Featured image: Clam digging on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington (photo credit: Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival)

Beautiful sunny weather has arrived in Western Washington, just in time for a weekend of food and fun in Ocean Shores March 16-17. The 13th annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival celebrates the bounty of the seas in the town’s sandy backyard.

The highlights include clam digging, a chowder contest, beer and wine tastings, a 5K run with the clams, a giant slide, cotton candy, and face painting and hands-on activities for the kids. You can even ride a mechanical shark.

Or, if you prefer, simply take a long walk on the beach.

Forty vendors are selling handmade crafts and fishing and outdoor gear. And there’s a lot of food, from Dungeness crab to barbecue pork. And clams, of course…

If you’re new to clam digging, representatives from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on hand to show you how. Permits are required to dig; go here and scroll about two-thirds down the page for information on how to get yours.

Prizes will be awarded to the diggers with the largest and smallest clams.

On Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m., grab some food and drink and enjoy country/Americana music by 80 Proof ALE at the Festival Clamtastic Party. Then take the free shuttle to the Quinault Beach Resort Casino for more festival fun.

Admission is free. For more information and the full schedule, visit the Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival website.

Razor clams (left) and homemade razor clam chowder from a previous Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival (right) (photo credits: Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival)