As autumn settles over the waterfront, the Blaine OysterFest returns to celebrate the city’s aquaculture roots on Oct. 10.
“It’s a very hometown fair kind of vibe with the seafood and harbor feeling to it. It’s a lot of fun,” says Olea Mills, the Event Coordinator at Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation. Downtown Blaine transforms into a festival district as local vendors line the downtown streets, musicians fill the harbor with live performances, and families gather to enjoy games, crafts, and community traditions.
The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 has partnered with Drayton Harbor Oyster Company to bring the community together through ecological education and great fun around the harbor. To celebrate the community, local restaurants and farmers will showcase seafood boils, oyster bakes, seafood tacos, smoked salmon, street corn, and other Pacific Northwest favorites.
For those who enjoy a little friendly competition, cheer on amateur oyster shuckers as they race the clock, then stick around for crowd favorites like the seagull calling contest, dog owner lookalike contest, and cutest baby contest.
“Our focus is sharing what the Blaine community has to offer. It’s this beautiful little haven right on the harbor here,” Mills said.
Downtown Blaine, 360.656.6416, blainebythesea.com/events/blaine-oysterfest
Photograph by Grant Parker
