COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN’S FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(photo: Captain Darren Reef, VP of the Festival Board of Directors)







ASTORIA, OR. ­ Thanks to a generous grant of $10,800 from Astoria Sunday Market the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is able to take steps towards becoming an independent non-profit organization. The Festival has formed a volunteer board of directors comprised of Oregon and Washington commercial fishermen and has filed to incorporate as an Oregon based non-profit organization. “I’m proud and honored by the caliber of people who have agreed to be on the board,” commented Festival Director Ron Williams. “They bring great leadership, experience, and enthusiasm to the project.”
Captain Rick Quashnick (Warrenton), who along with his wife Donna own the F/V Maverick and F/V Miss Donna, is the founding board President. Captain Darren Reef (Astoria), who operates the flagship for Pacific Seafood Group, is Vice President. Board members include Captain Kevin Dunn (Astoria) who operates the F/V Iron Lady, Captain Nick Edwards (Coos Bay) owner of F/V Carter Jon, Captain David Lethin (Ilwaco, WA) owner of F/V Aleutian Ballad, and Captain Corey Rock (Newport) owner of F/V Kylie Lynn. Ex Officios for the board include Jack Crider, Executive Director for the Port of Astoria, Kurt Englund of Englund Marine & Industrial Supplies, and Andrew Bornstein with Bornstein Seafoods.
The mission of the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is to offer fishermen and industry professionals an opportunity to bond and share information that will save lives, improve productivity, increase demand for seafood products, and promote job opportunities. The mission is also dedicated to educating the public about the fishing industry including the steps fishermen have taken to ensure a renewable resource for the future. The Festival will showcase American fisheries and the process of selecting, preparing and cooking seafood.
Williams explained that, “Astoria Sunday Market took on the task of incubating this program during its 2008 season and their continued support is helping ensure long-term future success.”
“Industry and community support has been amazing,” added board President Captain Quashnick. “Fishermen from all over are getting behind this Festival and there is real excitement about what we’re doing here.”
The Commercial Fishermen’s Festival the biggest most informative fun-filled commercial fishing celebration in the region. Here fans will meet the crew from boats featured in “Deadliest Catch,” cheer on the men that risk their lives to bring us seafood as they compete for Highliner of the Year, witness a search and rescue demonstration by the US Coast Guard, and see historic and modern fishing equipment. Festivities include demos, industry sales, food, music, crafts, beer garden and a kid’s area for a fun-packed weekend. The 2010 Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is September 18 & 19 at the Port of Astoria,
Pier 1.
“We already have early commitments from celebrities including author Spike Walker and Deadliest Catch stars, including Captain Phil Harris and strong interest from the Wizard crew as well as from Captain Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand of the F/V Time Bandit.” added Williams. Williams also spoke with Captain Sig Hanson and his brother Edgar who indicated that they want to attend. The Festival is anticipating a re-match of the Tug-of-War between “Deadliest Catch” fishermen and “AxeMen” loggers from JM Browning Logging Company. For more information and to view a fan created video of the 2009 Tug-of-War visit http://www.commercialfishermensfestival.com/.