4 minute read
Christmas isn’t Canceled in Christmastown
from Fjord | Winter 2020
by Imagination
All around us we see decorations limping into yards and windows as they defiantly defy the unwritten rule of waiting until after Thanksgiving. We can certainly expect come Nov 27, many neighborhoods will be visible from space. Families all over are desperate to celebrate the holidays – well, celebrate anything for that matter.
The pandemic has put the kibosh on nearly everyone’s Christmas plans, canceling community events, visits to family, vacations and everything in between.
Shelton is typically branded as a logging community. The main street, Railroad Avenue, was built wide to accommodate logging trucks heading to the mill. Yet trees weren’t just cut to make lumber, Shelton is also known as “Christmastown, USA – the Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”
Mason County trees loaded for delivery. Credit: Forest Service Image
In 1918, mill manager, G.R. Kirk, received word from his brother-in-law in Texas requesting a train car full of wild-cut Douglas-fir trees for Christmas. Initially doubtful, Kirk sent the trees and was surprised to receive an order for two loads the next year. Instead he cut three carloads and headed to Los Angeles to sell them himself. He never went back to milling. Over the next seven decades local foresters honed their harvesting skills and, with the rich scent of fir pitch hanging in the air from November on, Shelton earned it’s Christmas Tree Capital title.
Last December Shelton took Christmas head on by celebrating their Christmastown distinction with a successful attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The previous record was set by the Hallmark FJORD Channel in 2015 (559 trees). Shelton’s win was recorded December 7 during the annual Santa Claus parade with a total of 797 qualified trees. The trees were arranged in a lighted maze that families could explore along with holiday activities over “12 Days of Christmas.”
How do you top a Guinness Record in the midst of a pandemic? This year the town has rallied to create a series of COVID-safe activities that will insure the Christmas spirit is still alive and well in Christmastown. Forced to cancel large gatherings like the annual parade and tree lighting ceremony, volunteers have created a series of unique activities.
On First Street you cannot miss the giant Christmas tree maze, a tribute to the 2019 Guinness World Record win. Open daily through December, families can wander 16 the one-way maze free of charge. The maze is best viewed at night with thousands upon thousands of lights that make every festive family picture twinkle. Be sure to visit Santa’s Evergreen Forest and roast a marshmallow on the family fire pits or write a message on an oyster shell to hang on one of the giant nobles that have been “planted” in the forest.
Christmas Maze opens December 4 in Shelton
Cooper Studios
Weekends in December Christmastown will also feature an outdoor Christmas market, online crafting sessions, a gingerbread challenge and festive dinner wagon rides to view the lights. The wagon will feature two partitioned dining areas for up to five guests and include music, hot chocolate, dinner served on board from one of an area restaurants and a tour of the lights. Dress warmly, bring your own blanket or purchase a souvenir stadium fleece blanket online with your dinner tickets.
Travel down Railroad Avenue for a spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Retro decorations and lights line the shopfronts and, new this year, pass under live cedar garland and cafe lights swooping across the street as you spy the giant Christmas tree in Post Office Park. Nearby, don’t forget to get a family picture with the historic caboose and engine decked with lights and garland.
In 2019 Shelton celebrated their Christmastown distinction with a successful attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The 800+ trees were arranged in a giant maze. The 2020 tribute Christmas tree maze, consisting of one giant tree, will be located on 1st Street in Shelton throughout December.
2019 Guinness Christmas Maze
Cooper Studios
Pictures with the largest Santa in Washington can be found in Overlook Park, a scenic pull out overlooking a view of the Olympic Mountains and Oakland Bay. The 32’ Santa Claus billboard is complete with a staircase at the back so children can peer through the doll’s head in the quintessential holiday selfie.
1962 Santa Claus
At the age of 66, Shelton sign painter, Clarence Beauchamp, was commissioned by the Shelton Chamber to design and build a 32' Santa Claus to commemorate Christmastown, U.S.A during the 1962 Seattle's World Fair. Built in four 16' panels, the giant structure required the help of multiple crews and boom trucks to erect. The current 32' Santa Claus is located on Hwy 3 near the entrance to Shelton, at Outlook Park. Park at the Lookout and be sure to climb the stairs to put your head through the doll cut out in Santa's bag.
Current Santa Claus
