Lady Washington to Celebrate 20th Year With Party in Aberdeen June 29th

Aberdeen - The brig Lady Washington will mark two decades of changing people's lives with a 20th Anniversary Celebration featuring tours of the ship, food, beverages, maritime music, prizes, and good fellowship. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration, which takes place Monday, June 29 at Aberdeen Landing, 701 E. Heron St., Aberdeen, behind the Guest House Inn & Suites.

The Lady Washington was launched on March 7, 1989 on the Wishkah River at Aberdeen Landing. Since her launch, more than one million people have walked her decks, including more than 200,000 school children. The ship has logged more than 80,000 miles during her career, including a trip to the Caribbean for filming of the 2003 movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Each year, she visits more than 40 ports in Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia as a goodwill ambassador for Grays Harbor and Washington State. In 2007, she was designated the Official Ship of the State of Washington by the state legislature.

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On June 29, individuals who contributed to Lady Washington's success will gather to pay tribute to the ship and her activities. Guests are expected to include past and present board members of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, shipwrights, captains and crews, elected officials, volunteers, former and current staff, donors, and supporters. Here's a schedule of activities:

• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Lady Washington opens for public tours.
• 6 p.m. - Dinner
• 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. - Program on the past, present, and future of Lady Washington
• 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Maritime music by Washington State musicians
• 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Community bonfire

Door prizes donated by Grays Harbor-area businesses will be awarded throughout the evening. Maritime music performers include shantyman Hank Cramer & Friends, folk musicians Burt & Di Meyer, and singer/songwriter Matthew Moeller. The audience will be encouraged to participate. Lady Washington will be joined by her companion ship, Hawaiian Chieftain, which will also be open for tours during the celebration.

Tickets for the Lady Washington 20th Anniversary Celebration are $50 each. Purchase tickets online at www.historicalseaport.org, or call 800-200-5239. Table sponsorships are available for $500, which includes signage, recognition in the program, and two free tickets to the Lady Washington's July 4th SPLASH Fireworks Cruise. Businesses interested in a sponsorship should contact Les Bolton, 800-200-2539, les@historicalseaport.org.

Celebrating 20 Years of Changing People's Lives: 1989-2009 - The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Wash. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, launched March 7, 1989, now the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA's mission is to provide educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.