2023 Mason County Forest Festival

Sustainable Forestry. Great Careers.

Our working forests are protecting clean water, clean air and wildlife habitat—all while supporting the local economy and sustaining family wage jobs.

Friends of the Forest

Boy Scout Troop 9110

Centennial Guild: Mason City of Shelton General Hospital Foundation

Denis & Adele Leverich

Coronation Judges:Casey Salisbury, Denis Leverich, Mick Sprouffske, Deidre Peterson, Stacey Stoney Exceptional

Paul Bunyan rides the parade on a Manke truck in the parade | photo: © Cooper Studios

Festival Board

President – Mick Sprouffske

Vice President - Amy Cooper

Secretary - Cheryl Earsley

Treasurer - Sherry Speaks

Welcome from the 2023 BOARD

Welcome to the 2023 Mason County Forest Festival. The theme of this year's Forest Festival "Tall Timbers" celebrates the 79th anniversary of this event. Mason County Forest Festival Association is a volunteer organization, incorporated in 1947 as a non-profit.

Thank you to all of local sponsors of this event – including the business and organizations featured in this program – Without their support the Forest Festival legacy would not be alive still after nearly eight decades. Consider these businesses and organizations when shopping in our community.

Timber Legacy Begins

The first known saw mill in the area was built in 1853 just south of Shelton, by Michael T. Simmons. This was the beginning of the timber harvest of Mason County. Imagine, when Forest Festival began, they had been actively logged for more than 90 years! Several others would join in including Sol Simpson who incorporated Simpson Logging Co. in 1895.

Only you Can

Along with celebrating the rich history of Mason County's timber heritage, Forest Festival was started to promote forest fire prevention. Whether started by lightning or human, fire was and is something that forest managers despise for the loss of timber, property and, most of all – lives! By the early 1940s there had been so many wildfires that in 1944 the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign began.

Smokey's original slogan was "Smokey Says - Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires" in 1947, the slogan changed to "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires." Forest Festival was an member of the local chapter of the Keep Washington Green Committee. For many years there were parade floats themed around forest fire prevention and logging history.

Thank you VOLUNTEERS

Darrel Andrews, Amy Cooper, Central Mason Fire & EMS, City of Shelton Public Works & Parks, David Dalzatto, Tanya & Mark Frazier, Martha Reed Foundation, Steve Galka, John, Rachel, Zach & Charlotte Hansen, Denis Leverich, Anna Liljas, Erica Marbet, Kim McElliott, Genie McFarland, Amanda Peralta, Robin Redman, Grace Renecker, Lislie Sayers, Bri Sheetz, Linda Shrum, Jeff Slakey, Jamey Taylor, Diane Zoren, and the Royalty Court families for decorating and driving the Forest Festival float to parades.

Continued next page!

If we missed anyone, accept our deepest apologies.

Timber strong. Communities united.

Uniting generations

The legacy continues

Today there are several timber companies in Mason County: Simpson and Green Diamond; Port Blakely; Manke Timber; Hama Hama Logging; Alta Forest Products; Belco Forest Products and Sierra Pacific all are active legacy timber harvesters. With their support we hope this event helps bring awareness to our rich timber heritage as well as that wildfire is still very much a part of our landscape and most can be prevented. Enjoy the 79th Mason County Forest Festival.

Mick Sprouffske MCFFA President

Favorite festival time

Forrest and I have chosen to raise our family and run our business in Shelton –we love living here and being involved in this community.

We are creating our own traditions with our daughter Caroline, and Forest Festival is absolutely one of them. The excitement builds downtown as businesses prep for this grand event as the community share photos & stories. Forest Fest is so loved. Seeing neighbors and visitors fill the streets of Shelton to experience this great event is exciting and heartwarming. We love to attend the carnival, fireworks shows, music events, logging displays, car show and especially the Parade. It’s a tradition for many, both for locals and visitors.

Amy Cooper MCFFA Vice-president

Mason County has a deep-rooted history in forestry, and it is an honor for me to be a part of the Forest Festival celebration. I have attended the Festival with my

husband, Mike, and two sons, Tyler and Zach, many times over the nearly 30 years I have been a member of this community. Mike, a lifetime resident of Shelton, and our sons all graduated from Shelton High School, and we’ve remained involved by volunteering with the Mason County Youth Baseball Association, the Shelton Highclimbers Football Booster Club, and the Shelton Youth Football League. The Mason County Forest Festival has always inspired an appreciation for both our past and our present. The logging show, which my husband and son, Zach, will be a part of this year, displays historically traditional logging practices, while the parade and carnival bring out new exhibitions and fresh faces. The parade is probably my favorite part with all the original floats from our schools and organizations, the classic cars and motorcycles, and the beautiful horses. My family and I also enjoy the carnival and we never miss an opportunity to spur on a little friendly competition with all the games. Being part of a community and work culture that promotes benevolence and quality of life, for me this event is an important opportunity to support our local economy and bring people together. I am looking forward to working with a great team that makes Mason County Forest Festival possible every year and privileged to serve as the association’s treasurer.

Sherry Speaks MCFFA Treasurer

Bunyan–sized support!

I have lived in Shelton most of my life and have many fond memories of watching the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade with my family and friends.

My husband and I have been involved with the logging show for many years.

When our daughter, Eryn, was honored to be part of the Royalty Court for two years, I enjoyed helping with the float and court during parades. It was rewarding and I wanted to continue to help, so I joined the Forest Festival Committee. The board welcome new volunteers. If you are interested in joining or learning more about how you can support this event, contact us at masoncountyforestfestival.com.

Cheryl Earsley MCFFA Secretary

MEET THE 2023 Forest Festival Royalty Court

Brooke Sheetz Queen of the Forest

When I graduate from Shelton High School this year I will be at tending Washington State Univer sity to study kinesiology & major in sports medicine. After college, I hope to work with college athletic teams in need of a trainer, because I would love to be able to travel with sports teams full time.

On my days off I enjoy powerlifting and socializing with friends. At college, I look forward to making new friendships, both inside the gym and out! The biggest highlights of my senior year have been going to USAPL Nationals and being selected as the Queen of the Forest.

Zachary Peach

Paul Bunyan

I am an Eagle Scout. I really enjoy being outside hiking, backpacking, and kayaking. I love seeing new things and experiencing nature. I also enjoy traveling in my spare time. Becoming Paul Bunyan has been a dream of mine since I was a child.

I am excited for the opportunity of this experience, and to represent Mason County in a positive way.

photo:© Cooper Studios

BROOKE SHEETZ Queen of the Forest

ZACHARY PEACH Paul Bunyan

hiking in the great outdoors. It is an honor and privilege to serve as Princess of Douglas Fir and represent my home with such an amazing group of people.

Quality Services at

Madeline Allred -

Princess of Hemlock

I love the outdoors and athletics. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, and occasionally rock climbing. My main sport is swimming but I also do track and field. As a running start student I hope to graduate high school with my Associate’s degree. After that I plan to pursue a further education in Psychology and eventually become a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I hope to travel throughout my life and see many beautiful things and to create many beautiful things as well.

Nevaeh Haskins

Timber

Madilyne Nelsen

Princess of Douglas Fir

I am a Junior at Shelton High and very excited to join the 2023 Royalty Court. After graduating next year with my Associates Degree from running start at Olympic College, I plan to attend Central Washington University to major in Theatre Education. My favorite hobbies are writing, performing, and

I will be graduating in June. I will spend my summer representing Mason County at the parades around the state. In August, I will be heading off to Washington State University, and I will be majoring in Elementary Education and double minoring in Kinesiology and Psychology. I plan on teaching until I get my Major in Teaching for Physical Education. I am very passionate about my athletics. I was a cheer captain this past year as well as being a member of the Varsity Cheer team the past four years. I am currently on the Varsity Tennis team and have been all four years of high school. I am a two time State Powerlifting Champion and will be competing at State in May. When not doing sports, I am spending my time with my family camping, fishing, crabbing, and many other activities. I also enjoy volunteering within our amazing community! I am extremely honored to be selected for the second year in a row as part of the Mason County Forest Festival Court. I am looking forward to making lasting memories and amazing new friendships.

Proud Sponsor of the 2023 Mason County Forest Festival

Get ready for the 2023 Paul Bunyan GRAND PARADE

Who doesn't like a parade? Be prepared to be wowed by the marching bands, beautiful floats and many classic trucks and cars that will appeal to automobile enthusiasts. Don’t forget to wave at Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox as they pass!

The 2023 Forest Festival Court will be on display in all their regalia. The beautiful float that they appear on is the result of many hours of hard work done by the royalty and their families The court also visits numerous other festivals throughout the year on their float. Honoring past Forest Festival royalty is a long-time tradition, look for them to appear in this year's parade. Also keep an eye out for visiting royalty from other festivals and their creative presentations.

Commercial entries in the parade are a great way for organizations to show community support. Local industries like shellfish, forestry, insurance, emergency services, utilities, and more make up a large portion of the business pageantry of parade day. Non-profit groups and organizations are always highlights of the parade.

From honoring our veterans to guiding our youths the organizations promote our community every day. Look for entries from the Boy and Girl Scouts, Shriners, American Legion, 4-H, and various equestrian group — just to name a few.

Parade participants compete for various awards in several categories. The unique award plaques have been designed and produced by local high school students (see article page 10). Some of the categories include Grand Sweepstakes, Grand Marshall, Motorized Vehicles, Spirit, Creativity, Novelty, Equestrian, Bands, and Dance/Drill.

The Forest Festival Parade committee encourages organizations to get creative and be part of the annual Forest Festival Paul Bunyan Grand Parade. Come out and enjoy the parade as a spectator – it wouldn’t be a parade without the community!

Save the spot

JUNE 3 | 10:30 AM

Family & Pet Parade

RAILROAD AVENUE, SHELTON

JUNE 3 | 11 AM

Paul Bunyan Grand Parade

RAILROAD AVENUE, SHELTON

Arrive early to save a prime viewing spot. Breakfast at the fire station begins at 7AM and local shops open soon thereafter!

Parade applications are available online at masoncountyforestfestival.,com.

1030 AM/103.3 FM

The 2023 Parade will be covered by KMAS 1030/103.3 FM Radio with live hosting by Jeff Slakey and broadcasted live on Facebook. Details & recording will be available at kmas.com. Thank you KMAs for your continued support!

1962 2023

Chop! Chop! 2023 Mason County

LOGGING SHOW!

This is going to be another great logging competition held at Loop Field. This year we will have up to 16 Men competing in "Super Six" Championship and 12 Women competing in the " Featured 4" Championship. Expect to see some of the best logging sport athletes in the West at this show. There is prize money for the top six athletes in each event.

The "Super Six" Championship events are the Spring Board Chop, Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck, Underhand Chop and the Hotsaw.

The "Featured 4" Championship events are the Stock Saw, Standing Block Chop, Single Buck and the Underhand Chop.

There will also four Open Events-Speed Climbing, Tree Topping, Axe Throwing and Birling (log rolling).

Please come down to Loop Field after the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade visit the vendors and enjoy the show, opening ceremony is at 1PM. Loop Field has been the site of most of the Forest Festival Logging Shows since 1945. In fact Loop Field is one of the places where logging competition first got started in the USA. It truly is a grand setting with the lush green grass and the back drop of the majestic fir trees. I am grateful to the City of Shelton in particular Parks and Recreation for the way they go the extra mile in maintaining Loop Field and the City Public Works staff for all of their help every year.

Gather the gang & join the parade!

All ages, families, groups, and their pets are invited to lead the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade and have some good old fashioned fun in the Family and Pet Parade, June 3, 10:30 AM.

Dress up with your pets, decorate your bike, wear a costume, have a forest theme (Tall Timbers) or something totally different! Ribbons awarded for best entries in the following categories: Group or Family; Dress-up with Pet; Forestry Theme; Costumes/Fairy Tales; Float or Decorated Wagon; and Decorated Bike.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Family Parade and it is a lot of fun for the whole family! Entry forms: masoncountyforestfestival.com.

Creativity!

Creativity and fun are encouraged at the Family & Pet Parade. Many parade participantsdress their dogs, cats, goats and even bunnies for the Family and Pet Parade – get creative there are prizes! A Forest Festival theme is always appropriate at Forest Festival!

photo:© Cooper Studios

photo:© Cooper Studios

Central Mason 5 Firefighters PANCAKE BREAKFAST

JUNE 3, 7-11 AM

STATION #58, 122 W FRANKLIN ST, SHELTON

Support Central Mason #5 by enjoying the full breakfast served by the firefighters at Station #58 in downtown Shelton (across from Dairy Queen). The event is before the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade and an important fundraiser and an annual community event for the Station. Breakfast is by donation and includes pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee.

Sponsor Spotlight NISQUALLY RED WIND CASINO

Bowman Financial Group

is proud to support the 79th annual Mason County Forest Festival.

. (360)427-4248 www.bowmanfgi.com

The multi-award-winning Nisqually Red Wind Casino has become the South Sound’s go-to spot for gaming and dining. Boasting an expansive 46,000 square foot gaming floor, the casino offers more than 1,700 slot machines, Keno, Sports Betting and a plethora of table games including: Lucky Ladies Blackjack, Emperor’s Challenge Pai-Gow Poker, Emperor’s Challenge Exposed, High Card Flush, Heads Up Hold’em, Player’s Edge 21, Roulette, and Craps with 10x odds. There are also multiple dining venues from fast casual to fine dining, including the Medicine Creek Deli, Pealo’s Bar, Coho High Limit Room Bar, and the River Water Bar & Grille. Red Wind Casino cordially invites you to come and see just why they have been voted South Sounds Best Casino!

kbowman@bowmanfgi.com

RETIREMENT PLANNING | MEDICARE PLANNING SOCIAL SECURITY MAXIMATION & LONG TERM CARE PLANNING

1615 Olympic Hwy N Shelton, WA 98584

Bob and Shelly Smith

Sponsor Spotlight

GREEN DIAMOND CELEBRATES SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY, ICONIC MASON COUNTY INDUSTRY

Green Diamond, a fifth generation, privately held forest products company, was started in 1890 by Sol Simpson, who founded Simpson Logging Co. in Mason County. Today, the company owns and sustainably manages over 2.2 million acres of working forestland across the U.S. West and South.

Forest Festival was established to promote forest fire prevention and celebrate the rich history of the timber industry in Mason County. As part of carrying on the tradition, Green Diamond teams across the county are working to sustainably manage resilient timberlands, plus inspire and celebrate all the forest industry brings to communities and homes across the state, nation, and world.

Sustainability is at the core of all Green Diamond does. Company land is independently audited and certified to ensure forest products you buy, whether it’s paper products, lumber, or other long-lived wood products, come from sustainably managed forests. Post-harvest, the land is replanted, which is typically done by hand. Upwards of 1,000 trees can be planted each day. All the landscape work, from harvest to planting, is done in a way that protects fish and wildlife and promotes clean water, healthy salmon runs, and soil health.

Green Diamond also offers over 100,000 acres of forestland in Western Washington for recreation, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and more. Along with the permit area program, Green Diamond allows free public access to some of its working forestland in the state.

For the community members who work with Green Diamond and alongside the company every day, Happy Forest Festival! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the iconic forest products industry in Mason County.

HOOD CANAL | GEORGE STENBERG PHOTO

Preservative treated exterior trim & fascia products:

On Grade, On Time, Every Time

(360) 426-8900

sales@belcofp.com

1890 East Johns Prairie Road, Shelton, WA 98584

At Belco Forest Products, we believe in the natural beauty of real wood trim, but not just because of the aesthetic. Sustainability is one of our core pillars, and an important component of our community resources. Natural wood is a carbon-positive and sustainable substrate. With intentional reforestation practices, the forest products industry is supporting a renewable resource that benefits our earth. We see the effects of climate change, and as a leader in the forest products industry, understand the importance of investing in scientific climate change research now so we can see the promise of a greener tomorrow. We’re proud to be part of the forest products industry and a sponsor of the Mason County Forest Festival.

Rockin the Forest ALL AGES LIVE MUSIC EVENT

After the Logging Show and before the fireworks show check out the the Rockin

The Forest music event, June 3, 5-9 PM, hosted by the Martha Reed Foundation, and featuring musical favorite Graysen

Foust and the Lester Crow Band.

This year event is once again hosted in the Our Community Credit Union parking lot on Olympic Highway N making it a convenient "before the fireworks" location to celebrate Forest Festival.

Along with live music, this free family-friendly event will have = food trucks and a beer garden all proudly supporting the efforts of the Martha Reed Foundation.

The Martha Reed Foundation is a group of Mason County community members who believe in supporting their local community with positive actions and projects.

FIREWORKS SHOW

Shelton's forestry legacy is illustrated by this Festival, the school's “High Climbers,” and a waterfront dominated by the wood industry. It is also evidenced by the timber families that still sustainably harvest Mason County's forests.

In the 1940’s Elmer Manke founded the Manke Lumber Company, a family owned business with ties to virtually every aspect of the timber industry. With their roots in Mason County, Manke is dedicated to exploring new technologies to protect resources and provide quality products.

Manke Lumber is proud to celebrate the community’s logging heritage by supporting Forest Festival. For many years, Manke has been the sponsor of the spectacular fireworks show Saturday evening of the Forest Festival event.

This year the fireworks will be sponsored in part by the Western Display Fireworks. This 5th Generation family-owned business is located in Canby, Oregon. They are the largest and oldest aerial display fireworks company in the Northwest, and this year are celebrating 75 years in business.

Western display provides fireworks displays to communities throughout the Northwest from small towns to some of the largest shows in the nation. Their shows are all custom designs for the specific event and venue. This year they have an extra special show planned for the Forest Festival. The show is designed to be fired from multiple zones simultaneously located throughout the launch site. It will feature the finest in pyrotechnics available through-

out the world, including a special showcase of American made comets, manufactured by AM Pyrotechnics in Buffalo Missouri.

The show will be fired with the most advanced computer firing system available, the Galaxis. This is the same system that is used for many of the largest shows in the world, including Seattle Seafair. The precisely designed and fired program will be 15 minutes of non-stop excitement culminated by a multi-state spectacular grand finale. Tune into Shelton's local radio station, KMAS 1030 AM/ 103.3 FM, for live coverage and musical accompaniment.

The fireworks start at sunset, June 3. Arrive early as parking fills in the viewing areas near Shelton’s Oakland Bay Junior High. The community and the Forest Festival Association and volunteers thank the Manke family for supporting this exciting display to celebrate Forest Festival 2023!

June 3 @ 10 PM

MANKE FAMILY & WESTERN DISPLAYS FIREWORKS SHOW

Shelton’s Oakland Bay Junior High

photo:cooper Studio

The Coopers

FOCUSED ON FOREST FESTIVAL

Amy & Forrest Cooper are portrait artists. They capture memories for their clients and produce top-of-the-line artwork to adorn a home. A husband and wife creative team, they own and operate Cooper Studios in Shelton. Both holding BFA degrees in Visual Communications, their “focus” is on perfection and quality. Along with extensive experience they have a whole lot of talent!

Handmade in Shelton, the duo’s Fine Art Portraits are captured, retouched, printed and custom framed in their downtown studio giving them the control to create the high quality. Consider Cooper Studios for company headshots and commercial proj ects to take your business to the next level.

Forrest and Amy are ardent supports of community events like the Forest Festival and bring a level of professionalism to the event images. Cooper Studios is only the 4th photographer ever to create the official Queen of the Forest Portrait. It’s a tradition the Cooper’s are proud to be a part of and look forward to continuing for many years to come.

Thank you, Amy and Forrest for preserving our Forest Festival memories each year!

Forest Festival sanctioned car show • June 4

Mason County Forest Festival 33rd Annual SHELTON

CAR

SHOWOFF

In 1990 a car show was added to Mason County Forest Festival sanctioned events. Since 2010, the Shelton High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. (NJROTC) Booster Club has hosted this event on the Sunday, June 4.

Months of planning go into this event and on the day of the show it takes eight city blocks of space and about 50 volunteers to operate! Hundreds of vehicle travel from all over Washington (and some from Oregon and Idaho) to attend & participate.

Proceeds this year will continue to help support the NJROTC cadets’ leadership program and activities. The Booster Club is able to help send cadets to leadership academy and competitions with funds they raise from the car show. Additionally, proceeds will also support the Mason County Forest Festival.

The Shelton Car Showoff continues to be a success because of all the support from the car owners, the local businesses that help sponsor the event costs and the dedication of the cadets and volunteers that participate every year.

Thank you to Gold level sponsors: The Shopper, Bekos Tree Service, Shelton CJDR, Shelton Group, South Sound Appliances, West Bay Napa Auto Parts, Yesteryear Car Club and Shelton Tabs and Titles. Thanks Silver sponsors: Our Community Credit Union, Cut Rate Auto, Shelton Dental Center, Jalisco, and Denny's Auto Service. Thanks to our Bronze sponsor Hood Canal Communications.

The event is located "uptown" on Olympic Hwy N, between C and K Streets. Car registration is 8 AM – 11 AM on “F” Street. The car registration fee is $25 per car with dash plaques available for the first 300 registered on site. Plaques will be awarded in 35 categories.

The event is Sunday, June 4th from 10 AM – 3 PM and is free to spectators. There will be food vendors on site, a silent auction or regular raffle, and a 50/50 raffle.

photo:© Cooper Studios

Forest Festival Memories | Maxine Johnston

1995 Forest Festival court awaitin5 the beginning of the parade route.

(left to right – Julie Johnston, Kristi Burnett, Jamie Dickey, Marcy Douglas.

Submitted by Maxine Johnston

1952 Forest Festival Kiddie Parade Siblings Artie Tozier and Maxine Tozier (Johnston) ages 4 & 5 and their German Shepherd, Tippy, and her litter of puppies wait in the staging area of Lincoln Grade School for the parade to begin.

Submitted by Maxine Johnston

1956 Forest Festival Hood Canal Consolidated School District float representing members of the Hoodsport School 8th gradeEs. Left side of float: Arthur Ayres, Sharon Larson, Bill Goodpaster, Jr. Right side of float: Donna Brown Simmons, Ed Johnston, Pattl Simmons Johnson. Center on top of float: Carol Pierce

Submitted by Maxine Johnston

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

take a spin (literally)

Cotton candy, sticky candy apples, churros, giant stuffed animals in brilliant colors, and rides that make your head spin are all a popular part of the Mason County Forest Festival. The carnival will open on Thursday, June 1 at 4 PM. This year the event will once again be located downtown on 1st and Grove Streets. Thank you to the Mell Family for your support of Forest Festival.

Kids of all ages will be thrilled to see the much anticipated return of the rides and “fair” food as well as plenty of games with a variety of prizes. The Carnival will be open Thursday 4-9 PM, Friday 4-10 PM, Saurday 12-10 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM, but as always, hours are dependent upon attendance and weather. Pre-sale wristbands are available at:

The Shopper (2505 Olympic Hwy N), Neil's Pharmacy, and Shelton Mason County Chamber (215 W Railroad Ave), additional locations will be added, please check website for details.

photo:© Cooper Studios

The multi-award-winning Nisqually Red Wind Casino has become the South Sound’s go-to spot for gaming and dining. Boasting an expansive 46,000 square foot gaming floor, the casino offers more than 1,700 slot machines, Keno, Sports Betting and a plethora of table games including: Lucky Ladies Blackjack, Emperor’s Challenge Pai-Gow Poker, Emperor’s Challenge Exposed, High Card Flush, Heads Up Hold’em, Player’s Edge 21, Roulette, and Craps with 10x odds. There are also multiple dining venues from fast casual to fine dining, including the Medicine Creek Deli, Pealo’s Bar, Coho High Limit Room Bar, and the River Water Bar & Grille. We cordially invite you to come and see just why we have been voted South Sounds Best Casino!

RECEIVE UP TO $100 IN FREE PLAY!

June 4

Kiwanis Wood Duck Race

Kristmas Town Kiwanis is proud to bring the 28th Annual Kristmas Town Kiwanis Wood Duck Race to Forest Festival weekend. The race will begin 2 PM on Sunday, June 4 at the 7th Street bridge over Goldsborough Creek.

As the yellow ducks glide down the creek the fastest "swimmers" will appear within sight of the finish line at the First St bridge in about 10 minutes. As they cross the finish line volunteers wrangle the ducks in nets to determine prizes winners.

Wood ducks are simply an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to rubber ducks. The “ducks” are chunks of wood painted yellow and numbered to correspond to the sponsor’s name. In the event a wood duck slips by the finish line, a plastic duck is not littering the shoreline of Oakland Bay.

Kristmas Town Kiwanis volunteers will be offering the opportunity to sponsor a duck for $1.00. Look for volunteers on the parade route, at the logging show or contact Mark Ziegler at (360) 490-2969. Proceeds from the race support local scholarships and community programs sponsored by Kristmas Town Kiwanis.

We’re proud to be your reliable public power provider, maintaining over 700 miles of overhead power lines while preserving the Tall Timbers of Mason County. Thank you for being our customer!

Mason PUD 3

Would your princess enjoy tea WITH THE QUEEN?

Queen Brooke invites future (and present) princesses and princes to join her in this lovely event at the historic Colonial House in Shelton, July 9. As the first family home of pioneer timber family, the Reeds, the Colonial house and its gardens are a majestic tribute to our forest heritage and organizers appreciate our gracious hosts, Green Diamond.

Don your finest gowns and hurry to reserve your spots at this extravagant event. Tea, juice, sandwiches (without the crusts, of course!) and cakes will be served in the garden. Each young princess or prince receives autograph cards from the royalty, a tiara or crown, and other goodies to mark this event to celebrate our Forest Festival Royalty.

Reserve your Table!

Hosted Sunday, July 9, 3:00-4:30 PM, please reserve your tickets online at masoncountyforestfestival.com. Cost is $40/adult | $20/child (ages 2-12)

Event Sponsors: Mason General Hospital, Shelton YMCA, Denis & Adele Leverich & Hood Canal Communications. Additional support from Shelton Fred Meyer.

Event updates: masoncountyforestfestival.com

photo:© Cooper Studios

photo:© Cooper Studios

Goldsborough Creek FUN RUN/ WALK

The Centennial Guild, a chapter of Mason General Hospital Foundation, is pleased and honored to bring this run/ walk event to our community. Proceeds from this event support Mason County Forest Festival, a scholarship, and equipment fund for the local hospital in memory of Kristi Armstrong, a community member, nurse, and Guild member.

The run started as a gathering for friends to run around Loop Field and downtown before the parade and then grew to the more organized event we know today. The event is for walkers or runners of all ability levels.

The race begins June 3 at 6 AM. Follow signage to check-in on Railroad Ave. Participants are bussed from check-in to the start line. The 7 mile walk starts at 7 AM so that walkers complete the course by roughly 9:30 AM. The main events, the 7 mile run and 2 mile run/walk begin at 8 AM. The run events and 2 mile walk will be using electronic timing so please pre-register. The junior jog begins at 9:30 AM on Railroad Avenue. An awards ceremony is held at the registration area at 9:45 AM, giving medals to a variety of age categories and prizes donated from local businesses.

Centennial Guild, a chapter of Mason General Hospital Foundation, has been managing the event for the Forest Festival Association since 2009. It is a major fund raiser for the Guild. Register at runsignup. com/Race/WA/Shelton/GoldsboroughCreekRun. Cost is $15-25. Early bird registration is before May 8. June 1: last date to pre-register; June 4: Day of race registration with additional $5 fee for all run and walk participants.

Sound Learning has provided community-based education for adults in Mason County since 1991. We support economic development through education. We offer relevant, high-quality instruction that prepares students for family-wage jobs and helps individuals develop the skills needed to fulfill their potential as family members, workers, and community members.

Sound Learning provides instruction for: GED or High School + diploma, academic skills improvement to prepare for training or college programs, improve workplace skills, or get a job, English for Speakers of other Languages, and citizenship prep tutoring.

Annual Forest Festival Button Design!

Congrats Sierra!

Each year, Mason County students (all grades) have the opportunity to design the Mason County Forest Festival button. The theme and a template are provided to the students. Through an extensive process, the Forest Festival Committee votes on the entries.

The group narrows it down to the top three per grade category (K-5, 6-8, 9-12), then down to the top three based on the design that most represents the theme.

This year, there was an overwhelming response from students, 600 entries from 15 schools (3rd-12th grade). The top three students from each category receives a cash prize, the grand prize winner receives a cash prize and this design is on the Forest Festival button that can be purchased throughout Mason County and during the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade.

Button Locations

Pick up your 2023 Forest Festival pins at these locations:

Shelton

A&B Nail Spa

Bobland

Cooper Studios

ISH PNW

Miracle Ear

Mottet FineJewelry

Nita's Cafe

Our Favorite Things

Top Ten Finalists:

Natalie Bray - 5th grade

Emmanuel Choi - 5th grade

Alah Ibarra - 3rd grade

Luka Juarez - 6th grade

Emi McFarland - 6th grade

Lily-Rose Prouty - 6th grade

Alexis Sawyer - 3rd grade

Ghost Shupert - 10th grade

Ursula Tomas - 5th grade

Shelton Candy Shop

Fat Cat Cafe

Shelton Chamber of Commerce

Shelton Historical Society

Some R4 U

The Shelton Plant Shop

Belfair

North Mason Chamber of Commerce

Hoodsport

Fjord Oyster Bank

Union

Cameo Boutique

Union Deli

The winner, Sierra Buckner, pictured above is in 10th grade at North Mason High School. Her button design is also the background for this year's poster!

Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to all the winners.

RESIDENTIAL

Septic Pumping & Inspection

Septic Repair & Installation

Paul Bunyan Beard Contest

3RD ANNUAL BEARD CONTEST

We are looking for magnificent facial hair, and bonus points if you are clad in your best “Paul Bunyan” garb! We are calling it the 3rd Annual Beard Contest, but this event has had several iterations throughout the 79 years of Forest Festival. In 1978, Sheltonville Properties ran this event, there was also a contest in 1984 as well as 2010, when the Shelton Lions Club took on this Forest Fest event.

Paul Bunyan Beard CONTEST DETAILS

Winners will be awarded in two categories:

PAUL BUNYAN LOOKA-LIKE: Full beard AND uncanny resemblance to Paul Bunyan (both in beard and overall appearance).

FULL BEARD: As grown, mustache integrated. Length is important but isn’t everything. Mass, density, shape, color, and overall impression all count. Styling aids are allowed.

COST TO ENTER: FREE Register online by May 19. Include selfie/photo with the entry. Donations appreciated and accepted!

Professional promo photo (for web use) available at Cooper Studios for a $25 donation, just add that on at checkout. Session deadline is May 15. Prizes to be announced.

Thank you to 2nd Street Design Studio, Peninsula Credit Union and Williams Architecture for sponsoring the Beard Contest.

You'll dig our clams.

Technically we'll dig them for you but you will love the way we prepare our local clams & oysters –Xinh's chicken curry & crab cakes are amazing too.

Proudly serving: Urraco Coffee | drive thru open at 6:30 am

Tillimook Ice Cream

High Steel Beer

Potlatch Brewery Co.

Stottle Winery

Sea Nymph Oysters & Clams

Culinary creations of Chef Xinh Dwelley

Sponsor

Spotlight SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES

Continuing a Proud Forest Products

Legacy with 21st Century Advanced Manufacturing

Shelton’s working waterfront proudly houses a 21st century manufacturing facility that produces high-quality lumber products that have been a hallmark of Mason County for over one hundred years. Sierra Pacific Industries’ Shelton Division, boasts one of the highest tech lumber facilities in the nation.

The mill, which produces framing lumber for construction, uses lasers, scanners, cameras and even artificial intelligence to efficiently use as much of the incoming wood as possible. “If you went back to the mid-1900s there are studies that show between 30-50% of the fiber was not utilized. We are proud to say that virtually every fleck of sawdust is used in our process or sold as a byproduct,” according to Lisa Perry, Community Relations Manager for Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI).

Due to the high-tech machinery, some mistakenly think there aren’t many jobs associated with the mill, but SPI currently employs 300+ on the site and are looking to expand. “There are plenty of jobs, many are just more high-tech, utilizing people to run, troubleshoot, or maintain the machines, rather than doing the heavy lifting,” explained Perry. She continued, “SPI is known for on-the-job training and promotion, so it’s been exciting to watch people move up within the ranks with all of the new opportunity.”

Today’s working waterfronts, especially those that include high-tech manufacturing contribute to the community with jobs, direct and indirect wages, taxes and updated environmental systems that protect the shoreline, water and air.The mill still offers many job opportunities. Those that are interested can visit the website at www.spi-ind. com. SPI is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Forest Festival.

Stop by for FREE maps, Fjord Magazine and local concierge service. Located across from the Hoodsport Fish Hatchery on Hwy 101.

Celebrating our

Deep roots

TIMBER HERITAGE IN MASON COUNTY

In 1853, the mighty stands of firs, spruce and cedar attracted the first industry to Mason County as M.T. Simmons, Wesley B. Gisnel and Orrington Cushman built the first water driven mill on what would become known as Mill Creek.

Oakland, Arcadia and Union were busy logging communities by the 1860s. In the mid-1880s, the Satsop Railroad was laid to transport logs out of the forests as the easy to reach shoreline timber was dwindling. The railroad terminus was David Shelton’s claim at the head of Oakland Bay – now known as Shelton. Other logging railroads followed as logging continued to boom.

1887 was also the year that Sol G. Simpson began building and managing the Puget Sound & Grays Harbor Railroad out of Old Kamilche. It was here that Simpson introduced horse teams to transport the felled logs to the railroad lines. Previously on the west coast, oxen teams were used to do the heavy hauling. Simpson also introduced the steam driven donkey engine for yarding to Puget Sound. By the late 1890s, Simpson

joined forces with lumberman A. H. Anderson (also known as the Tall Fir of Mason County) in consolidating the railroads and logging interests in Mason County.

Shelton's Paul Bunyan

In stature and appetite, Anderson has been characterized as a real-life Paul Bunyan. Like the Paul Bunyan story of eating exceptionally substantial breakfasts, a fellow logger recalled that for breakfast “Anderson liked a fairly thick beef steak about one foot long, a quart of coffee, and, if he wasn’t really hungry, ten eggs” (Ed Hillier, as quoted in Green Commonwealth 1945:64).

Simpson and Anderson were long seeing capitalists. Unlike other companies of Puget Sound who would sell off their logged

lands or let them go into tax arrears, Simpson and Anderson held onto their denuded tenures. They understood the importance of land and the possibility of future logging opportunities.

Today, Simpson’s descendants, the Reeds own land across California, Oregon, and Washington – making them the fifth-largest private landowners in the U.S.

In 1924, the Simpson’s Logging Company began construction of a power plant and the Reed Mill Company in Shelton. The Reed Mill focused on milling Western Hemlock and supplying material for the fledgling Rainier Pulp & Paper Company (founded in 1926).

Although logging was primarily about “getting the wood,” pulp and paper products emerged as important industries to Mason County. Further advances in research in 1931 by the scientist of Rainier and DuPont discovered methods of taking the cellulose from Western Hemlocks and converting it into a fiber which could be formed into a wood-based plastic known as cellophane and could be spun into the revolutionary new fabric Rayon.

Keep Washington Green

Throughout the Pacific Northwest, this timber history has been dogged by the flickering presence of forest fires. The fires of 1847 and 1902 were devastating years. The 1902 fires destroyed logging camps, sawmills, railcars, and many homes in Mason County.

Sponsor Spotlight

LYNCH CREEK FARM

In the beginning, the farm was a hobby with the purpose to keep our three kids out of trouble and give them a job while attending school.

Starting with an organic vegetable farm and produce at the Shelton Farmers' Market, in 1984 at the Olympia Farmers' Market.

Fire was not only a threat to homes, but it was also a threat to livelihoods as they ravaged stands of trees. In response to the devastating Tillamook fires of the 1930s, Washington Governor Clarence D. Martin campaigned for citizen participation in stopping forest fires before they start.

During the late 1940s, forest fire prevention became important for another reason as well. As the war effort relied upon wood products for a variety of purpose, the possibility of an enemy started forest fire could have paramount effect. The US Forest Service teamed up with the Ad Council to educate the public about forest fires and August 9, 1944, the first Smokey the Bear ad was run. The tagline “Only you can prevent forest fires” wasn’t developed for a few more years, but Smokey was an instant and lasting success.

An era of change

The first Forest Festival was held in May of 1945. As the forestry industry branched off into rebranding cut blocks into crops and board feet in terms of cellulose products, a celebration of timber and the future of the second growth was held, Mason County Forest Festival.

The youngest son, Andrew Hunter, has stayed with the tradition of the family farmer and loves every minute of it. (Except when the goats get out!) The farm sells dahlia flowers during the summer months and produces the highest quality evergreen Christmas wreaths and centerpieces during the holiday season. They have expanded the dahlia business opening a stand on the farm with U-Cut dahlias and bouquets. It helps support the local community with a family activity we all enjoy. We had great success last year as local fundraisers took over the dahlia stand and earned 100% of the sales for that day.

The main focus is selling fresh Christmas wreaths and centerpieces online. With over 200,000 square feet of warehouse space, their facilities is able to take on any size order. They pride themselves on delivering only the best product every time with no exceptions. We have a reputation for excellence, and our customers have come to expect nothing less from us.

The Hunter family has enjoyed making a living from growing and hand harvesting the fruits of our labor over the years. As Andy once said, "Well, in simple terms I really love what I do and am happy in the fields cutting flowers and picking squash at 6 a.m. before market opens each day. It's a career that I would not change for anything.”

Photos: Bob and Shelly Smith

Mason County Forest Festival

Forest Festival promoted fire protection and regeneration of the forests. In October of 1946, the Forest Festival was formally incorporated as a non-profit with the specific focus of: “the development of a public consciousness of the need for forest fire prevention and an appreciation of the growing forests of Washington.”

The forest is now an important resource for tourism and recreation. The legacy of the lumbering past however, is still felt when you notice the street signs in Shelton: Pine, Alder, Cedar, Grove, Poplar, Oak, Hazel, Walnut, Hemlock and Birch Street to name a few.

Or when you pass Tollie on Railroad with her car piled high with logs. Stop in at the Post Office and view the original 1940 New Deal mural of a oxen team hauling logs on a “Skid Row” by Richard Haines. When you and your family attend the living event that is the Forest Festival, reflect on the legacy.

Cheer on Paul Bunyan and Babe and salute the Court as they pass by in the parade. Forestry is an ever-present part of Shelton and Mason County and its history is worth remembering and celebrating.

CONGRATULATIONS

Forest Festival on 79 years!

Family owned and operated Brady Trucking celebrates our timber families and supporters! bradytrucking.com

Snapshots of the GRAND PARADE

2022 Mason CountyRoyalty Float

Sierra Pacific - #Timberstrong

Shelton Highclimbers band

Bob and Shelly Smith

Leroy (Tiny) Valley was born in 1947, the youngest of four children to Ed and Rachel Valley of Matlock. Leroy grew up on the Valley family farm and graduated from Mary M. Knight high school.

Mary M Knight School Board - 18 years

Mary M Knight Youth Basketball Coach - 6 years

Mary M Knight Basketball Coach - 4 years

Matlock Fair - 12 years

Matlock Historical and Old Tractor Club - 10 years

Silver Stars Horse Riding Club - 5 years

Kristmastown Kiwanis - 40 years (President for 12 years)

Can Drive, Bluegrass of the Forest, Duck Race

Owner of Spike’s Hydraulics - 47 years

All this while working full time and running the farm, raising beef, cattle and Thanksgiving turkeys. We see his smiling face at public events and fundraisers, selling buttons, tickets and ducks for the duck race.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND NOW SUNDAY

Enjoy $5 off Prime Rib Special when you show your Club Lucky card.

photo:© Cooper Studios

Celebrate community.

Forest Festival represents a long tradition in Mason County and there's a reason its 79 years strong – the annual Forest Festival celebrates and embodies these! Embrace your community and your local festivals, get the whole family involved –you never know when you might discover something wonderful!

This summer the adventures don't have to stop with Forest Festival. There are plenty of great areas to explore including the Staircase Entrance of the Olympic National Park; Hood Canal – the lower 48's only saltwater fjord; and plenty of trails, rivers and lakes. Not to mention the many more legacy events that shape our communities.

Mark your calendars for these volunteer powered events – Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport with it's Scandinavian flavors; Hoodstock in Union including a floating concert; Allyn's beach celebration; Shelton's much anticipated OysterFest; all cumulating with epic Christmas celebrations.

Open for the Season: May 20. Reserve Online today!

Pedal the Rails with your family and friends.

What's Next?

MASON COUNTY FOREST FESTIVAL

June 1-4, Shelton, WA

THUNDER ON THE CANAL

Independence Day Weekend, Union WA

FJORDIN CROSSIN' PADDLE THE CANAL

June 17 – Hoodsport, WA

BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST FESTIVAL

July 7-9, Shelton, WA

ALLYN DAYS

July 14-16, Allyn, WA

GRAPEVIEW ART & WATER FESTIVAL

July 29, Grapeview, WA

SUMMERFEST

August, Belfair WA

HOODSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

August 19, Union, WA

OYSTERFEST

October 6-8, Shelton, WA

CHRISTMASTOWN USA

December, Shelton, WA

For reservations visit: www.vcrailriders.com

For details on these and more wonderful local events, lodging and things to do in the area visit explorehoodcanal.com.