Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary officials will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the coastal refuge with a host of activities July 16-17.
During the celebration, called CoastFest, sanctuary officials will dedicate the new Olympic Coast Discovery Center in Port Angeles, host a series of free concerts on Port Angeles City Pier and offer various educational opportunities for people to learn more about the waters off the Olympic coastline.
The tall ship, Lady Washington, will dock at City Pier and be open for tours.
Area tribes, including the Quinault, Hoh, Quileute, Makah, Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam, have been asked to land traditional cedar canoes at Hollywood Beach as part of the festivities.
Members of Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles will conduct a helicopter rescue demonstration, and about 30 exhibitors will be located next to the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Life Center in Port Angeles to provide educational information.
All events are free and open to the public.
Dedication ceremony
The Olympic Coast Discovery Center in The Landing mall on Port Angeles’ waterfront will open following a dedication ceremony.
“The Olympic Coast Discovery Center was developed by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to introduce Port Angeles visitors and residents to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, one of the nation’s most significant marine ecosystems,” said sanctuary education and outreach coordinator Bob Steelquist.
The center will be located on the second floor of The Landing, 115 E. Railroad Ave., and will feature exhibits and interactive kiosks to educate people about Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
