#TIMBER STRONG ALL SUMMER –& FALL– LONG.

Rachel Hansen | Fjord editor

This Summer the giant statues of Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox presided over the Timber Days events in Shelton, WA. Designed to keep the community #timberstrong all summer long these events proved to a great way to gently get festival goers back into "the swing" of things. As summer turns into yet another uncertain fall – we carry on with #timberstrong.

Postponing the annual Forest Festival parade and fireworks show to September 18 presented an issue for events that were still held on the traditional weekend as well as impacted opportunities for the newly crowned Royalty Court. In 2020 the Forest Festival court had limited engagements so this year volunteers were determined to create Covid-sensitive events that spanned the summer providing ample opportunities for the court to have public appearances prior to the parade.

The result was a community effort dubbed "Timber Days." Throughout the summer one weekend was selected each month for two evenings of live music, games, activities for families and kids, beer garden, vendors and food. Highlights included the Royalty Tea at the Colonial House (hopefully to become an annual tradition) and the Skyline Drive-In family night with a Forest Festival short historical documentary created by Shelton film graduate, Anika Davison. The video is available on Forest Festival's site at masoncountyforestfestival.com.

The series culminates with the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade on September 18. If forest fire conditions allow, the group will also host the much anticipated annual fireworks display. The carnival will not happen in 2021 due to COVID uncertainties but is scheduled to return June 2 - 6, 2022. Also canceled for a second year is the much anticipated WA State Seafood Festival – OysterFest. Organizers were unable to host the event this year owing to location, volunteer and pandemic issues. The hope is to return in 2022.

This fall be sure to support the festivals that are still scheduled. In Quilcene the whole town is preparing for the return of the Quilcene Fair and Parade on September 18th followed by the Quilcene Oyster Races on the 19th. Page 15 for details.

In Shelton there is plenty of room to social distance at the new outdoor location selected to host Bluegrass from the Forest, September 10-12. With over 20 grassy acres for camping, stages, workshops and jamming, the event will have plenty of room for everyone. Friday night, September 10, Chef Xinh Dwelley joins the festivities with a catered dinner to support the Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund. See details on all Bluegrass events starting on page 29.

If you enjoy local events and have spare time please consider volunteering. This year community event organizers have found it exceedingly difficult to find help. It doesn't have to be a huge commitment. Even one afternoon or evening makes a difference. Pretty much every non-profit and – and business for that matter – is short-staffed and struggling to keep active. Thanks for your support!

Paul Bunyan is the official mascot of Mason County's Forest Festival.

ISSUE 18 | VOLUME 5

Publication is produced quarterly by IMAGE IN ACTION DESIGN

(360) 427-5599 | rachel@nwevent.org, PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584