ADVISORY/2004 Fisher Poets Gathering Gives Voice to Maritime Traditions in Historic Astoria.

News Editors/City Desks/Assignment Desks

ADVISORY...for Friday (Feb. 27)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Artists Inspired by the Sea Gather to Oregon's North Coast for a

Weekend of Poetry, Art and Song

WHAT:          Steeped in nearly two centuries of maritime history on
               the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, Astoria, Ore.,
               is once again host to the annual Fisher Poets
               Gathering, a popular literary event now in its seventh
               year.
               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 shore. Audiences are treated to 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 international coastal communities,
               including local favorites Wesley "Geno" Leech, Harrison
               "Smitty" Smith, and John Broderick, founder.

WHEN:          Friday - Sunday, Feb. 27-29, 2004
               Weekend events include:
               --  Poetry, Prose and Open Mike Readings
               --  Artistic Workshops (photography, creative writing,
                   photography, painting)
               --  Art Gallery Exhibitions
               --  Live Music
               --  Silent Auction

               Further details on times and topics will be available
               after January 1, 2004, at
               www.clatsopcollege.com/fisherpoets

WHERE:         All events take place in downtown Astoria, within
               walking distance of lodgings and restaurants. 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.
               Once referred to as the "Canning Capital of the World,"
               Astoria is still home to a working waterfront as well
               as 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 from
               the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. Event
               buttons can also be purchased at participating venues
               beginning early afternoon on February 27 at the
               Columbian Theater box office. (Open seating for all
               events).

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.