Belfair, Washington
| Belfair | |
|---|---|
| Census-designated place (CDP) | |
State Route 3 through Belfair
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 Belfair
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| Coordinates: 47°27′02″N 122°49′33″W / 47.45056°N 122.82583°WCoordinates: 47°27′02″N 122°49′33″W / 47.45056°N 122.82583°W | |
| Country |
 United States of America |
| State |
 Washington
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| County | Mason |
| Area | |
| • Total | 44.9 sq mi (116 km2) |
| Population (July 2007) | |
| • Total | 6,221 |
| • Density | 140/sq mi (53/km2) |
| Area code(s) | 360 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1516383 |
Belfair is a census-designated place in Mason County, Washington, United States. Located on the Union River, headwaters of the Hood Canal, a branch of Puget Sound, it serves as the commercial center of North Mason County. The population of the surrounding area swells in the summertime as tourists and nature lovers flock to the Canal and the Olympic Peninsula. The population within the Urban Growth Area (UGA) is an estimated 700.
Belfair is located on an isthmus connecting the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula. It receives an average rainfall of 60 inches (1,500 mm) yearly and has a growing season of 212 days.
Mason Lake is 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Belfair.
Belfair is the home of former U.S. Representative Norm Dicks. Belfair was also home to Noah Ashenhurst, formerly an English teacher at North Mason High School and award-winning author of the novel Comfort FoodBelfair is also the hometown of 6 Time AMA National Champion Jason Raines and the Illustrator of numerous children's books Daniel Lane.
Belfair was originally called Clifton, as were several other towns in the state. To avoid confusion, it was renamed in 1925 by Mrs. Murray, the postmaster, who submitted the name Belfair from a book that she was then reading.
Belfair is home to "The Taste of Hood Canal", an annual event falling on the second Saturday in August. This festival features local artists, foods, a classic car show and is sponsored by the North Mason Rotary Club.
Belfair has a high school (North Mason High School), a middle school (Hawkins Middle School), and two elementary schools (Sand Hill Elementary is located on Sand Hill Road and Belfair Elementary is located across from the Mary E. Theler Community Center in town).
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