LONG BEACH, Wash. (Amazing America) — Since 1940, the annual Razor Clam & Shellfish Festival in Long Beach, Washington, has honored the peninsula’s decades-long tradition of razor clam harvesting, and it’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest celebrations of coastal seafood culture.
Usually held in the spring at Veterans Field near downtown Long Beach, the festival draws visitors from all over the region.
Highlights include razor clam digging lessons and cleaning demonstrations, oyster shucking contests, live music, beer gardens, and more.
One of the biggest draws is the annual chowder cook-off, where local restaurants submit their rendition of the classic dish and visitors vote for their favorite, awarding bragging rights to the winner.
Don’t forget to take a selfie with the famous Giant Squirting Clam (sometimes called the World’s Largest Spitting Clam), a legendary Long Beach attraction located at 409 S Pacific Ave, which is conveniently near the World’s Largest Frying Pan.
Many folks like to combine the festival with a clam dig on nearby beaches. Bear in mind that digging depends on Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife approvals, and the best conditions are usually one to two hours before low tide.
Long Beach isn’t just good for seafood: It’s situated along one of the longest drivable beaches in the United States and is a popular destination for coastal recreation.
Mark your calendars for next year and look forward to cool ocean air, plenty of fresh seafood, a friendly community, and Pacific Northwest charm.
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