Hands Off! in Raymond

Indivisible Pacific County is again taking part in the mass mobilization that will occur across our nation on Saturday, April 19 with the clear message, Hands Off! Our economy and democracy.

There will be a sign wave rally on the usual corner of U.S. Highway 101 and Heath Street, from noon to 2 p.m. Come out, talk with your neighbors and share how this administration’s policies have impacted your families.

Extravagant Mermaid Festival continues its run

The incredibly popular Mermaid Festival invites visitors every weekend in April.

As always, this fin-tastic, free and family-friendly event is held at Westport Winery Garden Resort, home of the International Mermaid Museum. Even museum admission is free during the festival as each Saturday and Sunday (April 19, 20, 26, and 27) boasts a fleet of world-class entertainers along with talented local artists and tempting treat purveyors.

Special festival performers include the Northwest’s most famous mermaid, Una in her tank, Siren Circe will preside on the mermaid throne in the museum, Vertical Axis aerial acrobats Nick Perry and Amanda Thornton will electrify the sky while suspended from a 20-foot tower, Rachel Novak, the Sailing Siren, will thrill guests with fire dancing, and the enchanting Pacific Northwest Unicorns are eager to have their photos taken with their fans.

Mermaids from around the Northwest will share their culture and love of the sea throughout the festival. The Ono Wahine Mermaid School will detail what it takes to become a professionally certified mermaid. Members of the Mystic Menagerie, the South Sound Pod, the Emerald Sea Sirens, the Cascadia Pod, the Whidbey Island Sirens Pod, the Shadowscale Squad, the Mutiny Mermaid Pod and Portland’s Mermaid Cove, will host a variety of events and entertainment during this incredible celebration of all thing’s mermaid.

As part of the festival, the museum will host a costume contest on April 20 (Easter Sunday) at 1 p.m. All visitors are invited to don their finest costumes whether they are mermaids, pirates, other mythical creatures or Easter bunnies, with adult and children’s categories. Every contestant will receive an enchanted Easter egg. Winners are awarded a pirate chest filled with ocean treasures.

In many arts and crafts tents in the 15-acre display garden, guests can meet the creators in person as they shop woodworking, jewelry, knotwork, acrylic and watercolor paintings, jewelry, soaps, candles and gifts.

Mixed media artists offer fantastical face painting and hilarious balloon animals while LaNae weaves shimmering mermaid hair, Westport Bubble Works creates interactive fun and Lighthouse Wellness offers massages.

The Master Gardeners will host a free plant clinic and tool sharpening each Saturday. Festival attendees can enjoy a variety of delicious delicacies including mini donuts, cotton candy, ice cream, coffee, burgers, hot dogs, roasted nuts and lemonade.

Each day in the museum kids are invited to join a Pirate’s Treasure Hunt with prizes for those who complete the puzzle and find the treasure.

The International Mermaid Museum is dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology, uniting world oceanic cultures.

Located on the grounds of Westport Winery Garden Resort, halfway between Aberdeen and Westport on the Washington coast in Unforgettable Grays Harbor County, the museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. year around. For more information go to www.MermaidMuseum.org.

Westport Crab Derby

The Westport Crab Derby returns on Saturday, April 19.

This is your chance to win cash and prizes and catch delicious crab. It all takes place at the Westport Marina brought to you by WeFish. Derby tickets get you a chance to throw your pot in the water at the marina for a chance at up to $1,000. Come on out, get your ticket and have a blast starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday April 19.

April 19 — Dance and Beer Garden at Oakville Regional Event Center

April 19 — Grays Harbor Raceway opening day

At the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds, 30 Elma McCleary Road, Elma. Info: www.graysharborraceway.com

April 19-22 — Seabrook GreenFest

Celebrate earth, celebrate community

Westport Crab Derby

Grays Harbor Raceway opening day