grow with spi-ind.com/careersus Sierra Pacific Industries Shelton, WA (360)427-820098584Your Committed Community Partner providing 300 SUSTAINABLE JOBS to beautiful Mason County. 421 S. Front St Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-8200
Pair your seafood with a great microbrew Pacific Northwest Microbrews share the spotlight with food at OysterFest. Featuring a live music stage – rain or shine –the beer garden is a popular meeting spot. We are pleased to announce a wide selection of microbreweries joining the event this year! Beer tickets will be $8 this year and OysterFest souvenir pilsner glasses will be available for $7. Beers at OysterFest ‘22
Oysters - Clams - MusselsGeoduck - Smoked Salmon Shelton Shellfish Market
6pm
Monday - Sunday -
2022 OYSTERFEST 130 SE Lynch RD Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 432-3300
RV & Camping on site Less than 30 minutes from Olympia, OysterFest makes a great day trip, however, with camping onsite and surrounded by hiking destinations and pristine waterways - fresh and salt -- consider staying the whole weekend. October is a great time to visit the Hood Canal area. The weekend crowds have returned to their schedules and many places to stay have availability and even reduced rates. Consider reserving a waterfront cabin on the canal for your whole group. Hike, fish, or kayak and enjoy spectacular mountain views and beach access during your visit to OysterFest. On most public beaches, and even at some weekly rentals, you are able to harvest clams and oysters. Visit explorehoodcanal.com for a wide selection of lodging options. The Shelton area offers everything from simple motels to exclusive waterfront resorts. If you prefer nightlife, an energy packed local casino is available for full accommodations. Have your own RV or enjoy tent camping? OysterFest is hosted on the north side of the Shelton airport and the festival area is surrounded by dry RV and tent camping. Talk about easy access to OysterFest! Many groups of friends annually create their own little camp communities. Camping onsite is available all weekend; (Thursday & Sunday $25/ FRI-SAT $50/ including two adult tickets to OysterFest). Friday, October 4, 6 PM – 10 PM, cele brate at OysterFunk. Held in the micro brew garden, this event features food, beer, wine, and live music with The Varmints. Hosted by the Shelton Rotary Club, admis sion is $5at the gate. For camping reserva tions visit OysterFest.org. OysterFest visit oysterfest.org.
10am
There are fun activities for kids throughout the event including daily children’s entertainment on the Kids Stage, mini golf presented by local Boy Scout Troop, face painting, crafts, carnival games, remote controlled scale ships in a giant tank, and the famous Kristmas Town Kiwanis train rides. There are plenty of handson fun activities including educational exhibits and, of course, the marine touch tanks filled with inter-tidal sea Therecreatures.isdefinitely much to see and do for everyone in your family!
Activities at Oysterfest FAMILY FUN
FEST
After you have had your fill of great food and drink, stop in at a few of the activities! There are plenty of exhibits for the whole family to see, touch, and experience at the 2022 OysterFest event.
FIRE DISTRICT 11 Mason County Fire District #11 (FD 11) is a rural com bination fire department with two full-time paid employees, and 10 well trained volun teer firefighters. The station provides fire and EMS services for a district with a permanent population of 4,500 residents. The district straddles U.S. Highway 101 and includes right here at the Port of Shelton. Have a great time at Oysterfest but, Be Safe!
2022 OYSTERFEST 32 2022 Kick off event
For 31 years Sound Learning has consistently provided qual ity, accessible, and innovative education programs to a diverse community of learners (adults and out of school youth age 16+) who represent varied ed ucational, economic, cultural, and language backgrounds in Mason and Thurston Counties. Sound Learning believes that everyone deserves the oppor tunity to improve their lives through education. The organi zation offers diploma programs ( HS+ and GED), Academic skills upgrade to prepare for college, training, or a better job, and English for Speakers of other Languages. Visit Sound Learning in their education exhibit booth and learn more about their pro grams and how you can help –or they can help! A few of our partners at OysterFest
Since 1956 the Mason Con servation District (MCD) has been working to help Mason County landowners be more responsible with their land. This type of help can help waterways that lead right to the beds of the great shellfish in our area. The Conservation District’s mission is to promote the sustainable use, conserva tion & restoration of natural resources for future generations. Stop by their booth at Oyster Fest and say hi and learn more about the programs available to landowners in the area.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MASON COUNTY Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is a faith-based housing ministry partnering with the community to im prove, maintain, and build affordable quality housing for those in need. Proceeds from Oysterfest will be used to fur ther construction and main tenance efforts in the Mason County community.
SQUAXIN ELDERS
SOUND LEARNING
SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
DISTRICTCONSERVATIONMASON
Can’t wait for OysterFest?? Neither can we. Join us at the official Oysterfest pre-FUNK party on Friday, September 30 starting at 6 PM in the Oysterfest Microbrew garden. Doors open at 6 PM with live nusic starting at 7PM featuring the Varmints. There will be beer and great local foods featuring Sea Nymph Oysters as well as local food trucks. This event is 21+ and raises money for local non profit groups. Gather your friends together and help us welcome the return of OysterFest!
OYSTERFUNK
Squaxin Island Elders Inc. supports it’s elders for their activities & short (day) & long extended (overnight) trips, (also transportation) that they are able to go on with the support of Elders INC. . They also provide for the elders activities supplies & whatever else is needed. Stop by their booth at OysterFest and take the time to learn about there history and be sure to try their delicious fry bread and salmon.
STEVENS RACING We are a local non profit that uses racing as a platform to reach out, bring awareness to issues and do fundraising for our annual charitable giving programs such as a Christmas program for The local Domestic violence shelter and ‘adopt ing’ local families in need in the community, among other programs.
LITTLE A Community club located at the Little Skookum Com munity hall on Lynch Rd. We dedicate our non-profit orga nization to community events and Skookum Hall Rentals.
COMMUNITYSKOOKUMCLUB
PENINSULA ASSOCIATIONART Peninsula’s purpose is to spon sor cultural and activities in Mason County, Funds raised sponsor artistic exhibitions and pro grams of interest to artist and patrons of art: encourage partic ipation and appreciation of the visual arts by all citizens.
educational
SHELTON PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP 20+ Youth from the Shelton community are raising funds to go to Haiti to build homes, run programs for children and do improvements on their community school. On the trip in 2017, our youth provided the funds for 5 homes, helped build the homes, ran a program for 330 children, a communi ty festival for 700 and built a computer lab for the school. This trip develops leadership skills that the youth can take into our community.
Strengthen collaboration among Mason County Sub stance Abuse Prevention coalition members and other community members and orga nizations in supporting efforts to reduce substance abuse and related problem behaviors and to increase healthy behaviors among youth by developing and implementing strategies in a culturally competent manner.
33 2022 OYSTER FESTIRT-1848H-A > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC We’re excited to hear from you. Dreaming up the ideal retirement is your Helpingjob.you get there is ours. Karen L Schade Financial Advisor 1051 Se State Route 3 Suite E Shelton, WA 360-426-459098584 MASON ASSOCIATIONSPORTSMAN’SCOUNTY An organization that provides low cost training in proper and safe handling of firearms with special emphasis on youth education. Annually they host the Shelton High School Rifle Teams and the Navy Junior ROTC Air Rifle Team. They also provide training concern ing the laws and regulations pertinent to operation of firearms for hunter licensing qualification.
SANDERSON FIELD RC FLYERS The objectives of this Club shall be to promote model aircraft building and to support education programs in local schools through scholarships and aero nautical subjects workshops.
PEP-
and encourage
SHELTON HIGH SCHOOL CHEER The SHS Cheer team is a group of young ladies that in addition to learning cheers and chants to support the SHS Football & Basketball teams, they also get very involved with community service whenever possible.
PACIFIC COAST SHELLFISH GROWERS ASSOC. Founded in 1930, PCSGA represents growers in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Cali fornia and Hawaii. PCSGA works on behalf of its mem bers on a broad spectrum of issues, including environmental protection, shellfish safety, regulations, technology and marketing. Proceeds from OysterFest will be utilized to support programs that advo cate for and educate the public about sustainable shellfish.
EDUCATIONPREVENTIONPARTNERS
2022 OYSTERFEST 34
The special needs PTSO has helped provide events specifically to benefit students with disabilities in SSD. We have hosted a fish ing day and other events. This would raise money for our developmental early learning center for them to get supplies for family outreach nights and events for the year.
SHELTTER BOX USA Every year, millions of families around the world are made homeless because of humanitarian crises and disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, droughts, and floods. ShelterBox is an internation al, nonprofit organization that responds immediately, by providing humanitarian relief in the form of emergency shelter and supplies that bring hope, independence, and a sense of normalcy to the most vulner able people. Since 2000, the organization has delivered boxes of emergency shelter and other essential household supplies such as tents, water filters, stoves, blankets, solar lights, and other tools to help families survive and rebuild their homes and lives in the aftermath of more than 300 disasters in over 100 countries worldwide. ShelterBox was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and 2019 for our work in conflict zones. In 2021, Shelterbox reached the milestone of providing life-saving aid to more than 2 million people. shelterboxusa.org
The Mason County Noxious Weed plant exhibit educates the public on the impact of noxious weeds and offers advice on which native plants can help home owners protect their waterways.
Extension educators and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about 4-H youth development opportunities, food safety and preservation and horticulture.
CHARLIE’S VISION Charlie’s Vision is a non-profit organization established to help fund unfunded needs within the Washington State Law Enforce ment Community. 100% of all donations to Charlie’s Vision go to fund the needs of law enforcement. Their goal is to raise money to assist law enforcement agencies through material and monetary donations. Since its founding in 2018, Charlie’s Vision has assisted local law enforcement agencies with unfunded needs including training, equipment, K-9 programs and Search and Rescue programs. Additionally, Charlie’s Vision Scholarship Program offers scholar ships to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.
MASON NOXIOUSCOUNTYWEEDCONTROL
WSU EXTENSION MASON COUNTY
SPECIAL NEEDS PTSO FOR SSD
DINING ROOM OPEN TUESDAY -
MASON PUD 3 Mason PUD 3 serves over 35,000 electric customers. PUD 3 also runs a wholesale fiber optic telecommunications network, which supports the operation of its electricity system. Our Mission: Connecting our community with safe, reliable, economical, and sustainable services, 24/7.
SUNDAY
CAPITAL OYSTERS & SEATTLE SHELLFISH South Puget Sound 5th generation, master oyster farmer, Tom Bloomfield, works to create a superior oyster. Tide tumbled, Capital oysters are suspended off the ground. The tailored growing process results in a smooth, super deep shell as each oyster captures the essence of the beautiful ocean wa ters, free of sand and zero muddy tastes. These partner companies all raise geoduck and clams in South Puget Sound.
CHELSEA FARMS & OLYMPIA OYSTER BAR Eld & Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound Chelsea Farms is a current working model of environmental sustainability. They have made a priority of farming the Olympia Oyster, a native oyster to Olympia, that was on it’s way to extinction. Specialties include their Chelsea Gem, Bonita, and Olympia Oysters, along with fresh clams and geoduck. Visit their Oyster bar in downtown Olympia to get the ultimate local seafood experience!
OYSTER BAR 222 CAPITOL WAY N, OLYMPIA, WA 98501 (360) 915-7784 | chelseafarms.net You’ve heard it before – those dang months with the “r.” Well, technically we farmers don’t agree, bivalves have a much lon ger season, Some of the best shucks are in May – but there is something to be said for a fall or spring oyster over a “peak of the summer” one. That’s why this is the perfect time to follow the shellfish trail and visit local farms that grow the food you love. Let’s meet a few of them that wake up on the night tides to deliver you the perfect oyster, clam or geoduck.
Learn
35 2022 OYSTER FEST
CHELSEAmore:FARMS
DENOTTA COMPANYSEAFOOD Hood DeNottaCanalharvests their oysters wild, off land owned by community members on the Hood Canal. Their unique approach offers consumers not only the freshest oysters, but also the knowledge that you are part of a new perspective on seafood harvesting. The owners of the land are also the stewards of the beach as it is in their best interest to have a healthy shoreline and productive oysterbed.
A shellfish reason to explore our area MEET OUR LOCAL FARMERS
Learn CAPITALmore:OYSTER & SEATTLE SHELLFISH OLYMPIA & capitaloyster.comSHELTON
Learn DeNottamore:Seafood Company 17320 State Route 106, Belfair denottaseafood.com
Shooters, merchandise, cocktail sauce and more. You can also have your shell fish delivered through their online portal. Learn
Hood Canal Visit their outdoor eating area, the Oyster Saloon in Lilliwaup. This high energy destina tion serves oysters pulled from the last tide and prepared to order with an ever changing menu of seasonal local ingredients. In their retail shop you can purchase a variety of local products including salmon and oysters smoked on site.
Hama is a 5th generation family farm celebrating 100 years in 2022! Congrats!
GOOSEPOINT OYSTERY™ & GOOSEPOINT OYSTERS Willipa Bay Open (10 AM OYSTERY is a the BlueSeal™ Oyster GOOSEPOINTmore:OYSTERS NIAWIAKUM ST. HWY 101, BAY CENTER, (888) 875-6629 goosepoint.com HAMA OYSTER FARM & OYSTER SALOON Hama
- 5 PM) the
|
oysters, oyster meats, seafood meals,
| hamahamaoyster.com CABINS & GUEST ROOMS ON OYSTER FARM Mike’sExperienceBeach Resort . Family owned and operated since 1951, this historic treasure is nestled along the Olympic National Forest on the shores of Hood Canal. Hosting it’s own commercial oyster farm, guests enjoy the old world ‘camp charm’ with spectacular fjord views, fantastic hiking – and the freshest oysters & clams. Book your oyster mikesbeachresort.comgetaway.
farm. Buy oysters in the shell, pre-shucked fresh
2022 OYSTERFEST 36
full service retail store located on
HAMA
Learn more: HAMA HAMA OYSTER CO & OYSTER SALOON 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup, WA 98555 (360) 877-5811
WA
seven days a week
7081
THE FJORD OYSTER BANK SEA NYMPH OYSTERS
Learn more:
TAYLOR SHELLFISH RETAIL STORE 130 SE Lynch RD, Shelton (360) 432-3300 | taylorshellfishfarms.com
37 2022 OYSTER FEST
OLYMPIC OYSTER CO. & MIKE’S BEACH RESORT Hood Third-generationCanal farmers, Matthew and Sara are serious about producing some award winning oysters on site for market and available at restaurants. Guests staying on the active farm (aka Mike’s Beach Resort) stay in waterfront cabins and rooms, with view of the canal and have first dibs on some of the freshest oysters on the fjord! Learn more: MIKE’S BEACH RESORT 38470 N US Highway 101, Lilliwaup, WA 98555 (360) 877-5324 | olympicoysterco.com
OYSTERVILLE SEA FARMS Willipa Bay Dining room, retail oyster sales ads well as locally sourced gifts. The Gold Rush (1849) drew significant numbers of settlers to Oysterville. Gold miners spent their gold on Willapa Bay oysters. Schooners with oysters to be shipped to San Francisco. Farm store open Thursday through Sunday. Learn Oystervillemore:Sea Farms 34300 1st St, Oysterville | willapawild.com
Hoodsport & Hammersley Inlet Sea Nymph Oysters and Clams are grown on South Puget Sounds nutrient rich waterways. Through a tumble bag and a beach to bag process these oysters have distinct merrior as well as shape profiles dependent upon their growth process. Sea Nymph Oysters will be available at OysterFest 2022 in the Marine Education Science Society (MESSS) “Oysters on the Half Shell” booth located near the Microbrew garden. Funds raised from oyster sales support the marine touch tanks. Their oysters as well as other area growers’ will be soon available at the Oyster Bank (October) in Hood sport on Hood Canal. Product will be available for fresh take home as well as served on site. Sea Nymph beach and tumbled oysters (as well as clams) are also available for pre-arranged pick up at the farm on Hammersley Inlet. Learn more SOUTH SOUND MARICULTURE (SEA NYMPH) Shelton & Hoodsport (360) 427-5599 | southsoundoysters.com
TAYLOR SHELLFISH Puget Sound locations South Puget Sound and British Columbia Stop in at Taylor Shellfish’s headquarters and visit their market near Shelton. Taylor’s specialties include the Kumamoto (sweet fruity flavor) and the Virginica (Crisp, briny, and buttery). The company has been farming oysters on Puget Sound since the 1890’s.
YOU WILL OUR OYSTERS. We sure do. Family owned & operated South Sound Mariculture prides itself on producing premier Northwest oysters & clams. Riding the currents of Hammersley Inlet, our tumble bags roll with the tides, creating perfect oysters. We are pleased to join other local oyster farms to support the Marine Education Science Society at the 2022 OysterFest by shucking oysters on the half shell. We’re proud to be a small farm in Mason County. 866-922-7469 PO BOX 622, SHELTON WA 98584 southsoundoysters.com SEA NYMPH Oysters & Clams THE FJORD OYSTER BANK Proudly served at the Oyster Bank Hoodsport, Wash.
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Welcome
Now that you’re here, PLAY A WHILE. Only our oysters surpass our views. Kayaking, boating, hiking, scuba, and harvesting your own shellfish are just a few things to fill your days on Hood Canal. For spectacular accommodations, road trips and unique adventure itineraries visit explorehoodcanal.com. Stop by Explore Hood Canal’s booth at OysterFest to discover what we can’t stop talking about. Book a stay on the #wildsideWA today. to
OysterFest.
2022 OYSTERFEST 40 NATIONALNATIONALOLYMPICPARKOLYMPICFOREST NATIONALOLYMPICFOREST SHELTON
GEODUCK Up to 10”, 2.5 – 10 lbs. Gaping oblong shell with concentric rings; white shell with flaky brown skin; siphon and mantle are too large to withdraw; found at depth of 2-3’ in mud, sand, gravel in the subtidal zone (extreme low tides).
Forage on Washington’s Wild Side.
LILLIWAUP STATE PARK
explorehoodcanal.com
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MANILA LITTLENECK CLAM (NOT NATIVE) Up to 2.5”, oblong shell, Color can vary—typically gray,brown, or mottled and often times with what appears to be hand painted designs; some purple on the inside shell; found at 2-4” in gravel, mud, sand, typically above the half-tide level.
HOODSPORT Public boat dock with beach access. Starfish and crabs at low tide. Closed to shellfish gathering. Picnic tables & restrooms,nearby dining, grocery and shopping.
PACIFIC OYSTERS (NOT NATIVE) Up to 12”, white/gray oblong shell with irregular, wavy edges; found in intertid al zone; tumbled (farmed) Pacifics have cupped shape with fragile shells.
POTLATCHHOODSPORT 119
POTLATCH BEACH PARK Longest stretch of public beach, popular for swim ming, kayaking, and picnics. Camping & restrooms.
BUTTER CLAM Up to 5”, shell with concentric rings (no radiating ridge lines), Yellow to gray/white colored; found at 1-1.5’ in sand, gravel, or cobble; lower intertidal or shallow subtidal zone. Butter clams retain marine biotoxins longer than other clams.
OYSTERFEST October 1-2 at Shelton Airport, the two day festival features seafood delicacies prepared by local non-profits as well as the Northwest Oys ter Shucking Championship & live music. Our Local Bivalves Get to know a few species
KENNEDY CREEK INTERPRETATIVE TRAIL.
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WALKER PARK Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelter basketball court. Olympic Hwy to Arcadia Rd, from Rd take Left on Walker Park Rd, Park is on right. No shellfish harvest. No passes required.
OYSTER BAY Easy beach access on marshy estuary. Popular for bird watching and salmon observing/fishing. Pullout on Hwy 101 near Mile Marker 356; near
MASON COUNTY'S BEACH shellfish
Mason County’s saltwater bays and inlets along Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are renown for some of the tastiest and freshest bivalves in the Northwest. Visit for the pristine waters, open wilderness and public beaches stocked annually for families to enjoy!
MUSSELS
COCKLE CLAM Up to 5” with round shell; prominent evenly-spaced radiat ing ridges fanning from hinge; mottled, light brown color; found at 1-2” in sand, mud in intertidal or subtidal zone.
Full off on Hwy 101, stairway to beach at north opening of Lilliwaup Bay. Walk north or south when tide is out. Oysters and Clams. Eagles and osprey. Overnight RV camping permitted; no restrooms.
EAGLE CREEK Expansive beach when property signs. Excellent Warm enough for Parking acrossInformationVisitorfrom
OLYMPIA OYSTER
NATIVE LITTLENECK CLAM Up to 3.5” with rounded shell displaying concentric rings and radiating ridge lines, cream, grey, brown, or mottled. White inside shell; found at 6-10” deep in gravel, mud, mid-tide level.
Up to 3”, rounded shell, white to purplish black and may be striped with yellow or brown; oyster’s flesh is a light olive green with a metallic flavor. Native oyster to the area and currently protected in wild habitats.
TAYLOR SHELLFISH 130 SE Lynch Rd Shelton (360) Taylor’s432-3300productline includes worldwide export of geoduck, clams, mussels and oysters. Headquartered in Kamilche, retail store is open daily. taylorshellfish.com
Blue Mussel (native) up to 3”, California Mussel (native) up to 6”, Mediterranean non-native) up to 5”. Oblong shell, blueblack or brown, attaches to rocks, pilings, boats, gravel, or other hard surfaces in the intertidal zone with bissel threads.
MATLOCK
CHECK. CHILL. COOK. CHECK: Health closures and advisories: doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety Harvesting closures: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulation
HOPE STATEISLANDPARK A 106-acre marine camping park reachable only by boat. Covered with old-growth forests and saltwater marshes, the park features a beach oneand-a-half miles long. Access by boat only.
470 E Country Club Dr, Allyn (360) 277-4137
Route 106 |
ALLYN Gazebo, garden, play area, pier, restrooms and beach access with boat launch.
HAMA HAMA OYSTER 35846 US-101,
ALLYN MID-JULYDAY | Allyn, WA Enjoy vendors, wine and beer garden, and live music as well as amateur oyster shucking contest. allyntown.com
UNION CITY MARKET 5101
CHELSEA FARMS OYSTER BAR 222 CAPITOL WAY N, OLYMPIA | (360) 915-7784 Eld & Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound Chelsea Farm have made a priority of farming the native Olympia oyster that was on it’s way to extinction. Visit their oyster bar in Olympia for local seafood experience! chelseafarms.net
Signs on the beach: Follow posted warnings and respect private property. CHILL: Harvest shellfish on the outgoing tide and put on ice as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Keep them cold until ready to eat. Cover in fridge with a wet cloth to prevent drying out.
View more area dining at explorehoodcanal.com E State Union | (360) 898-3500
BELFAIR STATE PARK Nice beaches for walking and exploring with summer water temperatures surprisingly warm. Restrooms, camping and picnic facilities. MENARD’S LANDING Expansive beach (at low tide), picnic area, and views of the Olympics. RENDSLAND CREEK, DNR owned clams and oysters open all year.
Lilliwaup 5th generation farm serves oysters prepared to order with an ever changing menu of seasonal local ingredients. Retail store and farm dining. hamahamaoyster.com Information InformationVisitorInformationVisitorVisitorInformation InformationVisitor
Local Seafood Here are a few locations that serve Hood Canal & South Puget Sound seafood on their menus.
The Fjord Oyster Bank Hoodsport - Opening Soon! Hama Hama Oyster Saloon 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup (360) 877-5811
Spencer Lake Bar & Grill 1180 E Pickering Rd, Shelton (360) 426-2505
Art, gifts, seafood and grocery items and seasonal cafe within a working marina. HUNTER FARMS 921 WA-106, Union | (360) 426-2222 Direct farm to market retail includes Hood Canal oysters at the general store located on the farm.
NORTH BAY Community park offers beach access, a picnic area and portable restroom and is very popular with kayakers, fishermen and local residents. Located on SR-3 at the south end of Allyn. The parking area is open only during the shellfish season.
Model T Pub & Eatery 24281 N US 101, Hoodsport (360) 877-9883
SALOON
TWANOH STATE PARK Excellent camping, swimming, kayaking, picnic sites, and shellfish harvesting.
Bistro at Lakeland Village
Tides Family Restaurant 27061 US-101, Hoodsport (360) 877-8921
41 2022 OYSTER FEST SHELTON BELFAIRLILLIWAUPKAMILCHE TAHUYA GRAPEVIEW UNION HAMMAHAMMAELDONDEWATTO HOODSPORT ALLYN TRITON HARSTINEISLANDARCADIAMASONLAKE3 300 302 102 3 106 106 3 202 3 101 101 101 101 101 101 101 shelterArcadiaand explorehoodcanal.com BEACH & map
Burger Claim & More 24171 WA 3, Belfair (360) 277-5141
DEWATTO BAY Small beach with dramatic view of the Olympics. Lots of ripe berries in late summer. From Belfair: take the Belfair-Tahuya Road to Dewatto Rd. Continue four miles to Dewatto. Parking limited.CREEK when tide is out, obey Excellent oyster beach. swimming in summer. from Eagle Creek Saloon.
Taylor Station 62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-8501
DNR 24/GRAPEVIEW, DNR beach clams and oysters open all year. Access by boat only.
Hook & Fork 5101 E State Route 106, Union (360) 898-3500
Restaurant at Alderbrook 10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union (360) 898-2200
Squaxin Island Seafood Bar 91 West State Route 108, Shelton (360) 432-7120
Smoking Mo’s 233 S. 1st St, Shelton (360) 462-0163
Boat House Restaurant 18340 E WA 3, Allyn (360) 275-2954
COOK: Cook shellfish in summer months when Vibrio illnesses can occur. To kill Vibrio bacteria cook shellfish to 145° F for at least 15 seconds, cooking does not destroy biotoxins. Do not harvest in areas with pollution closures. Ask your doctor before eating raw shellfish if you have any concerns about allergies, are taking medications, or have a weakened immune system (such as cancer, liver disease, or HIV). Shellfish are a great and healthy food. Avoid illness by following the 3 C’s above and enjoy!
The Ridge Grand Prix kart track is a 1/5th scale version of the Ridge Motorsports Park road course and it is the only kart track replica in North America. RGP has all the same features as its big brother including, elevation change, and blind corners. The kart track is 26 feet wide and is 6/10th of a mile long.
As a parent of teenagers I have to admit I've heard those dreaded words - "I'm bored." For the most part my kids are pretty smart and know those comments often lead to helpful suggestions like cleaning the chicken house or mowing the lawn. However, it cannot be denied, it sometimes can be challenging to find creative (and cool) ways to engage without the use of WiFi. Last summer we were invited to an EDC Open House at the Ridge Motor Sports Park. It took a little cajoling to convince the entire family to join me, generally Mum's events lean towards wine and conversation, but families were invited to this one – and I was determined.
And it is fast! The Ridge GP rental karts are 9 HP Sodi GT5 karts with gearing tuned to this challenging racecourse. Regardless of skill or experience, there is something exciting that awaits riders. Riders can reach speeds of 45+mph while experiencing the 16 thrilling turns and elevation changes.
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Open April through October, riders arrive to the facility and check in at the Ridge ProShop where they create a racing profile and grab a helmet (helmet/kart sanitized between each rider, by the way). Before getting on the course all riders attend a racer meeting to go over rules and be given verbal quiz to ensure racing is safe and fun the entire session.
Charlotte Hansen photo Achaya McMullin photo
After the checker flag is out, they will pit and return to the Pro Shop to receive a printout of the race detailing their stats for each lap. Each session is 15 minutes long from start to finish, granting racers approx imately 10-12 laps.
It felt good to be a hero. From the moment they hit the kart track there was unabashed excitement –and – no squabbling at all).
DRIVERS READY. GO.
My little group of joyful riders that joined me after my merlot were bursting with tales of corners and twist as they eagerly shared their printed race stats. My fifteen year old daughter was thrilled to have soundly beaten both of her older brothers.
Kart pricing is 25-$30 (member/non-mem ber). Sign up for the membership as it pays back with a few uses. Initial membership costs $50 and grants the racer 2 session credits. Theses credits sit with your account and can be used at any time. Members are offered additional savings on merchandise and races during pop-up sales. Pre-load credits to your account to use at any time in the future. For more details on how to get your race on, head to ridgemotor sportspark.com. Located just north of Shel ton, this is a great place to reconnect with your teens or just get the cobwebs out.
6. FACT
The myth of fish as a brain food goes back to a 19th century Harvard University scientist who discovered that phosphorus is abundant in the human brain, and from this fact, wrongly concluded that a diet of fish should increase the human IQ.
Oysters help waterways by eating algae, filtering out particulates and excess nutrients and creat ing habitat for other organisms to thrive.
Pearls used in jewelry are produced in clams and mussels, not oysters as commonly believed.
10. FACT Oysters are rich in vitamins A, C, D and B-12.
1. MYTH "OYSTERS ARE AN APHRODISIAC." The idea of eating oysters for their aphrodisiac qualities is untrue. Prove science wrong! Dig in.
B-12 is well-known to help people lose weight and sharpen their memory. Eating four oysters a day gives you a complete daily supply of copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phospho rus and zinc. And... just to be clear. It’s perfectly okay to eat shellfish in months WITHOUT an “R.” Generally speaking oysters are better during the cooler months as warm weather can cause them to “spawn” (reproduce) with the meat taking some time to recover firmness. A far as safe, it is ALWAYS a good idea to check with the WA State Department of Health Shellfish Safety website BEFORE self-harvesting – no matter the spelling of the month. And never harvest in the heat.
An oyster produces a pearl when foreign material becomes trapped inside the shell. The oyster responds to the irritation by producing more, a combination of calcium and protein. The nacre coats the foreign material and over time produces a pearl.
9. MYTH "JEWELRY PEARLS COME FROM OYSTERS."
2. FACT There are several species of oysters cultivated in North America. The two most common species are the Pacific, from Japan and the Olympia – a small full flavored oyster native to the North west.
10 MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT OYSTERS
8. FACT
4. FACT The tiny crab we see in the oyster is a species of crab (Pinnotheres ostreum) that has evolved to live harmoniously inside an oyster’s shell. These dime-sized crabs, are much sought after by gourmands.
Oysters change sex one or more times during their life span, you cannot tell by their shell what phase they may be in.
That you really never needed to know. But we're telling you anyway.
5. MYTH "SHELLFISH THAT DIE BEFORE BEING COOKED SHOULD NOT BE EATEN."
2022 OYSTERFEST 44 viewWater
7. MYTH "SEAFOOD IS BRAINFOOD."
3. MYTH "YOU CAN TELL MALE OYSTERS FROM FEMALES BY THEIR SHELLS."
People have been warned not to eat clams, mus sels, crabs, lobsters, and other shellfish unless they are alive when cooked. From the standpoint of flavor, this is a good suggestion, but shellfish don’t become toxic when they die.
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Glen Ayr overlooking the Fjord | garesort.com.
Backyard DIVESScuba However, while our slopes in WA are a ways from a snowy blanket still, the wa terways of Puget Sound are always open to your adventures. As the temperature drops, visibility rises. With its glacial formation of sharp deep cliffs and a till strewn bottom, Hood Canal offers plenty of unique oppor tunities to check out dive spots accessed easily from the shore. Pull over on Hwy 101, don your gear, and within minutes, you are in the water. So convenient, you can dive and be seated for lunch in Hoodsport by noon. Schools of ancient cod and nudibranchs, the famous giant Pacific octopus and the snaggle toothed, but clever ,wolf eels are just a few of the highlights of the descent. In Hoodsport we love how they love their divers. Stop by YSS Dive, the local dive shop located next to the public dock in town for air, gear and advice. They also offer plenty of classes and recent ly started offering dive charters on their two new Localvessels.lodging also caters to the scuba crowd. A couple of our favorites are Glen Ayr Resort, Hoodsport, and The Water front Inn at Potlatch. Glen Ayr has heated dive locker aand a gear cleaning station. Glen Ayr's dock offers moorage and im promptu dives. The water view spa house is the perfect remedy for the chill fjord waters. Many of the vacation rental cabins in this area (as well as cottages at Glen Ayr) have kitchens but if you want breakfast out we suggest hitting the Tides Restaurant – quick and friendly, with loaded plates of delicious food. Keep your eyes peeled for the opening of the new oyster bar and sea food cafe in Hoodsport. The Fjord Oyster Bank is located in the former Columbia Bank building on 101.
My son became a snowboarder last winter. Along with dabbling in scuba, flying, surfing, skiing – he decided to take up a new sport that provides the adrenalin rush. The joke now is that he needs to have his board in the car in case he comes upon an opportunity to practice. If you are a scuba diver, you know the feeling.
Visit the Oyster Raw Bar near the Shucking Stage for fresh Hood Canal & Hammersley Inlet oysters on
UOSHTUOS
opportunities
Canal
OysterFest
HAMMERSLEYINLETN D you for supporting the “Oysters on the Half Shell at & Oysterfunk. Proceeds benefit the marine touch tank and water quality education in Mason County. Hama Oyster Co South & the Oyster Hood & Hammersley Inlet oysters on the half-shell! Proceeds benefit the MESS Marine Touch Tanks @ OysterFest! THANK YOU!
Rotary cares for our communities!
HAMMERSLEYINLETUOSHTUOS N D MARICULTURE
and
“booth
Take your own boat to OysterFest!
shuckers! Visit
Would you like to help make a difference in the lives of so many? more about these programs and others at sheltonskookumrotary.org.
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Take your own boat to OysterFest!
Sound Mariculture for providing oysters
MARICULTURE Thank
The Skookum Rotary Club is proud to take the funds with your support and give back to the community. the Skookum Rotary Club and the Skookum Rotary tion support includes the following local programs:
G F
Sail or motor in from Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle beyond – OysterFest shuttles connect with the Shelton public moorage. Explore our restaurants shops and make a weekend excursion of your trip 37th Annual Washington State Seafood Festiva
The best dive near Hoodsport is Sund Rock Marine Preserve Privately owned, this site is carefully managed by the Sund family. Entry fee includes dive beach entry, freshwater rinse and warm shower, picnic area, gear up benches, and parking. Reserve at sundrock.com and fill out a request for a day and time to dive during the week. Outside of Lilliwaup, just to the South of Mike’s Beach Resort, is Flag Pole Point. More comfortably accessed by boat, you can free swim to it also. This site consists of a series of rock formations (the knuckle), rising like a mini range of mountains from the ocean floor. Since this forma tion is farther out and exposed to currents, this site often has excellent visibility. Ling cod lay their eggs at this protected site, and there are resident wolf eel and octopus populations. Since the rise of “the knuckle” is rapid, the site can be difficult to Southlocate.of Hoodsport lies Potlatch Park. While the diving at Potlatch is less dramatic than those sites already described, if you are just getting your flip pers wet, this is a good place to start out. This shore diving spot is easy to get to, has showers to wash off gear, and it is a great place to get comfortable with equipment and techniques. To find out more about diving locations and links to services, visit Mason County's tourism resource, explorehoodcanal. com. providing oysters & shuckers!
Raw Bar near the Shucking Stage for fresh
• Scholarships
SHUCKIN O R A CAUS E
POPULAR HOOD CANAL DIVES
Sail or motor in from Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle
Althoughth parking is limited at Octopus Hole, this wall site is easy to access from shore and appropriate for all experience levels. Bring a flashlight, there are plenty of friendly octo pus and wolf eels. This is a protected site so no disturbing inhabitants (and no taking the bottles that the eight-legged creatures like to hide in).
• Community Grants & Services that support non-profits and organizations working to improve lives of people in MasonChildCounty.CareAction Council: $1000 Habitat for Humanity HOST – helping homeless youth finish high school Sound Learning which provides GED and ESL support Harmony Hill $500 grant • Academic Excellence The Skookum Rotary recognizies the top 10% graders in local schools invites students to a college for a Theday.program also honors niors who maintain good •records.Science Fair Creates to explore science. Would you like to help make a difference in the lives of so more about these programs and others at sheltonskookumrotary.org.
THANK YOU TOZIERS BROS. A huge thank you goes out to Toziers Bros, Ace Hardware for their generously to Shelton Skookum’s Rotary Club and OysterFest over the last four decades. Tozier’s support has been invaluable to the success of the event. Check out the Bistro Garden Area as you enter OysterFest – all those fall plants are available in for sale Toziers Garden Center in Downtown Shelton.
Hama Hama Oyster is also a big hit. If you can get spot in their quirky waterfront A-frames, try the oysters and clams (and the crab cakes). They don't get any fresher! El Puerto de Angeles located in Hoodsport next to YSS Dive also has good food and great views of the Canal.
many?
Thank you! 32 Marine Education Science Society Hama
YSSDIVE.COM STORE@YSSDIVE.COM (360) 877-2318
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