Let’s get kracking
Making up for lost time with Newport’s Crab Krack
By Linda Turner Griepentrog
For The TODAY
Are you one of the many who love Oregon Dungeness crab? Yes, it takes a bit of work to get the succulent meat, but when that effort is for a good cause, it’s doubly delicious.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, you have the opportunity to not only feast on the sumptuous crab but also help support the Lincoln County Historical Society by attending the 13th annual Crab Krack at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn. After a two-year hiatus, the event is back in full swing to support the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.
According to Executive Director Susan Tissot, all the crab is donated by local fisherman and Pacific Seafood, which also cleans and cooks all the crab.
What does one wear to a Crab Krack? Tissot said guests can wear whatever they want, from casual to evening wear finery, depending on their mood. There will be plenty of napkins, bibs and wipes available to help keep things clean amid the cracking and feasting.
Each person will be treated to a whole crab, along with Caesar salad, red potatoes, rolls and a fruit cobbler for dessert. There will be generous amounts of melted butter and lemon to accompany the crab. Assorted non-alcoholic beverages will be available with dinner and a no-host bar will be open.
For those who can’t quite eat an entire crab with all the trimmings at a single sitting, doggie bags will be provided to take home the leftovers.
But, great food and drink isn’t all you’ll find at this fun event — there’s also live music.
And, if you’re coming from out of town or thinking about really celebrating with a few drinks, the Best Western Agate Beach Inn has a block of rooms available at a 10 percent discount for Crab Krack guests who want to spend the night. Just be sure to mention the event when booking to get the special rate.
Tissot believes that coastal residents love their local seafood, as evidenced by the popularity of events like the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival and the Depoe Bay Salmon Bake, so she is expecting a big turnout for Crab Krack.
Crab wranglers will have a chance to offer their financial support to the Historical Society through both silent and live auction venues, with donations from many community sponsors. Auction items include a wide variety of foods, beverages, local art and many services.
“We’ve worked hard to include a wide range of price points in the auction so there’s something for everyone to bid on,” Tissot said.
A handmade quilt from Jean Amundson, titled “Countryside Sunshine,” will be available, as well as marine art that includes an original Gyotaku fish print on rice paper by Newport artist Bruce Koike and marine art by painter Leighton Blackwell. Photography by Jeremy Burke and a framed print by Michael Gibbons will also be featured. Beverages up for auction include generous donations by Elk City Coffee and Rogue Ale. The Newport Chamber of Commerce has donated a gift basket of local products to support the effort. Fishing trips and other excursions are also available, or you could take home a brass ship’s port window donated by the Port of Toledo. The auctioneer is Don Mann, former Port of Newport Manager.
Since the heart of this event is fundraising to support the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, Tissot is hoping for “generous donors and bidders.” And, nothing says you have to go home with something tangible if you don’t need or want it — you can also do what’s called a “paddle raise” and simply raise your auction paddle to donate funds instead of bidding on a specific item. Easy peasy!
The event kicks off at 4 pm at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn, located at 3019 N Hwy. 101 in Newport. Tickets are $65 for Lincoln County Historical Society members and $75 for non-members. Ticket sales might close on February 12, call for availability after that date. For more information and ticketing, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.