Rachel Hansen | Fjord editor Well, that was fun. Yes, I realize we are not out of the woods yet and the fallout from supply chain interruption & unusual demand patterns is just beginning to rear its ugly head – but maybe – just maybe – there's a light at the end of this ridiculously long tunnel we call the last twelve months. It hasn't been all bad. There are elements of life that are worth being reminded of: like how important family and friends are and how wonderful it is to really get a chance to connect with them. Over the last year our family has created memories that would not have been possible without this strange reality we've all been forced to live in. But, honestly, on the whole, the biggest realization I am left with is how much I took my life for granted. Traveling to Canada to see family, dinner at restaurants or having friends over without a lingering sense of shame. These last twelve months simultaneously rushed and dragged by. Truly the year that time forgot – or hopes to. As America wakes up from its Sleeping Beauty nightmare and begins to rebuild it is exciting to see all the once common place opportunities with new eyes. Kind of feels like Christmas in July! Which brings us to a series of new events that the Mason County Forest Festival volunteers are pulling together to get their event back on track for 2021.
Postponing their annual parade and fireworks show to September 18 has presented an issue for events that were still held on the traditional Forest Festival weekend as well as impacted the event opportunities for the newly crowned Royalty Court. In 2020 the Forest Festival court had limited engagements; this year the 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.
"Timber Days is not just focused on the area's rich forestry roots, its also grounded around rebuilding community by providing safe, free, and fun family entertainment. " The result is a community effort dubbed "Timber Days." Selecting three weekends, one each month starting with the Forest Festival weekend in June (June 4-5), this grassroots effort is designed to be adaptable to changing gathering requirements.
ISSUE 17 | VOLUME 5 Publication is produced quarterly by IMAGE IN ACTION | nwevent.org (360) 427-5599 | rachel@nwevent.org PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584 © 2021 No reprint without permission. And grassroots effort it is. With little funding left after a trying event barren year, businesses, non-profits and volunteers have pooled their resources to create a series that is sure to delight everyone this summer – live music, games, dancing in the street, food, drink and outdoor movies! See page 25 for full details on the event. 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 be happening in 2021 due to COVID uncertainties but is scheduled to return June 2 - 6, 2022. Visit masoncountyforestfestival.com for more information or to volunteer.
3
FJORD
