Macklemore, The Little Baby Pirate

Shorebirds are back!

It is that time of year again, when the shorebirds spring migration brings their flying wings back to Grays Harbor.   Their northern migration has their final destination in the arctic, but for a short while they stay and rest here at the National Wildlife Refuge.  In the coming weeks, nature and bird enthusiasts alike will be able to spot many different varieties of the shorebirds at several sighting spots around the harbor.

You may remember our in-depth interview with Dianna Moore last year, a Shorebird Festival volunteer.  You can revisit that here!  So many volunteers help out throughout the festival to keep the tours staffed, the events booked and the fun alive.  New this year is the Shorebird Procession.  Bring a costume and join in the parade!  

The festival kicks off officially April 26th and runs through April 28th.  The weekend is packed with Key Note Speakers (Clay Taylor), lectures, a Birding Marketplace and of course tours and field trips.  The annual fundraising Banquet and Auction is being held on Saturday night the 27th, the money raised is used to fund the next years festival and fund the AmeriCorps position at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.

photo courtesy of Shorebird Festival website

 Springtime in April is a beautiful time on the harbor, and it is a wonderful time to witness the beauty of the birds in the Bowerman Basin.  Visit Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival website for all the details.

The best viewing times during the festival will be as follows:  but remember that the Wildlife park is open from dawn to dusk.
 

	High Tide	Best Viewing
Friday, April 26	2:55pm	12:55pm - 4:55pm
Saturday, April 27	3:45pm	1:45pm - 5:45pm
Sunday, April 28	4:35pm	2:35pm - 6:35pm

Six Rivers Gallery presents "Animalia"

Have you been feeling in an artsy mood lately?  It is national Poetry month, writing some fantastic poetry or reading some out loud is a great way to expand your creativeness.  Another way to indulge in a little culture would be to stop in at Six Rivers Gallery for their latest show "Animalia".

Located at 210 Sixth Street in Hoquiam, Six Rivers Gallery, operated by Harbor Art Guild, is featuring an original art show through April 21st.  "Animalia" included artwork that celebrates the animal kingdom.  Just in time for spring!  Showcasing collage, photography, paintings and ceramics, the show has a little something for everyone to enjoy.

The gallery’s gift shop contains both original and reproduction art by Harbor Art Guild members and is open during gallery hours Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.

Quiet but still here

We know its been pretty quiet here, but we want you to know that we are still alive and kickin'.  Stay tuned for the best events of spring and summer!

Seafood Extravaganza!

If you have lived in the great PNW for longer than a minute, you know how important the clam is to the region.  So important we dedicate entire festivals to the little creature.  So it should come as no surprise that this weekend boasts the 7th annual Razor Clam and Seafood Extravaganza!  Head out to the beach this weekend for a feast of clams, a chowder contest and the famous clam gun decorating contest! 

Visit www.oceanshorschamber/clams.html for all the updates.  It is shaping up to be a rain free weekend, so why not spend it at the shore, Ocean SHORES!

Humorist to visit Bishop Center

Looking for a family friendly way to celebrate spring....indoors?  Thursday, March 21st (tonight!), the Grays Harbor College Bishop Center welcomes Norman Foote, award winning Humorist!  Norman is part puppeteer, part singer, and has an outrageous sense of humor that bridges every generation gap.  

photo courtesy of Norman Foote

 

This one night only show is a sure hit, as Norman will be entertaining the masses with his crazy props, hilarious adaptations of popular songs and nursery rhymes, and off beat humor. 

 

Winner of multiple awards including Parent Choice and a West Coast Music Award, the Humorist from Vancouver, Canada is the perfect show for all ages.

 

If you have been looking for a way to laugh the night away, tonight is the night!

Tickets available at Bishop Center.

Irish Hoolie Variety Show

An Irish Hoolie Variety Show

 

Galway Bay

www.galwaybayirishpub.com

In case you have not bought the signature "Kiss me I'm Irish" Tee, this weekend might be the perfect excuse.  Galway Bay, in Ocean Shores and 8th Street Ale House, in Hoquiam are gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with a huge weekend of events and ravalry!  This huge weekend begins at 7:00 on Friday March 15 at both venues, and continues throughout the weekend, with music, parades, movies and a fun run.

Singers and Bands, including Johnny Whelan, Hank Cramer, Oliver Hausler, Cynthia Bjore, Dan Hausler, Jacob Jones, Heavy Hammer and  Doyle & Olsonand will be performing throughout the weekend at both venues.  Plus the Irish Hoolie Variety Show at 7th Street Theater in Downtown Hoquiam on Saturday March 16th.  (More information on that event HERE).
Don't forget about the St. Pat's Run that will be held at the Ale House on Sunday at 11 am., and the Irish festival Parade that will start at Galway Bay in Ocean Shores Sunday March 17th at 1 pm.

Visit www.galwaybayirishpub.com for more information.  Celebrate the original drinking holiday the right way with Galway Bay and 8th Street this weekend!

 

Spring Fest features Local Talent

While GoGo is and always will be a Grays Harborites guide to fun on the harbor, we cannot resist plugging the 2013 Springfest this weekend at Little Creek Casino Resort.  Not only do proceeds from the "Irish Weekend" benefit the United Way of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, but we have local musical talent that will be taking the stage Saturday night!  Clint and the Eastwoods, Hump Tulips and Ready or Not will be performing the hearts out, while you drink and be merry celebrating St. Patrick's Day! 

Tickets are on sale now and at the door.  A 2 day pass is $15 per person or 2/$25, which includes one souvenir mug per person and 3 drink scripts.  A 1 day pass is $10, and there is a $5 admission for a designated driver ( no mug or script for the DD).

Visit springfest2013.chirrpy.com for more details!

Expo and Bite return for 2013

The Bite of Grays Harbor and The Expo Grays Harbor returns this weekend to the Aberdeen High School Commons, at 410 N. G St..  Saturday, March 16th, 2013 from 9 am to 4 pm, join the many businesses that are participating in the event, by sampling the food, music and merchandise that Grays Harbor has to offer for free!

Sponsored by Greater Grays Harbor Inc., and enjoyed by you, the local people, the day is shaping up to be a great show!

Below, watch highlights from 2011, and expect 2013 to be even better!

 

 

Video Courtesy of Greater Grays Harbor Inc.

Beauty and the Beast continues this weekend

 GHC Bishop Center presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast continuing this weekend March 6-10.


Based on the classic French fairy tale, the story of Belle, played by Sara Hadley, scorned by her townspeople for being a bookworm she dreams of escape. When her father is captured by the forbidding Beast, played by Mike Escober, a-handsome prince turned into a monster by a witch, Belle goes off to rescue him. The production opened last weekend to rave revues and has opened up an additional performance on Wednesday, March 6th at 7:30.

$22 Adults, $20 Seniors,
$12 Students, $8 Children 12 & under

Luna Rana...Crown in Town

As a local Cosi-ite, it brings me great pleasure to shine a light on Luna Rana, a local eatery, as they celebrate their win through the website Crown In Town, for Best Sandwiches 2012! 

Congrats Luna Rana, and many more awards to come!

Logo courtesy of Crown in Town

 

Reel Happenings

Banner courtesy of 7th Street Theater.com

This Saturday, March 9th at 2:00 and 7:00, 7th Street Theater is taking you back to the 1920's.  At the special premier of the documentary "Grays Harbor Happenings: The Newsreels of C.D. Anderson,".  The historical film is produced by the UW Libraries in partnership with the 7th Street Theatre Association, the Aberdeen Museum of History and the Polson Museum.



Come out in your best 20's fashion and support the efforts of the UW Libraries Special Collections and the support of many other organizations including the Apex Foundation, the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, the UW Alumni Association and UWTV. 

A cardboard box of 35mm nitrate films discovered in a commercial storage unit in Seattle has been artfully restored showing life in small town Grays Harbor County. The amateur newsreels show local life and special events including Captain Kidd's Pirates Picnic, a local football match and the recreation of the S.S. Halco shipwreck. Interspersed with interviews with local Grays Harbor County historians and researchers, the film is a look back at the history of our area and a sure hit for a fun evening.


Tickets $7.00 available at Harbor Drug in Hoquiam, City Drug in Aberdeen, and at Brown Paper Tickets (harbor.brownpapertickets.com)

Up, Up and Away!

 
The Grays Harbor College Foundation on its way to raising $1 million dollars for the World Class Scholar Scholarship Foundation.  Thursday February 21st at 6pm is your chance to win an amazing mystery getaway in the Up, Up and Away fundraising event created to endow the World Class Scholars program (GHC foundation.)

All proceeds from the evenings festivities will go towards the World Class Scholars program.  Come and join us for the evening and you too might be the winner of a great mystery trip from our  Up, Up and Away giveaway.  Previous winners have traveled to Seattle, Las Vegas, San Francisco and San Diego.  Single tickets may be purchased for $50 each.



Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded $790,000 in partial tuition scholarships to more than 700 qualifying students.  In order to ensure that this unique scholarship incentive program for young students in this community will continue for years to come, the foundation needs the continued support of the community, so please purchase a ticket that will directly benefit the students in Grays Harbor.

Its Raining Chocolate in February

Something exciting is happening out at the beach (yes, the beach, during winter of all months!) at the end of this month.  It is an annual event that is in its sixth year (our second year writing about it! A first for GoGo!) and promises to be a decadent, scrumptious, and sweet filled weekend.

Chocolate on the Beach 2013 is February 22-24 and boasts an impressive five miles of chocolate. 

Five Miles Grays Harborites! 

I am not going to admit to myself, or anyone else for that matter that, but I am a chocoholic.  A stand up in front of the group "hello my name is.." chocoholic, and I cannot wait to take in all the sweet-filled fun at the festival this year.

With enough chocolate to satisfy all type of sweet tooth cravings, the festival will include The Palace of Treats, the Hall of Sweets and the popular Chocolate Station.  I had such a blast at the chocolate station last year, playing the cake walk and winning chocolaty prizes that I cannot wait to return again this year.  In addition the Pacific Beach resort will be showing sweet filled classic movies such as Chocolat and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. 

There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the sweetness at the beach with a silent auction, a pancake breakfast, a chocolate eating contest and a chocolate recipe contest. 

Don't forget about the golden tickets that are available at participating accommodations during the weekend of the festival.  Stop in for the day or stay the night and enjoy the beach in February, you will not be sorry you stayed!

Fairy Godmothers

Bibbity, bobbity, boo! 

Cinderella's everywhere can rejoice in the Operation Fairy Godmother event happening February 16 in the Shilo Inn Ballroom.  The Ocean Shores chapter of Operation Fairy Godmother is inviting all fairy godmothers in training to attend this event Saturday night starting at 8pm and running until 11pm.  Appetizers, desserts and a no-host bar will be available.  The organizations current Cinderella will also be in attendance.  Come learn about the organization, and how they make prom special for all girls no matter what their prom budget.

 

Local musical talent, Blythe Beebe will be playing live music.  Tickets are $15 per person or $25 for a couple. Buy your tickets at Salon Maude, Nellies Kitchen in the Elk Head and North Beach Printing.  Visit http://ofgoceanshores.org/ for more information!

Crab Feed at GHC

Feed me!  It is time for Grays Harbor College’s annual Choker Club Crab Feed. 

Friday, Feb. 15, at the HUB on the main campus in Aberdeen, beginning at 6 p.m.

Fresh crab is on the menu in unlimited quantities, with spaghetti for non-crab eaters.

The annual college crab feed is a fundraiser for the Grays Harbor College athletic activities.  Proceeds directly benefit the athletic department, and the food will directly benefit your tastebuds!  Tickets are on sale now by calling the college’s Student Services Office at (360) 538-4066.

Choker Club members and guests will pay $22 per person, children 12 and younger $10.

At the door, tickets will be $25.

In addition to the yummy food that will fill your bellies, GHC sports items will be featured as door prizes and raffle items and you will get the chance to meet Choker athletes and coaches. ]

Come out and support the local college and its fantastic athletes by stuffing you tummy with the yummy crab!

Valentines Day on the Harbor

Celebrated not only in America, but in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico and France, Valentines Day is shrouded with lore and legend and has roots in both Roman and Christian religion.  My most favorite story is the sending of the first Valentine.  It has been said that one of the many St. Valentines of legend sent the first "Valentine" himself.  Jailed for attempting to help escapees flee their captors, he penned a letter signed 'from your Valentine' to a young girl whom he fell in love with during his own captivity.  (history.com)  With the spread of communication in the 18th and 19th centuries, these love notes gained popularity and eventually morphed into what we know as a Valentine card.

This Valentines, the harbor is bursting with love on and around February 14th to help you celebrate with friends, family and your significant other.  

Lunch is hosting their second annual Valentines's Day "Bring Your Own Wine & Dine" event on the "big day" from 6:30-9:30.  Ericka Corban is once again lending her vocal chops by performing all night long and will take requests in advance so you can impress your sweetie with their favorite song.  $40.00 per person gets you on the reservation list.  Please call 537.6095 to make reservations. 

If you are looking for a very traditional Valentine's Day Dinner, then Westport Winery has just what you are looking for.  A romantic date night with you honey in the dining room from 4pm to 8pm.  Reservations are required, but the menu has no holds barred.

Brown Paper Tickets wants to make your special Valentines Day easy to plan.  Participate in the Take Your Honey to Hoquiam Valentine’s Treat.  The movie Say Anything (1989) is playing at the 7th Street Theater on Friday and Saturday February 15th and 16th.  Take Your Honey to Hoquiam and dine at one of the participating restaurants between Friday February 8th and Friday February 15th and receive free tickets, or purchase flowers from Flowers by Pollen or Kathy's House of Roses and get two free tickets.  Tickets are just $5, and are available at Harbor Drug and Tully's or at the door of the theater 1/2 before the movie.

Participating restaurants include: 2 Margaritas Grill, 8th Street Ale House, Al’s Humdinger, Bill’s X-L Bakery, Casa Mia, Deidra’s Deli at Farmers’ Market, El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant, Foggy’s Bar & Grill, Golden Dragon, Lana’s Hangar Café, Rose’s Taqueria, The Oriole, The Recipe Box

Additionally sponsored by:  Grays Harbor College, Grays Harbor Radio, Jodesha Broadcasting and Oceana Spa

In addition  to supporting the local hoquiam businesses, you can also participate in Hearts over Hoquiam to win a take your honey to hoquiam prize.  Learn all about the rules and fun Here.

If live theater is more your idea of a romantic Valentines date, the Driftwood Players proudly present

The House of Agatha Mystrie

By Robert A. Allen

Directed by Jason Whited

Beginning Sat. February 16 this comedy featuring Ms. Mystrie and her detective guests will have you cuddling up to your sweetheart as you try to solve the murderous mystery before they do!

Ticket Locations:

City Center Drug - Aberdeen • 532-5182

Top Food & Drug - Aberdeen • 532-1830

Harbor Drug Co. - Hoquiam • 532-3060

Valu-Drug - Montesano • 249-4831

Dolores' & Fay's - Ocean Shores • 289-4543

The D&R Theater is also getting to the "Heart" of the matter, featuring the Heart cover Band Heart by Heart on Thursday February 14th.  Tickets are available now, check out the website for full information.

If you own a business on the harbor, or know of  a great Valentine's event that is happening, comment below or send us an email and we will cover your event!

Hearts over Hoquiam

Someone is leaving their hearts all over Hoquiam this Valentines, and they want you to find them!

Uniquely painted wooden hearts, 20 in all, provided by the Harbor Art Guild will be placed in participating business around Hoquiam.  Participating customers are encouraged to seek out the local artist painted hearts starting Saturday, February 9th through Thursday, February 14th. 

Visitors to the participating businesses are encouraged to "hunt for the hearts" by using their cameras and camera phones.  Find a heart and post the photo to the Hop over to Hoquiam facebook page or post to Twitter and Instagram with the #heartsoverhoquiam.

  A random drawing from the submitted photos will result in a Take Your Honey to Hoquiam prize.

Hop over to Hoquiam is looking to create a truly memorable event for your Valentines week.  Remember that the hearts may or may not be in plain sight, they can be placed anywhere in the business, so make like Sherlock and search away!  Above all remember to have fun!

Bye, Bye Birdie

As a former choir student, I am a huge supporter of the arts on the harbor.  I know first hand just how difficult it can be to coordinate rehearsal schedules for a large group of students who are highly involved in many different commitments outside of the production.  That is why I must encourage everyone to go out this weekend and catch a performance of Bye, Bye Birdie at 7th Street Theater.

Put on by the Hoquiam High School Drama club Bye, Bye Birdie runs February 7,8,9 at 7:30 and February 10 at 2:00pm.  Step off the streets of Hoquiam and into small town Ohio to witness the event of the year as a rock singer makes his “farewell” television performance before he is drafted.

Adults $10, Students and Children $7

Tickets available at Harbor Drug, Crown Drug, Rosevear’s Music, HHS, and the door