Clambakes were a big part of beach life in the old village of Nye Beach until about 1918(Newport, Oregon) - The sixth Annual Nye Beach Clambake again comes to Newport on July 5, with food and fun on the beach, all with a historical theme that recalls the days when Nye Beach was actually a separate village from Newport, connected only by a muddy, ruddy set of wooden planks. The family-friendly, non-alcohol event features walking tours of the historic area, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, a children’s parade, fire dancers, various food vendors, and a diverse selection of arts and crafts, as well as a fossil booth.This year, the event takes place at the Nye Beach Turnaround as well as at Don Davis Memorial Park. At the Turnaround, it runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival continues at Don Davis Memorial Park, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nye Beach, on the way to the TurnaroundThere will be a shuttle bus from the Lincoln County Courthouse (on the corner of Olive and 101) to the Clambake. However, due to seatbelt laws, only children five and older may ride the bus. Parents are encouraged to drop off families at the event and then use the bus from the courthouse.The Nye Beach Clambake is always held the first Saturday in July, linked to Fourth of July events in Newport.Historically, city-organized clambakes were often held in the summer season in Nye Beach from the late 1800’s, until what is apparently known to be the last one, held in 1918. Many of the clambakes took place on the beach, with wooden tables loaded with food. Clams were cooked in the sand, inside a fire pit surrounded by rocks and with seaweed thrown in. 
One of the key founders, Berniece Hammon, had seen historical photos of the central Oregon coast tradition and was inspired to revive it a few years ago, especially after the renewal project for Nye Beach was completed. It seemed the perfect time to show off the new look of the neighborhood and create a fundraiser for local charities. Historic Walking Tours of the Nye Beach neighborhood will be conducted by the Lincoln County Historical Society, pointing out historic buildings and points of interest in the neighborhood. $2 per person. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guy DiTorrice, Newport’s "Fossil Guy," will show fossils from Oregon beaches from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be some extras for people to take away, free copies of "Fossils You Can Find on Oregon Beaches" and "Beachcombing in Lincoln County." DiTorrice will trade fossils, identify them, and there will be retail sales of rock-hounding/fossil-hunting equipment such as geology picks, safety glasses, gloves, magnifying glasses, rock and fossil mini-collections, fossil-brand tins, fossil shirts, caps, etc.
Newport has two lighthouses. Pictured here: the Yaquina Head LighthouseHorse Drawn Wagon rides from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. $2 a ride. Fire dancers close out the event at 9:30 p.m. at Don Davis Memorial Park.Schedule:10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nye Beach Turnaround
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Don Davis Memorial Park
Food, Non-alcoholic beverages, Family friendly
Children’s Parade at 10 a.m.
Historic Walking Tours 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Oregon Fossil Guy 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Live Music 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Turnaround
Live Music 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Don Davis Memorial Park
Fire Dancers 9:30 -10 p.m. Don Davis Memorial Park
Free Shuttle Service to/from Lincoln County Courthouse 9 a.m. -6 p.m.
www.nyebeach.org. 800-784-9936.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
RELATED STORIESClick here for video of Dec. storm aftermathOregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sightsStaggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding setDay or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunitiesOregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reportsCONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION
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