The second day of the Quilcene Fair saw The Oyster Races report their second-largest registration and participation of runners since their start in 2013.

Brian Cullin, who handles marketing and public relations for the neighboring historic Worthington Mansion and Quilcene Historical Museum, noted that 203 registered and 170 participated.

“That’s a significant increase from last year,” Cullin said. “Runners came from as far away as Illinois, Colorado and Arizona. Over the last three years, registration has steadily increased.”

All Quilcene Oyster Race proceeds benefit the Quilcene-Brinnon chapter of Dollars for Scholars, which provides scholarships to high school seniors and college undergraduates.

“In fact, the Quilcene School District Superintendent and his wife met runners at the finish line with commemorative medals,” Cullin said. “Worthington Park is strengthening its collaboration with the school, to execute its mission of supporting the community and education.”

Collin added that the freshly restored and now furnished Worthington House Victorian mansion opened its doors to more than 200 visitors from a wide range of Washington cities, as well as other states and countries.

“The number of special events have increased at Worthington Park over the year, and now, with its conditional use permit, it should become fully operational by next year,” said Cullin, who noted that, since 2012, volunteers have logged in close to 40,000 hours in the restoration of the Worthington House, as well as the construction of Linger Longer Outdoor Theatre and the operation of the Quilcene Historical Museum, at a value of almost $2 million.

Even in the face of inclement weather, hundreds attended the park’s events, including the afternoon concert by Jack Dwyer and his band, sponsored by Quilcene’s Loggers Landing.

“This year’s ‘Day in the Park’ is the second year we had four virtually concurrent events of their kind happening at Worthington Park, with the mansion tours, Oyster Races, concert and museum opening,” Cullin said. “We feel this shows the continuing real potential of this unique special events facility.”

Cullin pointed out that Sunday’s events ran almost entirely on volunteer power, with additional support from sponsors such as the Rhody Run, which the Oyster Races supports each year in turn, and Jefferson Healthcare, returning as sponsors of the “Kids Sprint,” in which every kid got a medal and prizes.

While the Quilcene Lions Club sold hamburgers and hot dogs, the local 101 Brewery sponsored a craft-brewed beer garden, and Quilcene-based Coast Seafood donated oysters that were gourmet-grilled for runners by volunteers.

“Cooperation, not competition, is what characterizes this productive non-profit relationship,” Cullin said. “This is truly the biggest little run on the Olympic Peninsula.”