Quilcene is now the “Pearl of the Peninsula.”

That was the winning slogan – already displayed on a sign at the northwest entrance to town – that was declared on Saturday, April 23 as part of a festive day and evening in Quilcene.

The slogan won by popular vote in a contest.

However, the selection of a slogan was only part of a big day of community activities, fun and pride in Quilcene.

Dozens of children found colorful eggs in Quilcene Park in an event sponsored by the Lions Club. The park itself was subject of a reopening ceremony, followed by games and fun.

On Saturday afternoon came a gala ceremony that honored the work that has come out of Quilcene Conversations.

Billed as the first Quilcene Academy Awards, the gala was attended by all three county commissioners and several other officials, along with some 60 others. They dressed up for the event.

Rasco (“oscar” spelled backwards) Awards were announced and presented by master of ceremonies “Crystal Billy,” a.k.a. Quilcene Community Center Director Bob Rosen, with the help of two lovely ladies and a Chaplin-esque guard.

Judith Kate Friedman led the crowd in a song, and promised that a  Quilcene anthem will be composed on Monday, May 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Quilcene Community Center.

An award for set decoration went to John Helsper, who accepted on behalf of all those who worked to clean moss off the sidewalk and tidy up the totem pole garden.

Helsper announced a new project: Adopt a Tree. A local grower is matching tree for tree, and Northwest Nurseries in Redmond, Wash., has donated more than $4,000, said Helsper.

“We can build an entirely new gateway to town,” said Helsper.

The details are to be worked out at a meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 in the Timberhouse Restaurant, said Helsper. He may be contacted at

beautifyquilcene@yahoo.com.

Jane Lapstad, cochair with Shelby Smith, received a “Documentary” award for work on mentoring community youths.

The “Optical Effects” award went to Bonnie Story for her local website work. She invited writers and photographers to make contributions.

Clayton White received the “Production Design” award for his work in getting the Quilcene Campground reopened. The bathrooms have been painted, the slide has been repaired, the fireplace has been removed, and Kenny Harris is working on refurbishing the bulldozer, announced White.

Philip Morley won the “Charlie Sheen Executive Diplomacy” award.

“This is the longest darn conversation I’ve seen in some time,” said Morley, the Jefferson County administrator. “The county is here as a partner to support what you are doing. It is just awesome, and it’s an honor to partner with you.”

Linda Herzog won the “Special Special Special” award for starting the Quilcene Conversations.

“I haven’t seen this kind of energy, personally or professionally, in my life,” said Herzog.

She said the group is starting a nonprofit called Count Me in for Quilcene, which will allow people to get tax credit for financial support of community projects.

More information on Quilcene Conversation events is at

quilconv.blogspot.com.

“Nothing says Quilcene like satin and Carhartts,” said Erwin Dence, nominated in all categories and winner of the “Best Loser” award.

Dence thanked his wife, Trish, profusely.

A Special Projects panel reported on the 8-by-12-foot swim float and ladder to be in the Linger Longer area by May; the Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization Project survey results to be presented on May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Quilcene Community Center; progress on Quilcene Community Center grounds projects; and the local gas station acquisition.

Capping the event was the announcement by organizer Carol Christiansen of Quilcene’s new slogan. “Pearl of the Peninsula” won with 139 votes. Another 86 votes went for “Linger Longer,” and 66 votes went for “Mountains to the Bay.”

Anne Ricker said she was honored to be chosen to design the logo.

The winners were toasted with champagne and sparkling cider, and a potluck dinner ended the celebration.

There were several upcoming events announced at the gathering. They included the Garden Club plant sale on Saturday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Quilcene Community Center; the first Ninth Night Dinner Theater on Thursday, June 9 in the Quilcene Community Center; the county library bond measure on Tuesday, Aug. 16; the Quilcene National Fish Hatchery centennial celebration on Saturday, Aug. 20; and the Quilcene Fair on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 17-18.