LEBANON Last years Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival was judged as the states best festival or event with a budget more than $150,000 or more than 40,000 attendees by the Oregon Festival and Events Association. The festival association members represent more than 1,200 festivals and events in Oregon. The association provides workshops and training for events professionals and volunteers.

Over the years, more than 40,000 people have enjoyed the 30-year-old festival showcasing the bounty of the Oregon Coast. The Chamber of Commerce, 20 area nonprofits and 250 volunteers offered their time and talents last year so that 16,000 people could sample wines from 58 Oregon wineries, enjoy seafood from 30 food vendors, shop and browse among the arts and crafts booths and listen and dance to the music.

Ten thousand people came from outside the community. Many stayed in local hotels for at least one night and many have already booked accommodations for next year. To get to the festival, they caught one of the 25 shuttles that ran nonstop throughout the community.