Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Razor Clam Festival: A Great Family Event in Beautiful Ocean Shores

Up the profile of your next early spring excursion and head to Ocean Shores, Washington, for stunning natural surroundings and abundant activities. Originally named Bullfinch Harbor in 1792, the town has had many identities over the years. Settlers began to move into the area in the 1860’s and the first trading outpost was established in 1878 by A.O. Damon. The city continued to grow entering the 20th century, but it wasn't until the 1960’s, with Washington’s adoption of state sanctioned gambling, that the city began to boom. By 1969, Ocean Shores was nationally known as the “Richest Little City”, with $35 million in total wealth spread between its 900 residents, in that year. The 80’s and 90’s saw economic hardship, but currently this city of 5,600 people is thriving and strong.

 

If you do nothing else during your stay in Ocean Shores, you must head to the coastline and experience the breathtaking panoramic vistas. Aside from the shoreline, you’ll be greeted by a lush outdoor environment with rainforests, distant peaks and a diverse grouping of wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking the network of beautiful trails, deep sea fishing on the Pacific Ocean or hitting the local links for some great golfing. The city is also home to many great shops, with unique items you won't find anywhere else. If you're traveling with the family you’ll encounter many activities for everyone in your group including mini golf, arcades, go karts and more. Ocean Shores is a friendly and welcoming city, and one of the best ways to experience the area is during one of the large local events like the Razor Clam Festival.

 

Going strong for a decade now, the Razor Clam Festival brings thousands of attendees into the Ocean Shores community. This festival is for all ages and has a little something for everyone who shows up. The event is anchored by a clam chowder cooking competition (patrons can sample all the chowders) and also features cooking demonstrations, an auction and much more. To give patrons a great family experience, the festival includes kid themed activities like a giant slide, face painting, mechanical shark rides and more. Give your family a vacation that they will fondly remember and head to Ocean Shores for the Razor Clam Festival. We got the chance to interview Dianne Hansen, Event Representative for the Razor Clam Festival, to talk about the festivities.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

DH: We are proudly entering the 10th year of the Razor Clam Festival. Each year the crowd of attendees continues to grow and this year we are expecting over 5,000 people at the festival. This event is for anyone and everyone. Demographically we see all ages here, plus the festival is popular with couples, families, singles and groups. It’s held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center with most of the smaller activities inside.  Some of the larger attractions, like the Big Purple Slide and the ponies, are outside.  

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

DH: Besides being one of the top gatherings in the area, this is the ideal event to kick off spring and get outside. You’ll meet plenty of new people and this event has a little of something for everyone who attends. We have restaurants compete for the title of “Best Clam Chowder on the Pacific Northwest Coast.” Typically, we have a minimum of 15 amateur chefs compete for the best homemade clam chowder. It's a fun and spirited competition, and it's a great way to sample a spectrum of delicious options.

 

RAL: Take me through what people will find during a typical day at the festival.

DH: Activities this year include: live music, mechanical shark rides, face painting, pirates with their own ship, artisan food booths, tasting and voting for your favorite clam chowder, cooking demonstrations, auction of decorated clam guns/shovels, big purple slide, and even ponies to pet and ride. In addition, we will have musicians performing on stage and chefs from Seattle College demonstrating and interacting with the patrons. For food options, we will of course have the chowder competition, but also a wide selection of food vendors, for those with differing tastes.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?

DH: We have it all here in Ocean Shores. Some of the lodging options available include large hotels, comfortable B&B’s, condos, rental homes, motels and more. A few of the more popular lodging providers include: The Grey Gull, Canterbury Inn and The Polynesian. Local lodging does fill up during the event, but don't worry! You can search in the surrounding communities to find additional options.

 

RAL: What does the festival mean to the community?

DH: It brings in a lot of people during our off season. We will probably have a clam dig during the same weekend, which will increase the number of people in town by thousands. All the extra people in the community are great for the local businesses. Money is spent by festival attendees eating at our restaurants, reserving rooms for lodging, shopping at the unique stores, and even gassing up their automobiles.

 

The festival also supports the local High School Arts Department by donating a portion of the proceeds from the auction. Also, a portion of our Passport sales (for tasting and voting for favorite chowder) will go to North Beach Medical Equipment (offering FREE equipment to those in need) this year.

 

RAL: Why should people come to the festival?

DH: This event is all about experiencing the beach life and celebrating our seafood. Great memories are created here and we have many people who return year after year. It’s a great event that lasts the entire weekend. Each year is a unique experience at the Razor Clam Festival. We are always striving to provide our patrons with new activities to enjoy, while tasting some of the best chowder you’ll find anywhere.  


For more information about the Razor Clam Festival, please visit your website.