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Giant Crab Attacks Small Oregon Coast Town

By Peg Miller

(Wheeler, Oregon) - One little town on the Oregon coast has a giant crab to contend with. It's a good thing, however, as the enormous inflatable crustacean heralds the return of loads of scrumptious seafood and lots of fun for locals and visitors alike.

Now in its twelfth consecutive year, the Wheeler CrabFest brings succulent fresh crab dinner at the Waterfront Park, June 17 and 18, from 11:30 until 7 p.m., as well as the signature gigantic crab that makes its rounds throughout the state for special seafood events.

The Wheeler CrabFest, sponsored by the Wheeler Business Association, will have a menu that includes fresh crab cooked on the spot, accompanied by shrimp cocktail and side dishes, all served up by Wheeler’s friendly troupe of volunteers. There is a popular children’s menu with iced drinks as well.

This sweet location boasts a billion-dollar view of Neahkahnie Mountain over Nehalem Bay with assorted wildlife posing for photographs. Louie the Giant Crab will be on hand again this year, loaned by the Dungeness Crab Association. The thirty-foot-wide, 213-pound inflatable crab will loom over the event for the weekend, and if you line up your shot correctly, Louie may appear to sit atop Neahhahnie Mountain.

Louie the Crab sits like a king, presiding over another seafood event

The all-day live music begins at noon, provided by Kid Siegel, L.E. Bender, Banjo 2 and Jeff Brown and Friend. Vendors will be setting up tents and offering arts and crafts at an open-air market in the park.

In addition to the al fresco crab feast, all the shops and galleries will be sporting crab flags and open for shopping and grazing. Shops added recently are Call of the Wild Gallery, Bayfront Bakery, King Size Quilts and the new and expanded Wheeler Grocery and Video. Nearby are Trillium Basketry, Simples Herbal Apothecary and EKAHNI Books joining the veteran quilt mecca, Creative Fabrics.

Wheeler, with Neahkahnie Mountain looming in the distance

Guido’s Italian Ristorante will be back open after its short vacation the week of June 1 – June 8. Guido’s recently added a mountainous cioppino pie: an enormous cioppino of varied former ocean dwellers, set inside a pie dough, sporting a whole crab on top. It’s large enough to feed six people and requires 24 hours notice, as chef Philip Kaufman has to literally go down to the docks and pick up the ingredients the day of the feast. (503) 368-7778.

Wheeler has grown into a true destination for antiques shoppers who prowl through over 25,000 square feet of treasures at Wheeler Station, Wheeler Antiques and Richfield Antiques.

For those ready to take to the water, kayaks can be rented at the Wheeler on the Bay Lodge and at the Wheeler Marina, providing an alternate view of Wheeler.

If you’re not lucky enough to be a ‘local’ in this wondrous North Coast area, the best way to get the feel of this coastal community is to make a weekend of it and reserve a table at the cozy Treasure Restaurant for a gourmet meal or stroll into the more casual eateries, RiverBay Café, the Bayfront Bakery or score a seat on the deck at the SeaShack. Lodging arrangements can be made by calling the Old Wheeler Hotel (368-6000) or Wheeler on the Bay Lodge (368-5858).

Wheeler and the Old Wheeler Hotel

Members and friends of the Wheeler Business Association volunteer their time for the CrabFest, the biggest community fundraiser of the year, which provides funds for downtown beautification projects. Admission is free and there is still time for vendors to register for a booth. More information can be obtained from David Pearson at 368-5711.

The general information number for the public is 503-368-6881.

Wheeler will soon be featured on The Oregon Coast Show, which airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 22 (the I Network). The Oregon Coast Show recently came to Wheeler and filmed a segment on the “Wheeler Moment” – the oddball, slightly paranormal local legend about how the area seems to grant wishes or creates interesting, serendipitous coincidences.

Also happening in the area on June 17 is the Juneteenth Reggae Festival at Nehalem Bay Winery, and Portland jam band Red Rubber Band performs at the San Dune Pub in Manzanita.

DIVE INTO SEASIDE HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. There's a sense of history as well as modern luxury here, with the ancient-looking stone walls and pillars out front practically screaming to tell tales of the generations of visitors that have stayed here. These 51 oceanfront condos come in various incarnations and are individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com