You will Witness a real live coast guard helicopter rescue; Listen to Highline fishermen explain all aspects of their fishery in front of actual fishing boats; and to Cheer on the men that risk their lives to bring us seafood as they compete in several fun and often grueling competitions.

Don't miss the Pacific Northwest Brew Cup

This Oktoberfest style beer festival was named Oregon "Best Beer Festival" by John Foyston - Oregonian, January 2010 will be in the Town Square in Historic Astoria, Oregon September 24-26, 2010

This is a family friendly event with kids activities, food vendors, games and live music all weekend long. Festival attendees get a souvenir glass mug which is the official tasting glass for sampling some of the 30+ different northwest beers and the root beers that are on tap for this 3 day event.

The theme this year for the oldest festival in the Northwest is "Celebrating 100 year Anniversary of the Port of Astoria"

The Astoria Regatta has been a tradition since 1894 and has something for everyone. All five days of fun revolve on the activities on or near the great river of the west, the mighty Columbia River.

Musical events abound this year, with nightly concerts to fit any taste in music. Regatta Square with Kiddieland , a Salmon Bar-B-Q, a Car Show, Ducky Derby, Historic Home Tour, street dance, fireworks, sailboat races, concerts, classic cars, softball, ship tours and great food, including a pancake breakfast, Shanghaied in Astoria, ship tours, trolley rides, museums, shopping, boat rides, great restaurants, lots of fun along the Astoria waterfront and, of course, the 2010 Grand Land Parade.

As the the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies Astoria offers a rich history for you to explore. Astoria is situated on the Oregon Coast near the mouth of the Columbia River and was named after the American investor (and first millionaire) John Jacob Astor. His fur trading company founded Fort Astoria at the site in 1810. Astoria was incorporated in 1876.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806 at Fort Clatsop, a small log structure south and west of modern day Astoria. The expedition had hoped a ship would come by to take them back east, but instead endured a torturous winter of rain and cold, then returned east the way they came. Today the fort has been recreated and is now a national monument.

Read an Indiana Gazette article by Bob Fulton about his visit to Fort Clasop : FORT CLATSOP: Space limited at Lewis and Clark’s quarters

by Foster Church for the Oregonian

Only the ribs of the sailing ship Peter Iredale remain. But the remains of the ship, which ran aground near Hammond in 1906, still atttract throngs of visitors, many with their cameras.

Hammond on the far coast of northwest Oregon offers glorious views of the mouth of the Columbia River and a tranquil, out-of-the-way atmosphere. But the real reason to visit is to experience two ruins from the past: the wreck of the Peter Iredale and the vast remains of Fort Stevens. Either is enough to furnish dreams with bizarre images for months.

Smokin' on the Columbia will be in Astoria, Oregon on May 15-16, 2010

Chicken, Ribs, Tri-Tip, Salmon and more...

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association's 2nd annual Smokin' on the Columbia is a state-wide chili cookoff and barbecue with proceeds benefitting the United Way of Clatsop County.

The Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival has been a tradition on the North Coast of Oregon for over forty years. All events except for the parade take place at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, three miles east of Astoria.

Highlights on Friday include the Coronation of Miss Scandinavia, the torchlight procession to the bonfire to burn hexes representing bad luck, and the queen's ball. Saturday's events include a walking parade in downtown Astoria, the raising of the midsummer pole followed by ring dancing, and an evening open dance. On Sunday there is a nondenominational church service in the morning. The raffle and closing ceremonies take place in the late afternoon. Games and activities for children are available Saturday and Sunday in the kids' area called the Barnefest.

This past Weekend, my Hubby and I took off for a few days to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary in Astoria on the Oregon Coast. Astoria was named for John Jacob Aster who was a founding member of the Pacific Fur Company which established a trading post on the site that is now Astoria in the early 1800's. Astoria is located on the mouth of the Columbia River as it joins the Pacific Ocean. We haven't been to Astoria for a long time and it was just a really nice break and great fun to explore. We stayed at a relatively new Hotel, The Cannery Pier.

This photo of the Peter Iredale wreckage by Gary Randall inspired an article.