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.”

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

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.

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.