Coastal Events February 19, 2010

Newport Seafood and Wine Festival this weekend!

Newport’s biggest party roars into town this weekend.

For the 32nd time, the finest wines and seafood in the Pacific Northwest will be on display at the South Beach Marina Event Center. Over 100 booths will feature the bounty of seafood, grapes, cheeses and other local fresh Northwest fare. The event attracted 24,000 people in 2009 and local expectations anticipate that this will be exceeded given the beautiful weather predicted for this weekend.

Friday night is known as locals night but it is Saturday when musicians and other entertainment are in full swing. This is the granddaddy of wine festivals for the Oregon coast, a place where a gold medal actually matters to both the winemakers and distributors.

The Seafood and Wine Festival is co-sponsored by the Newport Chamber of Commerce and Seaport Airlines. Although you must be 21 and over to attend, the event has traditionally been a low-key affair. The locals look forward to this event as much as the 10,000 tourists we expect to descend on the coast for the weekend.

Because a free shuttle bus is offered at numerous locations around town, attendees can be guarantee that they’ll get back to their motel as quickly and safely as possible.

This is truly an event that brings forth the best efforts of the vintners, restaurants and the citizens of Newport. Most locals will tell you this is the weekend you can have the most fun on the Oregon Coast. Hey, and while you’re over here — look at some of the most beautiful and affordable properties on the Central Oregon Coast.