After weeks of hectic workdays that dragged long into the night, Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival event coordinator Lee Clinton finally took a seat Saturday as the annual event moved into full swing.

“We try and keep all the hassle of it behind the scenes so when people come here, they can just have a good time,” said Clinton, catching her breath.

By mid-weekend, Clinton reported smooth sailing, and good attendance numbers. She counts on the cooperation of staff with more than 120 volunteers to make the weekend tick without a hitch.

She calls the planning and implementation of Astoria’s biggest weekend party “a major effort.”

“It’s a big deal,” said Clinton, event coordinator for the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce. “We have to completely rewire this place every time we do this.”

Clinton said additional shuttles kept visitors from waiting long for rides, promoting safer choices among those wishing to drink but not drive.

The hiring of local off-duty police officers instead of a traditional security firm kept money local and provided the best security possible, said Clinton.

Throughout the weekend, thousands of visitors browsed through hundreds of vendor booths selling cowboy hats, local crafts, jewelry, specialty foods and more. Many shopped. Perhaps even more just came to people watch.

Forty of the region’s top wineries boasted their best wines.

Among them was Helvetia Winery based in Hillsboro. Owner and vintner John Platt has been coming to the Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival for 10 years.

He wouldn’t miss it.

“In my opinion, this is the best wine and food event in the state of Oregon,” said Platt, who spent the weekend selling tasters, glasses and plenty of bottles of his Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noirs.

Platt appreciates the diversity of the clientele, from aficionados intent on keeping up with the latest vintage, to everyday joes looking for a sweeter wine.

Since spring is generally the season for new releases, Platt doesn’t miss the opportunity to get his stuff out there.

“I tell my guys, we have to have the wines ready for Astoria,” said Platt.

His favorite wine? Possibly a higher-end Pinot Noir, going for $33 a bottle. But, Platt is quick to add, “They’re all my children, it’s tough to say one is better than another.”

If wine isn’t your bag, the food court offered plenty of delicious treats for those who really like to eat.

Not to be missed was the Astoria Clowns shrimpy cheese bread and crab melts. Always a favorite, never out of style, the line grew and shrank, but never disappeared.

The crab event is the clowns’ one and only fundraiser. Bill “Stubby” Landwehr manned the operation all weekend, but he wouldn’t say exactly how much the clowns made.

“I’ll put it this way,” said Landwehr. “It’s enough to pay for scholarships, balloons and costumes.”

The Astoria Clowns are only one such organization that benefits from the fest. It is the main fundraiser for the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce and also the Astoria Rotary Club.

Clinton says the Crab Fest gives the local economy a boost and keeps on giving as the local chamber spends the proceeds marketing and promoting Astoria, Warrenton and the surrounding communities.

The crab and wine weekend supplies the chamber with nearly one-fifth of its annual operating budget.

“It helps the whole community, and it celebrates community,” says Clinton, “but it takes a whole lot of work to get that money.”

In addition to that, the Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival is simply a great time to raise a wine glass and toast to spring, and plenty.

“We’re celebrating the resources of our community,” said Clinton, “and it’s a nice way to break the winter blues.”