The premiere issue of Northwest Coast features a spectacular photograph of the Astoria-Megler Bridge by Jody Miller. The new quarterly is available now, and an official launch will be held May 17, in Skamokawa, Wash. Photo by permission from Northwest Coast Publications

SKAMOKAWA, Wash. – Friends of Skamokawa will host an official launch party to celebrate the premiere issue of Northwest Coast Magazine, recently released in Naselle, Wash., by editor Bryan Penttila.

The gala event will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Redmen Hall. Appetizers, cookies and sparkling cider will be served, prepared by FOS board members. The program includes readings by feature article contributors, who include Irene Martin, Jim LeMonds, Donna Quinn, Suzanne Martinson, Tracy Laine, Laurie Choate and Brian Harrison.

Penttila describes Northwest Coast Magazine as a quarterly celebrating the people, culture and landscape of the Columbia-Pacific region. This new issue is full of contemporary and historic photographs, art and poetry, in addition to many articles inspired by the Oregon and Washington coastal area. Complimentary copies will be available.

Parking is limited at Redmen Hall, and shuttle transportation will be provided between the hall and the county fairgrounds, two blocks away. The upper parking lot will be reserved for vehicles with disability permits. Seating for the event will be upstairs. Redmen Hall is located at 1394 State Route 4. For more information, call (360) 795-3007 from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.