Kim Mobley **A public fireworks display returns to Waldport at 10 p.m. Saturday after a one-year hiatus because of coronavirus restrictions.**

By CHERI BRUBAKER/YachatsNews.com

WALDPORT — After being forced to skip a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 65th version of Waldport’s Beachcomber Days are back – with a bang.

Forced to scramble to put on the event in just a few months, the group’s organizing committee has filled Friday night and Saturday in downtown Waldport with everything from food, to music, to car and truck show, to a timber skill demonstration.

The big parade through downtown returns as well at noon Saturday. The fireworks show – now sponsored by the city of Waldport – is at 10 p.m. Saturday from the northwest side of Alsea Bay.

TiAnne Rios, secretary of the Beachcomber Days committee, said everything was so uncertain this spring because of the pandemic, that the committee was unable to raise money for the fireworks. The city stepped in to fund the fireworks and the committee, gaining new officers, regrouped – also moving the event from its traditional time over Father’s Day weekend in mid-June.

Beachcomber Days secretary TiAnne Rios, from left, president Tammy Abele, and Leanna Rios, Beachcomber Days junior royalty, attend the Waldport Wednesday Market, which is now also managed by the committee to help fund the two-day celebration.

There was some grumbling that the July 4^th weekend doesn’t need the additional attraction of Beachcomber Days. Crowds flock to the coast anyway.

Rios shrugs off the criticism. The committee voted, she said, and next year the event will return to Father’s Day weekend.

Interest grew even greater after Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement eliminating COVID-19 restrictions including masks and social distancing as of Wednesday.

“People are so excited to be meeting and greeting their neighbors after so long,” Rios said.

Excited and enthusiastic about the bands, vendors and entertainment coming to Waldport, she called attention to some of the team of people making the event possible and the generosity of local businesses. Rogue Brewery donated beverages, the city contributed $2,500 and Ray’s grocery donated goods and cash, Rios said.

“The parade has 50 entries,” Rios said.

New this year to Beachcombers is a promotional logging show by Stihl Timber Sport athletes including Jeff Skirvin, Waldport High School’s technical education teacher and football coach. He is also coach of the school’s state champion forestry team.

This year’s logging show is just a preview, said Skirvin’s wife, WHS principal Amy Skirvin, who will be the master of ceremonies. It usually takes months to put together a logging show, she said, while this one came together in just weeks.

There will be a “hot saw” which uses a snowmobile motor powering a chainsaw that can cut a log in just a second.

“The hot saw gets the crowd excited,” said Amy Skirvin.

Next year, the high school’s timber sports team will put on the logging show. It will be bigger and better, said Amy Skirvin.

“We’re going to bring back forest to where the ‘Forest meets the sea’,” she said.

Beachcomber Days schedule

Friday

6:30 p.m.: Main Stage, Northwest John Street: Opening proclamation by Waldport Mayor Gregory Holland followed by crowning of royalty and scholarship awards;
7 p.m.: DJ Dance Party at the community center;
10 p. m.: Family movie night outside at the community center.

Saturday

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car, Bike & Truck Show, Hemlock and Verbena Streets;
10-11 a.m.: Drum Circle, Main Stage, Northwest John Street;
10 am to noon: Music by Steve Cook, Hemlock and Verbena streets;
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors fair, north side of Northwest John Street;
10:30 a.m. to 3 pm: Strawberry Shortcake Festival, St. Anthony’s Church Hall;
11 a.m.: Parade check in and line up, old high school field, Northeast Crestline Drive and and Highway 34;
11-12 a.m.: Kluster Func, main stage;
Noon: “Seas the Day!” Beachcombers Day Parade;
1-2 p.m: Pacific Wind Ensemble, community center;
1-2 p.m.: Literacy Center ukulele players, Hemlock and Verbena Streets;
1-4 p.m.: Kid’s games on Spring Street;
2 p.m.: Logging show featuring Stihl Timber Sport athletes, Northwest John Street;
2-5 p.m.: Music by Weird Science, main stage;
5:30 p.m.: Music by Kreau, main stage;
6-8 p.m.: Jeff Garcia, Zen bubble master, around the main stage;
8-10 p.m.: Music by Strange Brew band, main stage;
10 p.m.: Fireworks, over the Alsea Bay;
10:30 p.m.: Sol Fire dancers troupe, main stage.