About

The fun began when the Astoria Sunday Market showcased commercial fishing competitions and displays as a special event at the Market. It was such a success with the community that the Market agreed to incubate the Festival and moved it to the beautiful waterfront property at the Port of Astoria. After a huge success at the 2009 event and a generous grant from the Astoria Sunday Market the Festival is now incorporating as a non-profit with its own board of highly respected commercial fishermen.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is to offer fishermen and industry professionals an opportunity to bond and share information that will save lives, improve productivity, increase demand for seafood products, and promote job opportunities. The mission is also dedicated to educating the public about the fishing industry including the steps fishermen have taken to ensure a renewable resource for the future. The Festival will showcase American fisheries and the process of selecting, preparing and cooking seafood.

Board Members

Festival Board: We are honored to announced the new board for the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and appreciate the time and effort they are donating towards this program:

Board President: Captain Rick Quashnick and his wife Donna own the F/V Maverick, which appeared on Discovery Channel’s number one rated television series, Deadliest Catch.

Vice President: Captain Darren Reef is a commercial fishermen who runs the F/V Pacific Future for Pacific Seafood Group.

Captain Kevin Dunn. Kevin is a highly respected commercial fisherman and a premiere net builder. He operates the F/V Iron Lady.

Captain Nick Edwards is also a highly respected commercial fisherman out of Coos Bay, Oregon, with extensive knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the commercial fishing industry. He owns and operates the commercial F/V Carter Jon.

Captain Dave Lethin with his wife Danene own several commercial fishing related businesses including the F/V Aleutian Ballad, which appeared on the Deadliest Catch and is now a number one rated tour in Alaska.

Captain Corey Rock is a 3rd generation Commercial Fisherman out of Newport, OR and has the F/V Kylie Lynn. He recently developed the Original Crab Pot Stacking Belt that is quickly becoming standard equipment among commercial crab fishermen. Corey is married to Maria Rock and have two children, Kyle and Kylie.

Ex Officios
Jack Crider, Executive Director, Port of Astoria
Kurt Englund, Englund Marine & Industrial Supply

Festival Staff
Festival Director: Ron Williams has been a commercial fisherman for more than twenty years having fished the waters from California to the Bering Sea. Ron also has a background in sales and promotions.
Marketing & Media Relations: Cyndi Mudge