After an intermission this spring, the annual Brinnon ShrimpFest is not only returning, but putting out the call to prospective sponsors and vendors, starting next month.

Brinnon Parks and Recreation Secretary Diane Coleman credited the Emerald Towns Alliance with helping make possible the ShrimpFest’s return to Yelvik’s General Store field in 2019, along with the event’s other champions.

“The community members of Brinnon have rallied around the event, providing the support needed to move forward with ShrimpFest 2019,” Coleman said. “ShrimpFest will continue to provide live entertainment, food and specialty vendors, a kid zone, Hood Canal spot shrimp for sale, and much, much more.”

Coleman explained proceeds generated by this event will continue to go back into the community, supporting nonprofits and Brinnon Parks and Recreation.

Coleman said past recipients through the years have included the Brinnon Food Bank and Parent Teacher Association, college scholarships for local high school students, Brinnon school programs, Boys and Girl Scout troops, the Center Valley Animal Rescue, the Brinnon and Quilcene Community Centers, and the computer lab at the Brinnon Community Center.

THE YEAR WITHOUT A SHRIMPFEST

While the Brinnon community went without an official ShrimpFest event or accompanying activities this year, the annual Memorial Day weekend sale of shrimp still proved fruitful.

According to Belinda Graham, chairwoman of Brinnon Parks and Recreation, almost 40 Brinnon Parks and Recreation volunteers processed 1,251 pounds of shrimp into 846 packages.

By the time the shrimp finally sold out, the sale yielded $4,639.06, which was divided evenly between Brinnon Parks and Recreation and the Emerald Towns Alliance.

Immediately following the sale, Graham pledged the Brinnon Park and Recreation proceeds would go toward free “Community Swim Days,” and possibly help create a new marine education kayak tour for Brinnon’s youth.

“While Brinnon youth are fortunate to live in an extraordinary environment, bound by the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal, economic constraints often limit their access to these natural resources,” Graham said. “Our fundraising efforts aim to provide recreational opportunities, while teaching people to respect and protect our natural resources for future generations.”

ETA President Phil Thenstedt also spoke to The Leader and pointed out that the shrimp sale has helped raise funds not only for the ETA and Brinnon Parks and Recreation, but also for the tribal fishermen who have helped ShrimpFest obtain Hood Canal shrimp through the years.

The ETA board of directors voted after this year’s sale to donate its half of the proceeds back to Brinnon Parks and Recreation for it to use in implementing community programs.

HEADING A HEAD START ON NEXT YEAR

Coleman reported the official kick-off of ShrimpFest 2019 is Dec. 1, when letters are set to be sent out to prospective sponsors, with applications slated to go out to vendors Jan. 1.

“Numerous volunteers are still needed,” Coleman said.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Pam Barnet at pbarnet@brinnonparksandrec.org.

Those interested in being vendors, sponsors or entertainers should contact Graham at bgraham@brinnonparksandrec.org.