Get your gear and bring your appetite because the annual Westport Crab Derby is returning this weekend.

Whether a seasoned crabber or novice to the arena, the Westport Crab Derby has been one of the city’s premier events throughout the years. However, due to pandemic restrictions, this will be the first time the event has been held since 2019.

The event, which is hosted by the nonprofit organization WEfish as well as the Washington Dungeness Crab Fisherman’s Association, will see fishermen release crab into the Westport Boat Basin within the Westport Marina. While many might consider catching a crab to be the highlight of the event, there’s a twist added to raise the fun in the form of “money crabs.”

Some crab will be tagged with denominations ranging in value from $25 to $1,000. Provided by donations from Windermere Westport, WEfish and the Washington Dungeness Crab Fisherman’s Association, participants will have the ability to win up to $2,500 in cash prizes from the derby. Contenders must have a derby ticket and a valid Washington state fishing license to redeem any prize money. There will also be drawings throughout the event with various prizes and giveaways.

In existence for nearly a decade, WEfish began a local gathering to discuss interest in supporting the local commercial fishing community in the Westport area. The organization’s goal is to promote the economic value of the fishing industry as well as refresh and regain community pride.

While proceeds from the crab derby provide support to WEfish, the derby is not the only event for guests to partake in as the 33rd annual World Class Crab Races and Crab Feed will take place in the Westport Marina. While people wait for their chance to bet on which will be the fastest crab, fresh seafood such as whole crab dinners, shrimp cocktails, and shrimp Louie among others will be available to purchase.

For people who are interested in attending the Westport Crab Derby as well as the 33rd annual World Class Crab Races and Crab Feed, the events will be held on Saturday, April 15, in Westport.

The derby, which is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., will cost $10 per person. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at Seafood Connection on Float 8. Day-of tickets will be available at the Derby Booth. Although participants are welcome to bring their crab pots and bait, a limited supply of crab pots will be available to rent, and each ticket purchased comes with a bait coupon. All derby contestants 15 years of age or older must have their shellfish license on them to be allowed to participate.

The crab feed as well as the sign-ups for the crab races will begin at 11 a.m. with the races scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. To enter the crab races, admission will cost $2.

Contact Reporter Allen Leister at 360-463-3572 or allen.leister@thedailyworld.com