Photo courtesy of the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau

Long Beach, WA is well known for its Annual Washington State International Kite Festival held every year during the third week of August. This summer marks the 30th year of the week-long celebration and competition &  it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.  If you haven’t already reserved your lodging for the Long Beach area, there may still be some time…

August 16- 20, 2010~  Beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday, you can take part in this event or kick back and enjoy the beautiful beach, ocean and color filled sky full of  floating kites and high action choreographed dancing kites.  The week  includes competitions by professional and amateur kite flyers, lighted kite fly nights, fireworks and a variety of vendors.

The Washington State International Kite Festival features famous kite fliers from around the world and it’s voted “Best Kite Festival in the World” by Kite Trade Association International.  It draws tens of thousands of happy spectators to the Long Beach Peninsula every year.

In case you can’t make it to this years event, here are future Kite Festival dates so you can plan ahead
August 15-21, 2011
August 20-26, 2012
August 19-25, 2013
August 18-24, 2014
August 17-23, 2015

~ Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!

Photo View from "Endless Sea" Vacation Rental

If you’ve never been to Yachats and you prefer a quiet, and less crowded beach getaway…  consider planning your next family vacation near this quaint little village. The Yachats area offers plenty of things to do… discover parks, uncrowded beaches, tide pools and trails for all ages.  They have an ongoing  list of events, along with the Sunday Farmer’s Market, family friendly restaurants with live music and great food too.

Parks, Tide Pooling & Hiking~ There is a community park along with three ocean side state parks in Yachats, additional parks are  just south and north of town. For an easy hike, don’t miss the 804 oceanfront trail that offers beautiful views of the rocky coastline.

Cape Perpetua Visitors Center offers guided walks to old-growth forest and tide pools, natural and cultural history exhibits, an interactive children’s corner, and a theater with nature films.  The Visitors Center offers wheelchair accessible areas too… including the Cape Overlook half mile loop trail to the West Shelter, and the viewpoint overlooking Devil’s Churn.

Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center – Located in nearby Waldport at the base of the bridge, a great spot for learning about Oregon bridges. There is a model wooden toy bridge here to occupy small children while adults and older kids enjoy the historic photographs and other exhibits. A park interpreter leads an Alsea Bay Bridge Walk on Fridays-Tuesdays at 2 p.m. (during peak visitor season).

Kayaking on the Alsea Slough Waldport Kayak Shack offers summertime kayak rentals & guided group tours on the Alsea, 8 miles north of Yachats.

This information is provided by the Yachats Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website for more info on the Yachats area.

~ Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!

Saturday July 3rd

• 5-8 pm First Saturday Art Walk~ look for “Art Walk” signs & get a map at your first stop or download map from event calendar at www.seasidechamber.com

Sunday July 4th

• 11:30am Parade Begins~ Organized by Seaside Museum & Historical SocietyFeaturing:  The Troopers, The Blue Knights and The Oregon Crusaders Drum Bugle Corps.  Look for the Uncle Sam Hat and Fireworks donation collectors  *Be aware of no parking zones and times along Parade Route and in other areas
• Noon to 4pm Old Fashion Social~ Seaside Museum & Butterfield Cottage 570 Necanicum Dr. 503-738-7065 Free admission to Museum, Live Music, Continuous Cakewalk, Children’s Games, Food Booths, Raffle Drawings, Silent Auction, Bingo
• 2pm Free Concert at Turnaround~ Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corp
• *10 pm Fireworks display on the beach~ Tune your radio to Music Matters 94.9 FM for the musical score that accompanies the Fireworks.  Designed and presented by Kriegshauser Family Pyrotechnicians

Monday July 5th

• 8-11am “Treasure the Beach” Clean-up~ Check-in Locations: Turnaround, Ave U

For more info visit the Seaside Chamber of Commerce (View a short clip of the fireworks!)

~ Thanks & have a great 4th of July AT THE BEACH