U.S. Coast Guard Honored At 60th Annual Loyalty Days, May 1 And 2, On The Long Beach Peninsula «

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U.S. Coast Guard Honored At 60th Annual Loyalty Days, May 1 And 2, On The Long Beach Peninsula

’George Washington’, Big Parade and Blessing of the Fleet among this Year’s Festivities

LONG BEACH PENINSULA, Wash. – March 31, 2010 – A full weekend of star-spangled festivities is planned for the Long Beach Peninsula on May 1 and 2. Honoring the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1790, the 60th annual Loyalty Days is highlighted by the Blessing of the Fleet, an Honor’s Banquet, a Big Parade, and guest speaker ’George Washington’.

On Saturday, May 1, the annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at the Ilwaco Boat Basin. Free scenic boat rides depart from the dock at 1PM for the on-the-water memorial service. Also at the Boat Basin, the U.S. Coast Guard will display a 52-foot lifeboat from 10AM to 3PM and the Ilwaco Saturday Market will kick off its summer season at the marina. A lively Kid’s Parade will get into formation at 11AM and begin at noon in Ilwaco; same-day entry sign up is available and encouraged. On the same day, the Long Beach Elks Club will host an Oyster Feed from noon to 5PM.

Dean Malissa, internationally renowned portrayer of Washington – who was president when the U.S. Coast Guard was founded – will be the guest speaker at the Honor’s Banquet, May 1 at 7PM. The banquet includes a social hour, buffet dinner, awards, silent auction and drawings.

The finale of the weekend will be Sunday’s Loyalty Day Parade. Boasting over one hundred units including marching bands from all over the Northwest, drill teams from Seattle and Edmonds, classic cars, clowns, horseback riding clubs, ten units from the Shriners, VFW posts and the well-loved Newfoundland Dog Club. Malissa, portraying George Washington, will be the guest speaker and Grand Marshal. Reviewing stand activities start at noon in downtown Long Beach. The parade begins with a U.S. Coast Guard Fly Over at 1PM.

With its mix of sensational restaurants, ocean view lodging, unique museums and attractions, lighthouses, galleries, trails, birding spots, and, above all, its long, wide, windswept beach, the Long Beach Peninsula continues to be one of the Northwest’s most enjoyable and refreshing getaway destinations. For event and visitor information, please call the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau toll free at 1-800-451-2542 or access www.funbeach.com.

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