New Fire Chief, High Dune Trail Updates, Salon by the Sea Business Feature + Much More!l

THE SHORES INSIDER

May Wrap-Up, 2023

Presented by the Ocean Shores Branch of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.

A Localized Voice for Business in Ocean Shores

Shores Business News

Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust Festival

There will be sand all over town for the 2023 Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust Festival! Join us here in Ocean Shores on June 23 – 25, 2023 for three days of sand-filled programs in Ocean Shores.

The event will kick off with a ribbon cutting on June 23rd at 10am to celebrate their 26th anniversary! Event festivities will then begin and be held on the beach at the Ocean Shores Chance a la Mer NW beach access, the Ocean Shores Convention Center and around town at Oyhut Bay Seaside Village, Bennett’s Fish Shack and Playtime Family Fun.

The Amateur Sandcastle Building Contest is open to everyone. Professional sand artists from Formfinders will manage the contest and provide training and encouragement for all. There is a $5 per person registration fee up to a maximum of $30 per team. Register your team in advance by mail, or at the Festival Info Booth, or Saturday morning on the beach. Cash or check only.

The Masters Sandcastle Contest features three sandcastles built around Ocean Shores. Thanks to the generosity of our three major sponsors – Playtime Family Fun, Oyhut Bay, and Bennett’s Fish Shack - there will be sandcastles made by professional sand sculpture artists from around the state displayed at these businesses. The sandcastles will be built Thursday, Friday and Saturday and they will be up until the wind blows them away. The sculptures are all available for public viewing as they are being built. Stop on by our local business sponsors for a close-up of these amazing creations that only live for a moment in time.

HOW TO GET TO THE BEACH SITE:

Use the Chance a la Mer entrance. Once on the beach, the activities are to the left of the parking poles (south). You will see the tent, banners, and registration table for the contest and Justin’s truck and banners for sand drawing. Cars are allowed on the beach to drive and park but cars are not allowed past the permanent poles to the south.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Scott Nagel, Art at Beach Producer:

birchhills@mindspring.com, (360) 808-3940

or Kelly: (360) 461-3950

High Dune Trail Groundbreaking Soon

The City of Ocean Shores and Mayor Jon Martin have signed the contract for the construction of the High Dunes Trail. The trail will run from Damon Road to West Chance a la Mer, and will consist of a 10-foot wide winding shared use, paved recreational path for pedestrians and bicycles on the highest part of the dunes.

The trail will also be ADA accessible so recreation in the dunes will be available to everyone. Mayor Martin expects the trail will have the added benefit of being a tourist attraction in attention to providing residents with a space for exercise. The City hopes to break ground in June of this year.

Brian Ritter Becomes the New Fire Chief

The Ocean Shores Fire Department has a new Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief. After a lengthy interview process, the City of Ocean Shores and Mayor Jon Martin have selected our own Brian Ritter as the next Fire Chief of Ocean Shores. Brian comes to the job with a plethora of experience in our City. He started with the City of Ocean Shores in 2004 and has risen up through the ranks to become Chief.

Brian looks forward to leading our Fire Department. “We have a bright future ahead and we face the same challenges as many other Fire Departments in our region," said Brian. "Our city is growing and so are the demands of the Fire Department. We have extremely talented, intelligent, and empathetic first responders at the ready and I am very proud to represent them alongside the City Administration. I have been with this organization for 20 years and I take great pride in our community and those who we serve. We will always strive to make it better together. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy that will continue long after my departure. This will be accomplished by cultivating our existing talent through training, coaching and mentoring. We have a solid foundation to build from and our future is bright.” 

In addition, the City has hired Michael Mandela as Brian’s replacement for the position of Assistant Chief. Michael comes to the City of Ocean Shores after having served as Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Mercer Island and having worked for many years in top positions at the Port of Seattle. We look forward to having him in the City.

Stay Tuned! Golf Packages for Overnight Rentals

The City of Ocean Shores will be hosting a get together for overnight rental agencies offering packages to play the Ocean Shores Golf Course. The City is excited about our new partnership with Troon, the City’s professional golf management company, and is seeking opportunities to encourage tourists to play our 18-hole course.

More details coming soon!

Stay Informed by Following Mayor Jon Martin's Facebook Page!

Shores Spotlight

Salon By the Sea

With their first year in business under their belt, Salon by the Sea has grown to become one of the most popular salons in the area. Owned and operated by Alexis Ketter, Salon by the Sea helps bring smiles to their customers faces, giving them a newfound confidence as they leave the salon.

As the business continues to grow, as do their services, which now include hair cuts, coloring, and other hair treatments as well as a selection of shampoos, conditioners, serums, and accessories available for purchase.

Expanding Salon by the Sea's offerings even further, Alexis frequently organizes pop-up workshops including teeth whitening, microblading, lip and eyebrow tattooing, as well as events such as 'Bring Your Own Tools' where participants learn how best to use their personal hair tools for healthy hair habits.

One of the most recent additions to Salon by the Sea is the inclusion of Orb&Crescent Sugaring Spa, another woman owned business utilizing the storefront to provide master speed body sugaring as well as brow treatments. Stop by the Salon on June 9th at 3:30pm for the Orb&Crescent Sugaring Spa Ribbon Cutting followed by an open house where you can check out the space.

Located at 114 E Chance a la Mer NE, Salon by the Sea has you covered for all your self care needs!

Book an appointment today and discover the many reasons why Salon by the Sea is a thriving small business in North Beach!