Forks, Washington getting a new face in the wake of 'Twilight'

May 22, 5:49 AMTwilight ExaminerAmanda Bell

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Between the hotels, the shops, and the town itself, Forks, Washington is seeing some big changes in the wake of Twilight.

Says Jay McDonald,

During the '60s, Forks also was the site for an annual Fourth of July rally of the Hell's Angels, whose deafening arrival en masse in this sleepy one-light logging town frightened the women and angered the men.

...

When I visited in October, "Twilight" had certainly done that. Sully's Drive-In now features a Bella Burger with pineapple. The Chamber of Commerce offers a Twilight Tour to sites mentioned in the books.

"Forks Bites" hats, mugs and tees are sold everywhere. There's even a sign as you leave town: "Fangs for visiting. Be bite back."

It's said that the Chinese symbol for change incorporates the figures for "chaos" and "opportunity." Forks was able to survive by recognizing and seizing the opportunity within its own economic troubles. And it did so without a bailout.

Eventually, the loggers decided to dis-invite the motley motorists. Bikers verses loggers? It's really no contest. They never returned.

Looking back, the Angels may have been an omen of trouble ahead, a weirdness unlike any Forks had ever seen.

The 1974 "Boldt Decision" protecting Native American fishing rights led to the collapse of commercial and sport fishing in Washington. Then, the '80s recession led to buyouts, downsizing and widespread job loss in the timber industry.

Aside from the economic implications of the post-Twilight scenery, the town has also endured a physical facelift as a result of the phenomenon. A photographic tour of the town goes to show that the city is not taking its Twilight-related potential lightly.

The addition of tourism to its roster of prowess is fast becoming, it seems, a source of respite for the town of Forks from the 2009 economic crisis. So, I ask you - would you ever visit Forks as a result of your interest in the Twilight series? Comment below and let us know!

Photos courtesy of PB, and there are a lot more, so check them out!

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