Kelpers Festival highlights events on Hidden Coast Scenic Byway

By Cindy Stearns
Published: 08/29/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Labor Day Weekend finds a variety of events and activities to enjoy along the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway. Friday-Monday, August 30-September 2, you'll find fun for all ages along State Route 109 and this scenic drive.

Heading north on SR 109, stop at Ocean City for the Community Yard Sale at Sunrise Market. From 9 am-5 pm, Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, check out the vendors who will be displaying all kinds of items to purchase. This is a new event once monthly over the summer including this holiday weekend, according to Paula Parker, Sunrise Market owner said.

Just across SR 109 is Ocean City Market Place. Friday-Sunday, August 30-September 1 is the Labor Day Carve.

"Be sure to check out OCEAN CITY this weekend. We are having our Labor Day Carving event. Chainsaw artists will be gathering here at the beach to create some fan favorites as well as some unique work," Anthony Robinson from Native Beach Accessories said.

Known as "Mama Bear" Mona Hass and husband, Ivan are the founders and creators of Ocean City Marketplace. It's a "big family" of carvers and they gather this holiday weekend complete with chainsaws. Robinson commented "We all call her'mama' because we love her. She has always supported and been a huge part of the carving family."

Auctions are 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Vote for your favorite carvings and find out who will win the People's Choice trophies.

"We expect to have 10 chainsaw carvers, a few guys from up around Seattle, our auctioneer Boaz Backus should be fired up on the stage on Saturday- the auction will boast some bears, Eagles, maybe some Seahawk stuff, and of course an ocean theme.... fish , heron , mermaids etc.... hope to see you here," Robinson said.

As you head into Copalis Beach, make a stop at Copalis Beach Grocery and Green Lantern Pub. Grab your kayak and travel down the Copalis River to the ghost forest.

Then, it's on to Seabrook. Paula Christen will be in studio at Palette by the Sea Saturday, August 31, to chat about her work and more. During her visit, Paula will create an original piece and the public is invited to watch the process.

Christen is well-known for her use of watercolors and landscape paintings. She says she is drawn to landscapes because nature provides her with an incredible amount of joy.

As the Washington Coast’s largest farmers market, Seabrook’s Saturday Market is 11 am-4 pm August 31. Stroll through the market to browse and shop for fresh produce, local artisan food, unique craft and goods, fresh flowers and much more. This is the final market for the season and an opportunity to catch all the season-ending deals.

Sky Island Farm, a Grays Harbor CSA brings organic produce. Find them at this Saturday market. You may also join the "Oasis" produce group at Chapel by the Sea who is receiving weekly Friday deliveries.

Seabrook's Summer Concert Series has two performances over the holiday weekend. At 7 pm, Friday "Hit Machine" hits the stage. And 5 pm, Saturday, the group will bring an encore performance in the outdoor venue.

Kelpers Parade and Shake Rat Rendezvous is brought to you by a plethora of people, volunteers and businesses. This North Beach tradition is an eclectic mix and fun for everyone.

Flip over to the Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Hall in Pacific Beach. Grays Harbor Fire District #8 flips flapjacks, scrambles eggs and more for your donation, accepted by the District #8 firefighters' association. Doors are open 8-11 am.

Vendors span Main Street all day Saturday and Sunday on Main Street in Pacific Beach.

And there are two, yes TWO parades. Kiddie Parade will head down Main Street noon Saturday. Following at 1 pm, it's the annual Pacific Beach vs. Moclips tug-of-war. Look for it at the Second Street beach approach in Moclips.

Live entertainment begins Saturday night on Main Street Stage next to Wacky Warehouse. Saturday performances include Dean Weaver at 4 pm, Piranha Joe at 5 pm, Rebel Skum at 6 pm and Jay Jaye at 7 pm.

On Sunday, it's parade number two. The Kelpers Parade starts “around noonish” traveling south on SR 109 from Moclips onto Pacific Beach Main Street. Open to all, people are invited to “decorate your vehicles, bikes, horses or even yourself” in accordance with this year's theme "Under the Sea."

Contests and prizes follow the parade Sunday during the Shake Rat Rendezvous, next to the Wacky Warehouse in Pacific Beach.

Chapel by the Sea (PCUSA) celebrates Sunday, September 1. It's the first anniversary of welcoming the Rev. Dr. Linda Flatley to the chapel. Pastor Linda commented how she enjoyed having a front-row seat for the Kelpers Parade as a welcome to the community. After 10:30 am worship, enjoy lunch provided by the chapel. September birthdays and anniversaries will also be celebrated.

Enjoy your drive along State Route 109. Lots to enjoy the Labor Day weekend on the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway.

Author: Cindy Stearns
Blog #: 0683 – 08/29/19