The Shores Insider
October, 2021

Presented by the Ocean Shores Branch of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
A Localized Voice for Business in Ocean Shores
Shores Business News
Thank you to the residents, businesses and loyal visitors to Ocean Shores. I am sure everyone hopes that we can someday have COVID not dominate our conversations, but the ripple effects of its impact are still prevalent including the current supply chain and staffing challenges. The supply chain issue presents a major frustration as it is frequently surprising what items will be hard to secure. We ask everyone to have patience when visiting local businesses. Your kindness and grace can make a difference in an employee and business owners day.

Here are some statistics from the last month and other things to note: 

  • The City's traffic count in September was up 6% over 2020 but down 1.5% from 2019. 
  • Financials for the City remain strong year to date. Sales taxes +46%, Hotel/Motel Taxes +106%, Building Permits +37%. The City has received $908,285 ARPA money that the Council will start discussing what to do with it. 
 
The Planning Commission is very busy completing the Comprehensive Plan; this will be the backbone of future Zoning Discussions. They are also working on the Gateway Corridor and South End Development plan. Very much early work, but it could be the start of design standards.  
 
The City has applied for funding for a Cross Walk on Point Brown and is hopeful to know the result sometime next month. 
 
Council members have been having some discussions on what is needed for our Fresh Water Ways in funding and focus. A third of our City is water canals and lakes. This is a big task with many moving parts and will take much effort, but it's a start. 

Upcoming Events:
 
At the next Council Meeting at the Convention Center on October 25th at 6pm, a presentation from the Grays Harbor Community Hospital will be held to hear their updates and initiatives.
 
On October 26th at 4pm at the Convention Center is the monthly Conversation with Council Members for those interested in asking questions. 
 
The Celtic Music Fest is still proceeding on a smaller scale due to COVID restrictions. One of Ocean Shores' more popular events, Turkey Bingo, has been canceled, and the Fire Department Halloween will be held outside as Trunk or Treat on Halloween, October 31st, from 5 to 8pm. 
 
Lastly, if you have not voted, make sure you fill out your ballot and get it mailed in. The door is always open for your thoughts and concerns. Solutions are not always easy but with working together, maybe it can be. 
To learn more about Ocean Shores City Council agendas and meetings, click here.
Shores Spotlight
What started as a little Woodn Irish Store in 1989, Galway Bay Irish Pub has become the gold standard of authentic Irish pubs in the Western U.S. With its' 10,000 square feet of everything Irish/Celtic and the west’s largest Irish Whiskey selection, it’s a destination for the Irish faithful, and a few others too.  

Founder Liam (Celtic for William) Gibbons is third generation Irish whose clan hails from the Co. Mayo region of Ireland. His dream of creating an Irish gathering place for all people has grown from that first little shop to a world class Celtic gift shop and Irish Pub over the last 32 years. He had a little help along the way, his friend and business partner Christy (Celtic for Chris) Doyle, who joined Liam’s adventure 10 years ago and is also third generation Irish. 
Pub, deriving from formal Public House, was and is a gathering place for families to enjoy some company, good food and ale, and live Irish music! In addition to live music most weekends, Galway Bay hosts the largest Celtic Music Festival on the West Coast featuring 20+ bands and 10 stages at the pub and convention center every October! This year will be Galway Bays 18th Annual event.
 
Thank you to Liam and Chris for creating an authentic taste of Irish culture on the coast of Washington!
All Ocean Shores events found here.
How to Submit Your Own Grays Harbor Event to the Calendar
Head to our community calendar, click the " + " button located to the right above the calendar or click here.

Please make sure to fill in as many fields as possible and add the keywords "Ocean Shores" to your event description!

*If you would like to feature a photo in your event, please email it to knorvell@graysharbor.org after submission.
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
(360) 532-7888
506 Duffy St.
Aberdeen, WA 98537
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