Comb one, comb all
Beachcomber Days promises three days of fun in Waldport
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
Heads up, Waldport. Beachcomber Days is back and it promises to be better than ever.
Now in its 67th year, this iconic weekend celebration, running from Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18, marks the start of summer on the Central Oregon Coast. The community of Waldport knows how to do it right with a warm welcome and a host of tried-and-true events that have entertained families for generations. And there’s always something new, too.
“Every year we learn something,” said Tianne Rios, who chairs the Beachcomber Days committee. “We evaluate the overall flow of each day, including locations, accessibility and attendance. Then we hone down on what went well, what can be added and what we can improve. There’s always new fun for all age groups.”
This year’s theme is “Driftwood and Dreams” and the logo is designed by Waldport High School senior Jory Reed. A driftwood-themed photo contest drew 42 entries with Tiffany Sheppick garnering the top prize.
The weekend-long event kicks off on Friday evening with the traditional opening proclamation and the top sponsor formal dinner for royalty court members and their families.
Saturday’s lineup includes breakfast at the Presbyterian Church, strawberry shortcake at St Anthony’s Catholic Church and the popular car show featuring Pat E Mac’s BBQ. This year’s car show theme is “The Fabulous 50s.” Prizes will be awarded to the top car following the theme, but any vintage car may participate.
All day activities include the Vendor Faire and Food Court. Vendors will be located near the Main Stage area and feature clothing, wood products, jewelry and crafts. The Food Court utilizes the community center parking lot and showcases local foods popular with Beachcomber Days families.
The main event continues to be Saturday’s parade, which begins at noon on Highway 34 and travels south on Highway 101. Traffic is temporarily halted on these main thoroughfares to allow for safety and roadside enjoyment by parade watchers.
“Last year’s parade drew record numbers of floats, bands, groups, individuals, as well as equine and dog entries,” Rios said. “We’ve made some adjustments to the parade route to improve the staging area and ending location. It’s more supportive for those taking part and accessible for visitors.”
This year’s Grand Marshal is Rick Booth, a Waldport city councilor, chaplain for Central Coast Fire and Rescue and volunteer for South Lincoln County Resources.
Saturday afternoon’s highlights include a Kid Faire, the Timber show, live music and the popular Sol Fire Dancers as the evening headline act.
“The Kid Faire will be held at the community enter parking lot in a single, safe location away from the street,” Rios said.
Returning to the Kid Faire this year are the popular Magical Mr. B balloon twisting, touch a truck, face painting and bubbles galore. There will also be a bounce house, pony rides and 25-cent carnival games with many prizes. Some of the 19 carnival games include a cake walk, softball toss, golf ball ladder toss, yard darts, a ducky pond, fishing games, toilet paper toss, mini golf and the people pit.
“Also this year we will have informational booths at the Kid Faire,” Rios said. “The Oregon Coast Aquarium, 4-H petting zoo, the Recess Outdoor School, Sheriff Search and Rescue and [Oregon Coast community College mascot] Waverly will all have a presence. The idea is to show kids an avenue for their futures and bridge the gap from school to college. Of course, we never could do this event without the Angell Job Corps. They teach kids the value of community and community service.”
Saturday afternoon’s Timber show consistently draws a crowd, as does the evening’s Sol Fire dance show.
Music and entertainment are featured throughout the day at the Highway 34 parking lot in addition to businesses such as Chill Cafe, Flounder Inn and Moose Lodge.
Sunday begins with a Father’s Day pancake breakfast followed by family games at Central Coast Fire and Rescue. Some of these games include the popular bring-your-own banana slug races, a watermelon eating contest and wheelbarrow races. Later in the afternoon is the high school timber show which allows anybody to participate. This event showcases Waldport High School which has won the statewide competition for the past four years.
Beachcomber Days brings revenue to Waldport and engages local businesses in the weekend’s festivities. A glass float receipt raffle encourages all to shop locally during this multifaceted family weekend. It’s large scale fun in a small town.
For more information on Beachcomber Days or to register for the free parade, go to beachcomberdays.com.