Shellfest celebrates clean water and healthy shellfish in Puget Sound, and is part of the Washington Shellfish Initiative. April 30 is the last day that shellfishing is open at Penrose State Park, and people can come out and dig clams and shuck some oysters. A state shellfish gathering license is required.
There will be various informational booths to help promote clean water plus exhibits, children activities, beach walks, ice table display, music by the 133rd Army National Guard Band and The Blue Grass Minstrels, and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound and the coast.
Washington became the first state in the nation to establish a shellfish initiative to strengthen the health of shellfish resources and bolster their role in the state’s economy.
There will also be low-tide beach walks guided by local experts, and a shellfish lunch provided by Taylor Shellfish Farms. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is free with a suggested donation of $7 per person or $20 per family to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation.
Admission is free, but visitors will need to purchase of have a Discover Pass for vehicle access to the event. Details: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
