Press release:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend ShellFest 2012 at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Pl. S. The event features fun activities for the whole family, including low-tide beach walks led by local experts, touch tanks, ice tables, children’s activities, craft booths, face painting, paddle making, videos and more.

Lunch is free and provided by Taylor Shellfish, with a suggested donation of $5 for individuals and $10 for families that will go to the Washington State Parks Foundation. Admission is free. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.

Additional event sponsors include the Department of Health, the Puyallup Tribe, Taylor Shellfish, Washington Sea Grant, Flute Quest 2012 and Westport Aquarium.

This is a combined event with Flute Quest, which runs from Aug. 17 to 19. Visitors are welcome to participate in both events. Parking is limited and visitors are recommended to carpool to the event. For more information about Flute Quest, visit www.parks.wa.gov/newsreleases/?number=%2012-070.

Shellfish have had a significant influence shaping Washington’s cultural and culinary identity. They continue to be an immensely important recreational, commercial and tribal resource, and their future depends on all of us doing our part to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. Come learn more about Washington’s strong unique shellfish heritage.

Saltwater State Park is a camping park featuring 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound, halfway between the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. The two cities jointly and literally buried a hatchet at the park during the 1926 park dedication as a symbol of the end of their mutual competition. The park is a recreational destination nestled in the core of urban living, with forested trails and beach access.

Visitors may explore marine life in tide pools at the park and the seasonal spawning of salmon in McSorley Creek. Saltwater State Park is the only state park that features an underwater, artificial reef, providing divers an opportunity to discover the diversity of sea life and marine environments of Puget Sound.

Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.

Washington State Parks Foundation is the only statewide independent non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for Washington’s outstanding state parks. Please visit www.wspf.org or find them on Facebook.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.