Fjordin Crossin

MAY 15 | HOODSPORT, WA

FJORDIN CROSSIN

& PADDLE THE CANAL CHALLENGE

Fjordin Crossin returns to Hoodsport this year on Sunday, May 15, 2020 at the Port of Hoodsport dock. Fjordin Crossinis a fun family event that celebrates an Aquavit tradition of sending a barrel ofAquavit in a ship from Norway across the Equator and back again. The FjordinCrossin Aquavit crosses the Hood Canal,the largest Fjord in the lower 48.

This is the 4th year of celebrating a trip across the Fjord, and - with the exception of 2020 and 2021 which were canceled due to Covid, Fjordin Crossin has been growing each year.

The day begins at 11 AM, with a small parade from the distillery to the Hoodsport dock with the barrel of Aquavit. In 2017, the parade had only the distiller, the port maintenance engineer, and the barrel of aquavit.

By the third year, the parade was led by a procession of traditional Scandinavian costumes and fiddle and accordion musicians. Meanwhile at the dock, there are children’s activities, which have grown from building model Viiking boats to include more art activities and the opportunity to pet and admire Norwegian elk hounds.

Food vendors include local favorites, and Scandinavian specialties. Chef Patchen Gallagher from Nina's Lake Cushman Café has plans to build an outdoor fire pit on the beach for a pig roast. The Tides will be serving their clam chowder that everyone loves.

Head under the boardwalk for the 21+ Aquavit Grotto. Serving signature Fjordin Crossin cocktails, the Grotto is sponsored by the Salmon Center. Volunteers from he Salmon Center will be serving up educational information about the health of our Canal as well as barbecuing fresh Hood Canal oysters.

When the parade arrives at the dock at about noon, the Hardware Distillery launches a barrel of aged Dill Aquavit on Captain Lee Geist’s boat, the Twanoh. It takes off at 1 PM and travels from the Port of Hoodsport toward Tahuya and back, and when it returns, the Aquavit has been Fjordin Crossin.

To celebrate the launch, Hood Canal Events sponsors a Paddle the Canal Challenge that follows the Twanoh in canoes, kayaks, SUPs and/or small sailboats. It is a family-friendly water event. Hood Canal Adventures will be on site with sea-going rental kayaks. Reserve your kayaks in advance when you register for the event.

Kayak rates are $45 for single/ $80 for tandem. Race registration fee is $19 including race packet and bib (and prizes). The timed race is hosted by Hood Canal Events.

The Lady Alderbrook offers a 2-hour cruise, which departs from the Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s dock at noon, and travels toward Hoodsport. On board, Aquavit cocktails are served, and participants take in the day’s festivities from the center of the action. Spectators can purchase advance tickets from the Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

The activities at the Marina will end at 3 PM, and give attendees a chance to get to know Hoodsport and what it offers. Stop by Hardware Distillery for additional tastings and souvenir items. Remember, the month of May can bring showers on the Canal so be sure to dress accordingly. All events, on the grassy park and on the beach, will be under tents, just in case. For additional details visit explorehoodcanal.com/events/fjordin2022 or follow the event at fjordincrossin.com.