This festival is lit
Beachcomber Days returns to Waldport in a blaze of glory
By Barbara B, Covell
For the TODAY
As spring prepares to launch into summer, there is no better place to be than Waldport for the 66th annual Beachcomber Days weekend, Friday through Sunday, June 17 through 19. It’s an event that promises fun for children of all ages, packed with free and low-cost events, games, music, food and hometown entertainment. This year it has an added bonus by landing on Father’s Day weekend.
The event is spearheaded by the dynamic duo who introduced many new ideas in 2021. Tianne Rios and Tammy Abele have been preparing since last September and their infectious enthusiasm is contagious.
“We want to have an affordable, fun-filled weekend that’s all about kids,” Rios said. “After two years of COVID, it is time to offer a lineup which appeals to families while showcasing our local businesses, too.”
And showcasing Waldport appeals to the thousands of visitors who flock to the Central Coast for this time-honored tradition. There’s the popular car and bike show, parade, pro timber show and kids’ fair. Abele says they are introducing new events and bringing back old favorites, such as the slug races, wheelbarrow races and minute-to-win-it games. Families are encouraged to participate together.
This year’s theme is Sea of Dreams. Abele says that it is great to be part of something that is so big.
“We want to bring joy to families and see smiles on faces,” she said. “Many events are free or very low cost. It’s all about showcasing the heart of this community.”
Events and staging areas stretch from the Eager Beaver furniture store to the Seashore Literacy Center on Highway 34. More than 100 vendor tables will be set up along Alder, Hemlock and Bay Streets, adjacent to the post office, literacy center and fire station. Food choices include fish and chips, tacos, corn dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, donuts and desserts. Food trucks and vendors will be set up in designated food courts near the community center, Columbia Bank and the field adjacent to Crestline Drive. A beer garden will offer refreshments for thirsty adults.
Rios, Abele, Waldport librarian Sue Bennett and Waldport High School principal Amy Skirvin comprise the board for Beachcomber Days. This powerhouse team has put together a three-day celebration with a hometown feel. They have been supported by a creative, hardworking planning committee of 21 Waldport residents.
Highlights of this year’s event include Friday night’s opening proclamation by Waldport mayor Greg Holland followed by an introduction of the royalty court, then a DJ dance party for teens featuring Rhythm Master X with Luis and Missy Alberti-Arujo.
“They are lots of fun and kids love them,” Abele said. The evening ends with a screening of the Disney movie “Encanto” outside the community center.
Saturday’s events include a 2K fun run, parade, big band and the afternoon’s “Kid Faire,” featuring entertainers Americana Mayhem and the Magical Mr B, who will be walking around to offer face painting, magic tricks and balloon sculptures. Kids will also enjoy Monster Truck rides with American Thunder, a fishing pond, rock wall, a custom-designed mini golf and golf ball toss. The entertainment continues with a car and bike show, vendor fair, pro timber show and live music with Weird Science, the Rocky Way Band, the Kreau Band and T Ray & The Shades. Foodies have many options, including the breakfast in a box, strawberry shortcake, cotton candy, and the all-day food court. Businesses throughout Waldport will also feature entertainment. Business sponsors will hand out commemorative wooden nickels created specifically for this year’s event. The always popular Sol Fire Dancers complete the day’s fun as the headlining act.
Sunday begins with a free Father’s Day pancake breakfast, vendor fair, high school timber show and family games featuring a watermelon eating contest, tricycle and wheelbarrow races. The Steve McVay Band rounds out the afternoon. Beachcomber Days activities conclude with the awarding of scholarships and treasure chest raffle. There are three girls competing for the royalty court scholarships. This year’s awards are based on community service hours. The seven junior court members also participate in community service and can use these hours toward the royalty court.
“It’s a way to give back to the community,” Rios said.
For more information, including maps and the full schedule of events, go to Beachcomberdays.com.