The Oregon Coast is very beautiful with the Pacific providing us with the work of its labor: sandy beaches, intriguing rock formations, and delicious fish, shellfish and plants. The Pacific holds many mysteries, beneath its surface is a world so different it almost seems like another planet.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to solve these mysteries, and the people of Oregon appreciate them. The groundbreaking ceremony for NOAA was on June 3, 2010, just a little over of a year later the world class facility was dedicated on August 20, 2011 in Newport. It is the home port of four scientific ships that conduct oceanographic research, fisheries surveys, and sea floor mapping operations. These studies help scientists to better understand and protect marine mammals, coral reefs and historic shipwrecks, managing commercial marine fish stocks. The work performed regarding climate processes, and nautical charts help keep mariners safe.
August 10th , the Port and city of Newport will celebrate the one year anniversary of having NOAA in Newport. Festivities begin at 4:30 pm at Port Dock 7 with a picnic barbeque hosted by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be cooked by Don Mann, Port General Manager, and friends and the meal will be completed with side dishes and Pepsi products or water. At 5:30 pm during a special ceremony, officials from the Port of Newport, Chamber of Commerce, and other local notables will present a cake to NOAA. Cost for the picnic is $5.
On Saturday, the action starts at 10 am with members of the Northwest Woodies Club will be there with their ‘surfer’ cars. You cannot help admiring these unique cars. The Bay City Cruisers will also participate with some of their antique and classic cars. You can enjoy these wonderful cars and reminisce about the past. The cars will be available for drooling over until 4 pm.
At eleven o’clock, the serious fun begins as teams of chefs compete in the Great Albacore Tuna BBQ Challenge for $2,000 in prizes. You can watch the teams work to produce their tantalizing entries. The Awards Ceremony will be at 3:30 pm. All you can eat samples are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 through 15 years of age, if purchased in advance on line at www.yaquinabaybbq.com. Tickets purchased at the event will be $12. Sponsors include Chinook Winds Casino and Resort, Oregon Albacore Commission, News Times, among others. Mak Grills, Burning’ Love BBQ, 3 Sisters Kettle Corn, Newport Food Pantry Pepsi Stand and other vendors will be on hand to supplement the tuna.
Article written by Mary Boyer
Having NOAA come to Newport gives the citizens here a great deal to celebrate. Come and join the party! Celebrate NOAA and all that the beautiful Pacific Ocean gives Oregon.
For more information check out:
http://www.beachconnection.net/news/noaavers072812_1144.php
http://www.moc.noaa.gov/
http://www.yaquinabaybbq.com/
