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Get Muddy at the Samish Bay Bivalve Bash

by Theresa Carpine7/21/2010 4:16:38 PM

The Taylor Shellfish Oyster and Kids Mud Runner
Photo by Jon Rowley

Residents of the Pacific Northwest are well-known for several character traits distinct to our region. We love the outdoors, especially the water. We're adventurous and always up for a challenge. Most importantly, we don't mind getting a little bit dirty in the name of fun. Or a lot bit, as participants in the 8th Annual Samish Bay Bivalve Bash and Low Tide Mud Run on Saturday, July 24, 2010 will discover.

According to Bivalve Bash & Mud Run Coordinator Kate McDermott, the event in Bow began as a joint effort of the Skagit Conservation Education Alliance and Taylor Shellfish Farms in 2002.

"The Samish Bay Bivalve Bash was created as a way to celebrate all things bivalve and to bring attention to the very important need for clean water in Skagit County, and all over for that matter. Shellfish need clean water to grow and to be safe to eat," Kate explained in an email.

"Clean water is important to all of us and we can all do our part to help by picking up pet waste, minimizing storm runoff, and making sure septic systems are in good condition," she said.

Along with an auction, kids' activities, oyster shucking competitions, live music, hula hooping, food booths, and more, the two highlights of the Bivalve Bash are the Low Tide Mud Run and the Oyster Shell Sculpture Competition.

Kids 100 Yard Mud Run
Photo by Jon Rowley

The Mud Run is a strenuous 250 yard race through the Samish Bay mud at low tide (approximately 10:49 AM). A 100 yard Mud Run for kids ages 8 to 12 follows at 11:30 AM. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for kids (includes entry to Bivalve Bash). All finishers will receive a golden Mud Run oyster medallion. There are special medals for the first place finisher in each division (Men, Women, Boys, Girls) and prizes for the top three finishers in each division.

If you think you're up to the Mud Run challenge (all runners must sign waiver and release before competing), Kate recommends wearing old shoes and duct taping them to your feet.

"The Super Jock 'n Jill Duct Tape Tent will return this year to help anyone tape up tight. Even so, some runners may get a shoe sucked off in the mud so you might want to wear an old pair! Think light and keep moving in the mud. And, if anyone gets stuck, we'll be on hand for rescues...before the incoming high tide!" Kate promised.

Check out Low Tide Mud Run for more race details and registration.

Kids on Beach
Photo by Jon Rowley

After the race, hoses will be available for clean-up, and you’ll probably want to bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy the rest of the Bivalve Bash activities, including the world’s only Oyster Shell Sculpture Competition.

The sculpture content was added to the schedule of events in 2004 and has grown in popularity each year. All are invited to enjoy this year's creations, or you can visit Oyster Shell Sculpture Competition to find out about entering in the competition.

Bivalve Bash admission fee is $5 per person; free for Mud Runners and kids age 6 and under. Food will be available for purchase on site. No coolers or dogs, please. Please note that all Bivalve Bash Parking is offsite and free with shuttle buses running from two locations in Edison and Bow every 15 to 20 minutes.

For more information, please visit Bivalve Bash or call Kate at (360) 766-6002.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU in 2006 with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.