Friday Harbor, Wash. – KING 5’s “Evening Magazine” has announced the winners of this year’s Evening Magazine “Best of the Northwest Escapes” contest. Competing in a category that included The Museum of Flight and the Seattle Art Museum, The Whale Museum was voted the “best museum in the northwest.” Over 20,000 people voted in the 2009 contest. The Whale Museum is honored to receive this designation and is very appreciative of all those who voted.

“We are really excited to earn this designation,” said Jenny Atkinson, executive director of The Whale Museum. “If you have not been to the Museum lately, please stop in to check it out.” Thursdays are free admission for all residents of San Juan County. The Museum’s Exhibit Hall and Gift Shop are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily in May; beginning June 1 (through September), hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

The Museum celebrated this terrific honor at their 3rd annual “Celebration of the Orca Greeting Ceremony” dinner and auction, held on Saturday, May 16 at the Mullis Center in Friday Harbor. For more information visit The Whale Museum store or call (360) 378-4710, ext. 30.