Hoodsport prepares for Memorial Day

Kirk Boxleitner | Apr 28, 20220

Hoodsport business owner Jan Morris offered an update on the May 15 Fjordin Crossin event to Port of Hoodsport commissioners April 13.

Morris, owner of The Hardware Distillery, said event organizers are trying to enlist local and regional politicians. She’s landed a commitment from U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor.

“He’s going to lead our little parade, and be on the boat,” Morris said.

As of April 13, Morris was still searching for a bus to provide transportation from the school. She’s discussed it with Mason Transit Authority, but the MTA’s scheduling precluded its ability to take part.

“So, we don’t have a bus so far,” Morris said. “At least, we don’t have an MTA bus.”

Morris reported fruitful discussions with Rachel Hansen, who owns the area bank building and its property, “so we have that parking. We have all the library, the bank, and some other spots identified for parking, even if we don’t have a bus.”

Morris said YSS Dive has committed to providing “a little petting tank or touch tank, whichever it’s called,” so that kids can experience creatures including sea stars.

Other event participants whose presence Morris could confirm include the Norwegian Elkhounds and the Salmon Center. She said the center plans to educate visitors on preserving Hood Canal, while also cooking oysters.

The League of Women Voters of Mason County will provide insights on a few of the county’s historically significant women.

When Port Commissioner Lori Kincannon inquired about the event’s garbage cans and portable restrooms, Morris reported spending $330 for two portable restrooms, to be delivered on the Friday of that weekend, and locked up that Saturday, until the event that Sunday.

“I don’t want them to get full on Saturday,” Morris said.

Scott Lindgren, who’s in charge of maintenance and similar functions for the port, confirmed the port’s five existing garbage cans would be available for the event, while Port Operations Manager Kathleen Wyatt noted a sixth garbage can had been ordered, and a third portable restroom would be placed “wherever Jan wants it” when Morris’ two portable restrooms are delivered.

Wyatt likewise confirmed with Lindgren that he would reserve the end slip of the dock for Lee Geist’s boat, and the south slip next to it.

“Scott will make sure electricity is ready,” Wyatt said. “And if a hose is needed, Scott will make that ready as well.”

Forest McCullough of Northwest Land & Tree followed the Fjordin Crossin discussion by updating the port on the clearing of debris and dying trees on its park grounds, which he expected to start in about two weeks, after which he anticipated it would take “a month or so” to complete.

“Part of the park will be able to be open while we’re working,” McCullough said. “The areas we’re not working in? People can still access.”

Kincannon said all those areas are closed to the public and urged McCullough to have his workers complete as much of their work before Memorial Day as possible to accommodate the influx of visitors.

McCullough’s walkthrough survey of the park grounds revealed several trees are dead or dying, enough that he tentatively upped his initial estimate of 20 loads to as many as 30.

“And the timber value has gone up, which is good news for you guys,” McCullough said. “Inflation is absolutely killing us.”