Christmas in July and Oregon Coast Eelgrass? Yes, for Pacific City's Dory Days and Netarts

Published 06/21/25 at 6:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) – Two tiny towns on the north Oregon coast go big in the coming weeks. Along the Three Capes Loop, there's a unique nature event in Netarts and Pacific City's Dory Days take on a new slant. (Courtesy photo from Pacific City)

On Saturday, July 12, you can explore the eelgrass of the Netarts area, starting at 7:30 a.m. It's a guided exploration that will be hosted by Friends of Netarts Bay Watershed, Estuary, Beach and Sea (WEBS) and the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP). The outing aims to showcase the ecological importance of eelgrass - a key habitat for juvenile fish and crabs and a natural filter for coastal waters.

Specialists including Dr. Tony D’Andrea of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s SEACOR project and TEP’s Field and Data Scientist Flynn DeLany will lead the program. Attendees will search for marine life such as pipefish and sea hares while learning how eelgrass supports both aquatic biodiversity and water quality.

“We are confident you will walk away with a new appreciation for this amazing aquatic plant that not only helps to improve water quality but also provides a vital living habitat for many species in and above the water,” said WEBS director Chrissy Smith.

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Participants are advised to wear boots or bring a change of shoes and prepare for variable weather.

Accessibility needs can be addressed in advance by contacting event organizers. See https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events

Just down the road in Pacific City, their annual Dory Days takes a surprising festive turn in July. It hits the famed north Oregon coast town on July 18 - 20 with a new theme: Christmas in July. The event celebrates the region’s historic dory boat fleet and coastal community spirit with festive flair. Highlights include a parade of dory boats, fresh-caught seafood, live music, dancing, a local artisan market, and holiday-themed activities for all ages.

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“At its heart, Christmas in July is about joy, nostalgia, and togetherness - everything that makes both Christmas and summer vacations with the family special,” said organizers in Pacific City. “It's all about bringing the joy and festive spirit of the holiday season to the warmth and sunshine of summertime. It’s a playful way to mix winter holiday cheer with summer activities: think Santa in sunglasses, beachside caroling, and holiday treats with a tropical twist.”

Dory Days is officially recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission, a designation shared by only a handful of longstanding events statewide.

More at the Visit Tillamook Coast website.

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