Westport/Wahkiakum Ferry celebrates 100th birthday

The Westport/Wahkiakum Ferry is celebrating 100 years of operation between Oregon and Washington this Saturday, June 21 from 3-5 p.m. and everyone is invited. Carrying dignitaries and special guests, the ferry will arrive on Puget Island from Westport, where these guests will then travel to Little Island Creamery (448 E Little Island Rd.) where the day’s real fun begins.

This party is for everyone along the Lower Columbia River. If you have worked on the ferry, ridden the ferry, or just admired it from a distance, you are especially invited. Members of founding families and local historians will also be attending the celebration. The event’s keynote speaker is Jim Aalberg of the Clatsop County Historical Society. Jim is the third great grandson of John West, founder and namesake of Westport, Ore., and was the catalyst for this celebration which is co-sponsored by Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce and Little Island Creamery.

Local dignitaries will include Wahkiakum County Commissioner Lee Tischer and Cathlamet Mayor David Olson, as well as Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich, Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs and US Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

The unveiling of a new sign for the ferry will be featured along with music by the Skamokawa Swamp Opera. Refreshments, food, and booths from local businesses and organizations will round out the momentous occasion.

The ferry made its first run in June 1925, beginning a new chapter in bringing the Lower Columbia River Region and community together. Connecting two states, the ferry has helped promote economic, cultural, and social development between the communities it serves. Every day, the ferry transports residents to and from work, people visiting friends and family, and tourists enjoying our beautiful area. It is currently the only interstate ferry in operation west of the Mississippi River. We hope to see everyone there. For more information, contact Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce at 360-795-9996 or Little Island Creamery at 360-849-9456 Ext. #1.