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Clatsop County proclaims June 21, 2025, Westport Wicayakom Ferry Day ahead of centennial events
Summary
Clatsop County commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Westport–Kathlamet (Wicayakom/Waka'ikum) ferry and noted a local centennial celebration at Little Island Creamery.
Clatsop County commissioners voted to proclaim June 21, 2025, as Westport Wicayakom Ferry Day, recognizing 100 years of ferry service between Westport, Oregon, and Kathlamet, Washington.
The proclamation was presented by ferry event organizers and local officials during the county's regular session. Delphine Cricenzo, events coordinator for Little Island Creamery, told commissioners the community will mark the centennial with events at Little Island Creamery on Puget Island, and that the tourism office in Washington awarded roughly $16,000 to help produce interpretive signs to be installed at the ferry landing. David Olson, identified in the meeting as the mayor of Kathlamet, also spoke about the ferry's local importance. Historian Jim Alberg described the ferry's long-running role in transporting workers to local mills and recounted episodes from the ferry's history.
The proclamation text submitted to the board traces the service to a run that began on June 25, 1925; notes several ferry vessels and operators through the decades; references a 1962 maiden voyage for the Wicayakom ferry and subsequent vessels including the Oscar B. (reported placed into service after a roughly $5.7 million project); and describes the route as the only interstate car ferry crossing between state lines west of the Mississippi River. The county resolution declares June 21, 2025, Westport Wicayakom Ferry Day and invites residents to the local centennial celebration.
Commissioners said the ferry is an important transportation link for daily commuters and emergency access when highways close, and several commissioners expressed support for improved signage and tourism promotion along the route. The motion to approve the proclamation passed unanimously.
The organizers said the county proclamation coincides with the Little Island Creamery centennial event scheduled for June 21, 2025; the organizers also noted the ferry's actual founding date is June 25, 1925, and that celebratory programming will include a historical presentation by Jim Alberg, local musical performances and displays of the interpretive signs under development.
Copies of the signed proclamation will be kept in county records.
