2005 Fisher Poets Gathering Lures Presenters to Recognize Astoria's Maritime Roots; Growing Festival Adds Venue, Performers.

WHAT:     Once referred to as the "Canning Capital of the World,"
          historic Astoria, Ore. will once again host the annual
          Fisher Poets Gathering, a popular literary event now in its
          eighth year.  Not your usual "one that got away," the Fisher
          Poets Gathering lures maritime presenters and historians
          from coastal communities across the country to the mouth of
          the mighty Columbia River to share their passion and
          experiences of a life at sea at public events.

          Rooted in a millennia-long tradition of oral storytelling,
          the Fisher Poets Gathering gives voice to the stories and
          poetry recorded in journals or shared via radio during long
          hours at sea, or from those home on the shore. Audiences are
          entertained by these personal accounts during evening
          performances, the highlight of three days of literary and
          artistic workshops, readings, and art exhibits.

WHO:      More than 45 writers, musicians, and artists from the
          Pacific Northwest, Alaska, British Columbia, California, and
          national coastal communities, including local favorites
          Wesley "Geno" Leech, and John Broderick, founder.

WHEN:     Friday - Sunday, Feb. 25-27, 2005
          Weekend events include:

          --  Poetry, Prose and Open Mike Readings

          --  Artistic Workshops (photography, creative writing,
              photography, painting)

          --  Art Gallery Exhibitions

          --  Live Music

          --  Silent Auction

WHERE:    Taking place in downtown Astoria, within walking distance of
          lodgings and restaurants, events will be held at The
          Columbian Theater, Astoria Visual Arts Gallery and The Wet
          Dog Cafe. Astoria is located on Oregon's Historic North
          Coast, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean,
          just 70 miles from Portland. It is the oldest American
          settlement west of the Rockies and has a rich maritime
          history. Still home to a working waterfront, Astoria also
          boasts a vibrant community including art galleries,
          restaurants, shops, Victorian homes, community theater, and
          museums -- notably the internationally acclaimed Columbia
          River Maritime Museum, and nearby Ft. Clatsop where Lewis
          and Clark wintered in 1805-6.

COST:     Weekend admission buttons are available for $10.

LODGING:  Oregon's North Coast offers a wide selection of
          accommodations from Victorian Bed and Breakfasts and small
          historic Inns, to hotels, motels, campgrounds and vacation
          home rentals. Please visit www.oldoregon.com or call the
          Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807
          for information.

CONTACT:  The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at
          503-325-6311, 800-875-6807 or visit
          www.clatsopcollege.com/fisherpoets.

Editor's Note:  Event photographs and poetry samples available.