Winter 2023

WINTER 2023 • ISSUE 27

MAPS • HIKES • HISTORY • COMMUNITY

Shop for

locAL ly fabulous

Winter hike?

Explore Jarrell Cove with Craig Romano – 31

gifts - 60

FESTIVAL OF THE

FIRS

Weather or not –

Celebrate

holidaY Magic on the Canal

12

- details page 11

Hood Canal's unique weather patterns add excitement – 52 1

tracingthefjord.com FJORD

Clockwise from left, Shelton High School graduates Heaven Smith, Anthony Castañeda Martin, Pedro Jimenez, Milo Young, Olivia Henry, Feona Caxhandra Medina, Henry FJORD Gomez Cruz, Wyatt Anthis and Dolores Andres Gervacio. Photos by Cooper Studios.

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Maybe Christmas, perhaps, FESTIVAL OF THE means a little bit more.

FIRS

Rachel Hansen | Fjord editor

I think it's likely that the image above is my favorite shot of Shelton. Right down to

We've been traveling a lot lately.

Portugal, France, the UK and a few overnights around America. It's wonderful to see the world and gain a better understanding on how we all fit in globally. However, the beds are really

Tracing the Fjord is produced by IMAGE IN ACTION DESIGN rachel@nwevent.org | (360) 427-5599

PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584 © 2023 No reprint without permission.

Cover Image: Cooper Studios

the two children bundled up, watching in awe as the group of bystanders point and offer up their advice. It is like a quintessential Walter Mitty moment.

Some things have changed since 1962 and other things really haven't changed at all. I'm glad that the excitement of Santa going up in Shelton is still there.

I'm also glad that people still care about Christmas spirit. Really glad.

tracingthefjord.com

hard and genuine customer service is hard to find. I believe authentic connections are essential. Fortunately, Christmas helps build them.

then I can gaze on this sepia photo of the Beauchamp Santa and feel utter satisfaction. Christmas is coming.

Enjoy the fellowship.

Along with travel I love Christmas. A self-admitted Hallmark junkie, it gave me immense joy when so many quicly came on board when we announced the county-wide holiday campaign, Festival of the Firs. I'm sure there are Scrooges out there who will bravely post grievances on Facebook, but until

In the next 60-odd pages you're going to see a lot of references to our local holiday celebrations (a smattering of other news too). Most of all, I hope you and your family can use this issue to find ways to celebrate at some of these great events. Merry Christmas!

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winter event

CALENDAR REOCCURRING

Shelton Parks & Rec Pickleball Mondays - Fridays , 9 - 11 AM, Tuesday Community Transit Center (MTA) Adult drop-in pickleball. $3.00/drop in.

Monday, competitive play, level 3.5 + Tuesday - Friday, general drop-in play

Bookmobile in Brinnon & Quilcene Tuesdays, 10–12 PM Brinnon Community Center Tuesdays,1:30 – 4 PM Quilcene Comm. Center

Shelton School District Board Meeting 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 PM Mt. View Elementary School Hood Canal Kiwanis Community Sewing Club | Tuesdays, 2 - 4 PM St Germains, 600 Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport Builder Tuesdays Tuesdays, 10 AM - 2 PM Shelton Timberland Library

Port of Shelton Commission 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 PM 21 W Sanderson Way, Shelton Port of Hoodsport Commission Meeting 2nd Wednesday monthly at 9:00 AM 24113 Hwy 101 N, Ste A, Hoodsport Live Music at Hood Canale Wednesdays, Open Mic, 6-9PM, Union Trivia Night at Alderbrook Resort & Spa Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8PM, Union

No matter your financial journey...

Creative Creations Thursdays, 3 PM - 5 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder St, Shelton Craft and STEAM activities with supplies and featured projects to inspire observation, exploration, design, engineering and creation of all kinds. Kids and families, all ages. FREE Shelton Family YMCA FREE Teen Night Fridays, 5 PM - 8 PM 3101 N Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton YMCA open for teens (7–12 grade).

North Mason Eagles Karaoke Fridays, 7 PM 80 NE Alder Creek Lane, Belfair

PROU D TO B EA

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pcfcu.org 360.426.1601 Federally insured by NCUA

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Live Entertainment at The Drift Fridays, 9 PM, 19330 US Hwy 101, Skokomish Bookmobile in Brinnon & Quilcene Saturdays, 10 –12 PM Brinnon Community Center Saturdays, 1:30 – 4 PM Quilcene Community Center Cove Country Store Coffee Social Saturdays, 12 - 2 PM, 303075 US Hwy 101, Brinnon Bingo at Brinnon Booster Club Saturdays, 6:45 PM, 151 Corey Street, Brinnon Art for All Ages Art Afternoon 1st Saturday, 11-3 PM The HUB, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair - FREE

We’ve moved!

Come see us at our new office.

294772 HWY 101, Quilcene, WA 98376 Stop by the new office for free tide books, maps, and experienced knowledge on Real Estate in the Hood Canal area.

Photo:KLAAS IMAGES

Seabeck Community Market 1st and 3rd Sunday, 15565 Seabeck Hwy NW, Seabeck,

NOVEMBER

Business Luncheon Friday, November 17 | Ridge MotorSports Mason General Hospital Foundation Wild Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula – Field Tour with Hood Canal Adventures Nov 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, DEC 1, 2, 3 , 10:30 - 1:00 PM 306146 Hwy 101 N, Brinnon Join Hood Canal Adventures for a 2.5 hour wild mushroom identification walking tour through the Olympic National Forest. Learn about edible and non-edible mushrooms, foraging skills and how to make a spore print! Guided by Herpetologist and Professional Forager, Jerry Novak. $69 per person. Pups are welcome, children 6 and under are free with a paying adult. hoodcanaladventures.com Brinnon Friday Family Game Night Friday, November 17, 2023 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Community Center, 306144 Highway 101, Brinnon Shelton Salmon Day & Walk Saturday, November 18, 10 AM -1 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder Street, Shelton Every fall salmon migrate into the streams that flow through Shelton to spawn. You can see them from sidewalks just blocks from the library! Come to the library join the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) to see displays, children's activities, and crafts to learn about the salmon that inhabit the waters around us. At noon we'll take about a one-mile walk to look for salmon migrating the streams that flow through Shelton. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Let us be your guides.

Jim Munn

Bruce Munn

Kalan Hatton

360.301.4700

360.301.4026

360.531.4419

Owner/Broker

munnbros.com

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

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NaNoWriMo "Come Write In" Saturday, November 18, 12 - 2 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder Street, Shelton Need a new space to work on your project? Write and meet others with a similar passion. Light snacks will be provided.

Holiday Gift Fair Saturday, November 18, 10 AM - 3 PM Alderbrook Golf, 330 E Country Club Dr E, Union The restaurant will be open with a limited menu.

Wreath Making Workshop at Galley Pub Saturday, November 18, 1 - 3 PM 308913 US Hwy 10, Brinnon Includes everything you need to create a foraged wreath, $75, space limited, galleypub.com Annual Meeting of North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce Monday, November 20, 5:30 - 6:30 PMm Community Center, 294952 US-101, Quilcene Author Talk - Jenn Chapman Tuesday, November 21, 4:30 - 6 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder Street, Shelton Chapman is a former teacher at Evergreen Elementary. Her first novel, Dying for a Second Chance is a thriller with a paranormal twist.

Port Townsend Pool Tax Meeting Tuesday, November 21, 6 - 7 PM 306144 Highway 101, Brinnon HUB Seniors Thanksgiving Lunch Wednesday , November 22, 10 AM - 1 PM 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair Holidays on Hood Canal Begins Friday, November 24, for details visit alderbrookresort.com Shop Small Saturday November 25 McReavy House Holiday Pictures Saturday/Sunday, November 25-26, 11- 4PM 10 E 2nd Street, Union Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee and charcuterie board while getting a professional holiday inspired photo in historic home built in 1890. $49 Santa at Bayview Christmas Tree Farm Saturday/Sunday, November 25-26, 11- 4PM Santa Photos first come, first served, $9. Free cocoa, cider, and coffee and warm up by the bonfire! bayviewtreefarm.net

Hoodsport Library Book Sale Saturday, November 25, 10 AM– 4:30 PM Hoodsport Timberland Library

Shopping With Santa 2023 Saturday, December 2, 1 - 6 PM MTA, 601 W. Franklin St, Shelton

Holiday Craft Fair Saturday, November 25, 10 AM - 4 PM Masonic Hall, 170 Herbert Street, Quilcene

Humane Society's Santa Paws Saturday, December 2, 12 -3 PM Mclendon's Hardware, 51 NE WA-300, Belfair Donation of $25 receive 4x6 print and digital.

Kealy Winter Wonderland Opening Night Saturday, November 25, 5:30 - 9 PM 5464 E Agate Rd, Shelton Stroll through the lights, as you sip on a cup of cider and enjoy a cookie from the cookie shack.

Take a picture in Santa’s sleigh. Little one’s can make a call to the North Pole and write a letter to Santa.

NaNoWriMo "Come Write In" Wednesday, November 29, 10 AM - 12 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder Street, Shelton Drop in to the library's meeting room to write and meet others with a similar passion for pushing themselves to achieve something great.

DECEMBER

Hood Canal Holiday Market Friday & Saturday, December 1-2,10-3 PM Union Community Church, Dalby Rd

Center Valley Animal Rescue's Holiday Open House Saturday, December 2, 11:00 - 4:00 PM 11900 Center Valley Road, Quilcene Refreshments, visit the animals, raffle.

1st Annual Shelton Cookie Stroll Saturday, December 2 3 - 8 PM Presented by the Shelton Downtown Merchants Tickets $25, sheltondowntownmerchants.com/ tickets Live Music - Kitty Mae Saturday, December 2, 7-10 PM Lake Nahwatzel Restaurant Bar & Grill, Matlock Concerts in the Woods presents Mary Fahl December 2, 3 - 4 PM 923 Hazel Point Road, Quilcene $20 donation, www.coyleconcerts.com

How The Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, Dec 1, 3:45 PM Shelton Cinemas, 517 W Franklin Street Free with a donation to the food bank.

Quilbilly's 2nd Anniversary Dinner Friday, December 1, 4:30 or 6:30 PM 294793 HWY 101, Quilcene $50/person. 360-765-6485 Shelton Annual Tree Lighting Friday, December 1, 5 -8 PM | Shelton Hosted by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis enjoy choirs, Santa, kid train rides, and fire pits.

Hama Hama Holiday Market Two Weekends, Dec 2- 3, 9-10, 11-3 PM Hama Hama Oyster Farm, Lilliwaup Browse craft booths, listen to holiday music, enjoy mulled wine, and get in the Holiday spirit!

KMAS's Christmastown Kick-off Party Saturday, December 2, 11 AM -8 PM Shelton Civic Center, Cota St. Shelton FREE crafts, workshops, food, vendors, photos with Santa, live music and performances. christmastownwa.org

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Shelton's Santa Claus Parade Saturday, December 2, 5 PM Railroad Ave, Shelton Belfair Christmas Parade | Whoville!

Sunday, December 3, 4 PM Chef's Dinner at St. Andrew's House Sunday December 3, 5:30 - 8:00 PM St. Andrew’s House, Union WA Details and tickets: saintandrewshouse.org Navy Band Northwest Holiday Concert Sunday, December 3, 3 PM 3737 Shelton Springs Road, Shelton “Women of Note” Christmas Concert Sunday, December 3, 3:00 PM St. David of Wales, 324 W Cedar, Shelton

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Christmastown Market Friday, December 8, 2-8PM Saturday, December 9, 12-8 PM Sunday, December 10, 12-6 PM Shelton Civic Center, Cota Street, Shelton Live music, food, crafts, workshops and more to keep the whole family busy as you shop, visit with Santa and enjoy the season! christmastownwa.org

Genealogy Cafe Saturday, December 9 1- 2:30 PM Timberland Library, 710 W Alder St, Shelton Members of the Mason Genealogical Society are available to help you with your family tree.

Friday Fun Night Friday, December 8, 6 PM Mason County Senior Activities Association

Krampus at Crazy Hill Botanicals Saturday, December 9, 1-3 PM 23450 NE State Route 3, Belfair Meet Krampus, get photos, check out art and plants, at a fun gathering in an incredibly creative place.

Dogger Live at El Sarape Cantina Friday, December 8, 6 PM El Sarape, Shelton Christmas on the Simpson Railroad SAT/ SUN, December 9-10, 10-4, 10-3 SAT/ SUN, December 16-17, 10-4, 10-3 10138 W Shelton Matlock Rd, SheltonVisit Santa, ride the rails and warm by the fire with hot cocoa. $15/ticket, sim psonrailroad.org

Once Upon A December Saturday, December 9, 3 PM St. David of Wales Episopal Church

Coyle Women's Club Holiday Bake Sale Saturday, December 9, 2 - 3 PM Laurel B. Johnson Community Center 923 Hazel Point Road, Quilcene, Oly Town Artesians vs Vancouver Lightning Saturday, December 9, 6 PM Pavillion, Evergreen State College

2nd Annual Oakland Bay Junior High Christmas Market Saturday, December 9, 10 AM 3301 North Shelton Springs Road, Shelton Adopt A Pet Paw Print Ornaments Sunday, December 10, 10 AM The Painted Heart , Railroad Ave, Shelton The Best/Worst Christmas Pageant Ever Dec 9, 7 PM; Dec 10, 2 PM Dec 16, 7PM, Dec 17, 2 PM Faith Lutheran Church, Presented by the Connection St. Theater HCIC Annual Christmas Party Sunday, December 10, 1 – 4PM The McReavy House, 10 E 2nd, Union Dessert buffet and refreshments, music and carols led by Mick and Laura McCartney www.hoodcanalimprovementclub.org Business After Hours at Zeppelin Shipping & Technology Center Wednesday, Dec 13, 5-7 PM 625 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

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NEW FAMILY DINING AREA OPEN 11AM – 9PM

Scan for Our Band Lineup

Now open for all ages to dine. One member at the table must be 16 years or older.

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Gingerbread House Party Wednesday December 13, 10 AM Lake Cushman Golf Course 210 N Fairway Dr W, Hoodsport North Mason Chamber After Hours at Olympia Federal Savings Thursday Dec 14, 5 - 7 PM 24081 WA-3, Belfair Shelton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Friday/Saturday, December 15-16, 6 PM Hammersley Inlet, Shelton Pancakes with Santa Saturday, December 16, 9 AM The HUB , 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair Naughty or Nice? Photos with Krampus or Santa Saturday, December 16, 10 AM -2 PM 1912 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton Free with any pet donation to 5XL.

Oly Town Artesians vs Snohomish Sky Saturday, December 16, 6 PM Pavilion, Evergreen State College The Baby Born in the Barn Sunday, December 17, 2023 Hunter Farm, 1921 E Hwy 106, Union, WA The story of Christ's birth with music and refreshment presented by New Community Church of Union.

Bioluminescence / Night Kayaking Tour Sunday, December 17, 8:30 PM hoodcanaladventures.com Winter Solstice Gentle Yoga Class Friday, December 22, 6 - 7:30 PM Alderbrook Resort and Spa, Union Class is open to non-resort guests, $25/person.

Kids Night Out Friday December 29 6:30 PM Shelton Family YMCA

Midwinter Bluegrass Celebration Friday, December 29, 6 - 9 PM 3737 N Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton Runaway Train and Union City Council Band New Year Eve’s Party Sunday, December 31, 7 PM Skydive Kapowsin, Shelton Helles Belles NYE Show Sunday, December 31, 8 PM Little Creek Casino, Kamilche

JANUARY

Hood Canal Improvement Club Meeting Tuesday, January 2, 2023 Union Fire Hall, 50 E Seattle Street, Union, WA Planning goals, activities and events for 2024.

The Starlets Community Concert Saturday, January 20, 7 PM 3737 N Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton masoncountyconcerts.org

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CHRISTMASTOWN AND FESTIVAL OF THE FIRS 2023

May the Forest be with you this Christmas.

FESTIVAL OF THE

FIRS For generations families in Mason County and Shelton have enjoyed holiday traditions centered around their evergreen roots.

Forestry and Christmas have always been at the heart of these events.

Join us in the county wide celebration of nature, Christmas spirit and lasting traditions, Festival of the Firs, to reinforce the unique identity of each community and spread holiday cheer to local and visiting families.

Lynch Creek Farm | Presenting Sponsor FESTIVALOFTHEFIRS.COM

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Thank you to our a-maze-ing

Festival of the Firs supporters PRESENTING SPONSOR OF FESTIVAL OF THE FIRS AND CHRISTMASTOWN EVENTS

KMAS 1030 AM/103.3 FM

1962

V

O

IC

E

OF

MASON CO

UN

T

Y

Bowers Dental Group Cosmetic & Family Dentistry "Excellence Through Dentistry"

Journal SHELTON-MASON COUNTY

MELANIE BAKALA

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Tree Topper Sponsors 2ND STREET DESIGN | THE ANECDOTALIST | BOWMAN FINANCIAL | COOPER STUDIOS FJORD OYSTER BANK | HIGH STEEL BEER | KMAS 1030 AM/FM 103.3 | JALISCO TORTILLA FACTORY JOHN L. SCOTT REAL ESTATE SHELTON | MARMO CAFFÈ & GALLERY | MASON COUNTY EMPLOYEES GROUP MESTIZOS | MOTTET FINE JEWELRY | NITA'S KOFFEE SHOP | NORTHWEST EVENT ORGANIZERS OUR FAVORITE THINGS RESALE SHOP | THE PAINTED HEART | RAILROAD TAP STATION | SOUND LEARNING SOUTH SOUND MARICULTURE | SOME R 4 U ANTIQUES | STEFANIE DANTINNE- EDWARD JONES TRACING THE FJORD | VANCE CREEK RAILRIDERS | VERLE'S SPORTS CENTER & MARINE | WALMART

FESTIVAL OF THE

FIRS

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2023

FESTIVAL OF THE

FIRS Holiday Events Around the Fjord!

24/7 CHRISTMAS RADIO DECEMBER 2023

Shelton Tree Lighting

Belfair Christmas Parade

Festival of the Firs

Hama Hama Markets

DEC 2-3, 9–10 11–3 | Lilliwaup

Christmastown Market

KMAS Christmastown Kick-Off Celebration

Christmastown Cocoa & Cookie Wagon Rides

Shopping with Santa

The Best/Worst Christmas Pagaent Ever

Dec 1, 6 PM | Shelton

KMAS 1030 AM/ 103.3 FM December | County-wide

Gingerbread Challenge

Dec 2, 11–8 PM Shelton Civic Center

Entries Due NOV 27–DEC 1 Display through DEC 21 Shelton

PHOTOS with Santa

DEC 2, 1–6 PM Shelton Transit Center

Alderbrook Resort & Spa SATS, 11–12:30 | Union

Hood Canal Holiday Market DEC 1-2,10–3 pm | Union

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

December | Cota St., Shelton

Dec 2, 3–8 | Shelton

Holiday Magic Parade Dec 2, 5 PM | Shelton

Dec 1, 3:45 PM | Shelton Cinemas

Guinness Tribute Christmas Tree Maze

Cookie Stroll

Breakfast with Santa Dec 3, 9–12 | Shelton Toys For Tots Fundraiser

Christmas Sign Craft

Dec 3, 4 PM | Belfair Dec 8–10 | Shelton

Dec 7–10 | Shelton

Dec 9-10, DEC 16–17 | Shelton

Lighted Boat Parade

DEC 15–16, 6 PM | Shelton

Hoodsport Holiday Festival Dec 16 | Hoodsport

The Baby Born in the Barn Dec 17 | Hunter Farms, Union

Midwinter Bluegrass Celebration Dec 29, 6–9 PM | Shelton

DEC 3, 12–2 PM | Shelton The Painted Heart, $46

TUNE TO CHRISTMASTOWN RADIO KMAS 103O AM/103.3 FM FOR A LIST OF LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS.

Lynch Creek Farm | Presenting Sponsor 13 FESTIVALOFTHEFIRS.COM

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SHELTON'S CHRISTMASTOWN ROOTS It's beginning to look a lot like – Shelton is the perfect place to kick off Festival of Firs with Christmastown events beginning December 1. Cue the lights, music, parade, and street celebrations – on the southern Olympic Peninsula, Shelton is where Christmas gets its "roots."

Just twenty minutes north of Olympia, Shelton is typically branded as a logging community. The streets were built wide to accommodate the oversized logging trucks going down West Railroad Avenue to the mill that still operates on the town's waterfront.

But trees weren’t just cut to make into boards or pulped into paper. Up until the 1990s, Shelton was known as "Christmastown, USA – the Christmas Tree Capital of Nation. "

As early as the 1920s, wild-grown Douglas-firs were hand-cut to thin out already growing forests, such as logging cut-blocks and the Olympic National Forest. In 1918, G.R. Kirk was working as manager of a mill when he received word from his brother-in-law in Texas requesting a train car full of wild-cut Douglas-fir trees for the Christmas market.

Initially doubtful, Kirk sent out the trees and was surprised to receive an order for two train carloads for the next year. Kirk

cut three carloads instead and went down to Los Angeles to sell them himself, never returning to milling again. These wild Christmas trees were a major product shipped to markets in Seattle, Oregon, California, and Texas.

For the next 50–odd years, Starting in late October, everyone who was available was employed in cutting and loading freight trains of these hearty little pop-up trees to be shipped all over the US and loaded on ships to go abroad.

Early Christmas tree cutters based out of Shelton included the John Hofert Company and the G.R. Kirk Company, who developed methods of “culturing” – trimming wild trees with long knives (looking similar to machetes) to promote the fluffy, full growth consumers desired in their Christmas trees.

The Christmas tree market shifted in the 1990s from favoring the hardy natural Douglas-firs to the more perfect, cultivated noble-firs. This forced many growers to diversify and focus their growing operations in more agriculturally rich soils as Mason County’s glacial till soil could not provide the necessary nutrients.

Trees loaded on railroad cars bound for New York (photo: WA Agriculture) FJORD

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Despite the decline of the Douglas-fir Christmas tree industry, Shelton defiantly hung onto the Christmastown nomenclature – ten years ago a beautiful but tired sign still stood at the entrance to town welcoming folks to the “Christmas Tree Capital of the Nation.” It was ragged and rotten, and eventually it melted into the ground.

As you wander through town, take note of the care and effort each business and home has put into decking for the holidays.

Much of this is thanks to a local campaign begun in 2020 by the Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce to create an interactive map of addresses and launch a competition of Christmas displays throughout Mason County. Visit masonchamber.com/christmastown and click on “Enter Christmas Lights Competition” to learn more and add your lights!

Gathering trees for the Christmas tree maze. The trees are sourced from local logging plots that host routine "thinning" to allow better growth on the remaining trees. All trees are recycled after the season. The maze is free and open to the public through December.

A-Maze-ing Shelton!

In 2019 community members collaborated to stand 815 Christmas trees to form a maze in a Shelton parking lot. In the shape of two giant trees, the maze was powered

by LED lights donated by PUD 3, wood donated by Sierra Pacific, and Douglas-fir trees sourced from local tree farms that usually do their “thinning” in the spring but fast-tracked it to supply the maze.

Festival of the Firs In 2023 construction will be led by15 yearold Ilana and her younger brother, Mica.

The two have already garnered support from schoolmates and their families.The kids are taking on a feat of epic proportions and we can't be more proud of them!

Festival of the Firs embraces holiday events from Allyn to Matlock. Thanks to a sponsoring partnership with Tillman Christmas Trees of over 200 locally cultured Douglas firs, volunteers will create stands of decorated trees throughout the county!

The maze is hosted in concert with series of celebrations that further Shelton's rebirth as "Christmastown" – tree lighting, a parade, crafting, cookie and wreath workshops, cookie strolls and gingerbread contests, and even a lighted boat parade that travels Hammersley Inlet from Shelton's Yacht Club for two evenings in December. This year the overall event will be rebranded at "Christmastown's Festival of the Firs."

The local radio station KMAS 1030 AM/ 103.3 FM is embracing its K-rist-MAS roots in Shelton with 24/7 holiday hits programming as well as weekend evening programming when families can load into their cars to follow neighborhood light display maps and listen to Christmas stories!

Tune to KMAS or visit festivalofthefirs.com for updates, giveaways and exciting holiday adventures this season!

Of the 800-plus trees, 797 of the stalwart little firs qualified for the Guinness World Record for the "Most Lit Christmas Trees in One Location" The previous record set by Hallmark in 2015 was 559 trees. Each year the Guinness Tribute maze is rebuilt and open to visitors nightly in December to attend free of charge.

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HOLIDAY MAGIC SHELTON | DEC 1-2

.

Kristmas Town Kiwanis & Shelton Downtown Merchants presents Holiday Magic, Dec 1-2.

December 1 (3:45 PM), head to Shelton Cinema for a holiday movie (free with food donation). This year's selection is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Shelton Downtown Merchants invite you to Shop Local First this season with a rewards card.

Travel down Railroad Avenue for a spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Retro decorations and lights line the shop fronts and cafe lights swoop across the street as you spy the giant Christmas tree in Post Office Park. As dusk falls on the first Friday in December, the streets will be alive with activity and the annual tree lighting.

Get photos with Santa, celebrate the tree lighting and music and don’t forget to get a family shot at the historic caboose and engine decked with lights and garland.

At 6:00 PM Friday, Railroad Ave will be the location of Kristmas Town Kiwanis' Christmas block party. Enjoy marshmallow roasting, kiddie train rides, crafts, and caroling. Peninsula Credit Union sponsors free hot chocolate and C-3 will have crafts for the kids!

Saturday, December 2 is parade day! Head out early to catch events at the Shelton Civic Center and take part in the Shelton Merchant's Cookie Stroll. Kristmas Town Kiwanis will host the Santa Parade on Railrad at 5 PM. The moving parade is back, although many enjoyed the stationary parade, the marching bands are looking forward to a moving event again. For information regarding Christmastownwa events, visit christmastown.org.

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Shelton Cookie Stroll

Join us for the 1st Shelton Downtown Merchants Cookie Stroll on December 2 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. Purchase a $25 ticket to receive a commemorative box and ornament, along with sweet treats; 12 cookies made by talented local bakers.

It's a festive evening of delicious cookies and holiday spirit in downtown Shelton! Explore 12 merchant locations, each offering wonderful shopping options. Take this opportunity to discover unique gifts, decorations, and more while enjoying our community.

On the event day, pick up your cookie box at the KMAS Christmastown Kick-Off event at the Civic Center on Cota Street. Come early, this free

event features live music, crafts, workshops, food and photos with Santa from 11-8 PM. Support businesses and the magic of the holidays. Puchase tickets for the Cookie Stroll and treat yourself to an evening of cookies and community spirit! The Santa Parade starts at 7th & Railroad at 5 PM so you will have plenty of time to shop and enjoy the community spirit. Tickets available at SheltonDowntownMerchants.com.

Shop Shelton First Rewards The SHOP SHELTON FIRST Rewards Card returns! Turn purchases made downtown into chances to win!

The amount of stamps on a card will determine which prize tier can be entered, everything from Downtown Merchants swag to gift baskets filled with the downtown wares and Visa gift cards!

Visit participating Merchants and snag a blank card. Keep an eye out for the "Shop Shelton First" logo adorning downtown store windows.

The Reward Card starts Small Business Saturday NOV 25 and runs through DEC 10. Ensure your filled cards find their way to us by DEC 12 to be in the running for prize drawings.

Christmastown Market

December 8-10, Christmastown will again feature an indoor Christmas market including live music, crafting projects hosted

by Fun Stuff Crafts, food and visits from Santa.

Market admission and the daily crafts are free. The market will be open December 8-10.

Hours are Friday 2-8 PM, Saturday 12-8 PM and Sunday 12-6 PM. Check out updated list of exhibitors, events, music, and daily craft projects online at christmastownwa.org

2023 Events GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE

Entries Drop off NOV 27- DEC 1 Sponsored by Hanson Motors, Neil's Pharmacy and Bowers Dental Group

GUINNESS TRIBUTE CHRISTMAS TREE MAZE December | Cota Street

HOLIDAY MAGIC

December 1 - 2 Downtown Merchants & Kristmas Town Kiwanis Railroad Avenue

CHRISTMASTOWN KMAS KICK-OFF

Dec 2, 11 AM-8PM | Shelton Civic Center Lynch Creek Farm, KMAS 1030 AM/103.3 FM City of Shelton, Mason County Tourism

CHRISTMASTOWN MARKET DEC 8 – 10 | Shelton Civic Center

DINNER WAGON AND HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE December 5 - 10 Cota Street & Downtown Shelton Details at

Christmastownwa.org

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GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE 2023

TRADITION Start your Family Gingerbread

Warm smells of cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, and all-spice waft from the cozy home, encrusted with candy and icicles made of sugar. A flat gingerbread man stands stiffly outside sporting gumdrop buttons and an icing smile. Gather the family – it's time to get messy and creative. Even if you don't win the cash prizes, you have a great excuse to hang out and eat candy!

Forms of gingerbread have been associated with holiday making in the Eastern and Western world from at least 999 AD. Cakes made of ginger and honey have even been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.

Anything goes. The only rule is that the entry's major components (such as walls, roof, etc) be made of ginderbread. The rest of the display can be decorated with any edible material.

Ginger was first domesticated in Southeast Asia (today’s China), likely by the Austronesian peoples, who later brought it into the Indo-Pacific and as far as Hawaii.

Businesses, organizations, families, teams, individuals, and kids are invited to submit imaginative gingerbread displays. Any structure is eligible, whether the design is based on a Christmastown or a traditional holiday scene. Gingerbread houses will be on display in shop windows along Railroad Ave through December.

The earliest written record of the plant is from Confucius, who purportedly ate it with every meal. It was one of the first spices to be transported out of Asia with the spice trade and was quickly adopted by the Greeks and Romans. Its use and association with breads and cookies are expansive, nearly every Western (and Eastern) country has a specific ginger treat associated with holiday making.

DROP OF ENTRIES

NOV 27- Dec 1

SHELTON MASON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 215 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

$1500+ I3rd N PAnnual RIZES

CHRISTMASTOWN Gingerbread Challenge Gingerbread entries will be on display in shop windows in Shelton through DEC 21.

Entry’s major components (such as sides, roof) must be constructed of gingerbread.

Display can be decorated with any edible material. All visible must be edible.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Overall Appearance (25%) • Originality and Creativity (25%) • Difficulty and Precision (25%) • Use of Materials (25%) Visit Christmastownwa.org for full details.

SPONSORED BY

HANSON MOTORS, N E I L S P H A R M A C Y, J A L I S C O TORTILLA FACTORY AND BOWERS DENTAL GROUP

So find grandma's fail-safe recipe and let's go on the Cooking Bake-Off! We are pleased to announce the 5th Annual Christmastown Gingerbread Challenge is underway!

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Contest Details

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Thank you!

Belfair Christmas Parade | Dec 3 Celebrating a decade long journey, the much loved holiday tradition is back and being presented by The HUB Center for Seniors. The 2023 theme is Whoville.

This year the Belfair Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Sunday December 3rd. The parade starts at 4 PM and the best viewing can be done along the parade route by QFC and the Fruit Company stand.

The parade will take the same route as in 2022 and will start where Roy Boad Rd meets old Clifton by the Safeway Fuel Station, travel to the four way stop and make a left at Old Belfair Hwy, continue on towards the QFC parking lot and turn into the lot and dissolve behind QFC. There will be a place along the route at the Crossroads Housing parking lot to stop and perform a small less than 3 minute routine and/or hand out candy and be announced to the crowd.

After the parade there will be festivities and the Belfair Christmas Tree Lighting as well as arrival by Santa in a firetruck and pictures in the Ace Nursery.

Christmas Rides on the Simpson Railroad Dec 9 - 10, 16 - 17 Ride the historic Simpson Railroad and experience the magic of the season with SANTA. Guests load up at the Simpson Railroad Depot,10138 W Shelton Matlock Rd, Shelton. The train leaves each scheduled at Saturdays 10 - 4 PM, Sundays 10 -3 PM. Ride includes a 30 minute loop ride on the restored train caboose, cocoa and visits with Santa.

The Shelton Beauchamp Santa's Seasonal Return Christmas is important to the timber town of Shelton. In 1962, to celebrate the Seattle World Fair, the town hired the Simpson artist, Clarence Beauchamp to build a giant Santa Claus.

Clarence Beauchamp arrived in Shelton in 1947 to begin a job with Simpson as the shop painter. “Beau” as he was known by his friends, often volunteered to ply his brush or chisel to many local projects including a totem pole with interchangeable heads ranking each camp’s safety record and Forest Festival sets and floats. Most recognizable for Shelton residents is Beauchamp’s log monument on Hwy 3. The 10’ log end was dedicated in 1953, as Mason County celebrated its 100th anniversary of logging.

At the age of 66, Beauchamp designed and built the 32’ Santa Claus to commemorate Shelton’s Christmastown, U.S.A during the 1962 Century 21 Seattle’s World Fair. The giant structure required the help of multiple crews and boom trucks to erect on the corner of Railroad and First in downtown Shelton.

The plan, according to a 1962 Mason County Journal article, was to give a “vivid message,” to tourists passing though that 'Shelton is ‘Christmastown, USA’ when this eye-popping plywood Santa Claus rivets their attention.”

In the late 1960’s, citing delapitation, the Santa was disassembled and stored until 1970 when the Shelton Chamber led efforts to restore him. Santa was revived so that he could greet visitors as they arrived in the area from Highway 101.

– to greet the thousands of families that visit the farm for pumpkins in the fall and greenery and trees during the holidays.

In November 2018 volunteers came together to build a replica of the Beauchamp's Santa . Over the decades the design had been unsympathetically edited. Considering the weathering of the wood, it was feared that more damage would be done if it was moved from present attachments. Instead, using Beauchamp’s original design from photos, artist Wayne Wenstob created a scale replica of the original Santa Claus.

The completed 32’ Santa was placed at Toziers Brothers Ace Hardware on Mill Street where families could purchase trees as well as take pictures. People who remember placing their own faces in the doll were able to use their smartphones to recreate the image of their children and grandchildren.

In 2019, with support from the City of Shelton Tourism fund, he was relocated to a seasonally permanent location in Overlook Park near the log monument. He could once again greet visitors from the south during the holiday season.

In 1983 Santa was once again placed in Post Office Park where he remained over 15 years when, paint peeling and plywood chipping, he was destined for the County dump. The Hunter family rallied friends to help transport Santa’s Secure your tickets now and create cherClarence Beauchamp died in 1989 at the pieces to their barn for safe keeping. To ished memories with family and friends! age of 92. This project honors his memory this day the original Beauchamp’s Santa Details and reservations available at as well as Christmastown USA – a magical leans his weight against Hunter’s barn simpsonrailroad.org legacy that runs deep with many families in near Union, WA – standing tall after the Shelton area. rain and sun nearly six decades of 19wind,

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The Best $5 spent this Christmas!

Yep, we've said it a few times already and even started a festival this year named after the local Douglas firs – but we can't help say it again, the Hood Canal area really has earned its title of “Christmas Tree Capital of the Nation.” Along with plenty of local U-Cut farms you can harvest your own tree in the Olympic National Forest for $5 – for less than the cost of a Vente Mocha at Starbucks.

Local u-cut and pre-cut farms around Hood Canal continue to “Keep it Real” by producing some of the finest Nobles, Grands, Frasers as well as Douglas Firs.

Northwest growers claim that real trees help the environment and are recyclable and biodegradable while artificial trees will eventually end up in a landfill.

Annually many families head to local farms to select their favorite and enjoy holiday activities like hayrides, petting zoos and visits with Santa. There’s hardly anything that’s more quintessentially Christmas than decorating a handpicked Pacific Northwest

Christmas tree and gathering your family around a tree that you brought home together from Hood Canal.

If you head to a U-Cut farm instead, call before you go to confirm their supply, their hours, whether they have trees, are allowing choose-and-cut or just precut trees; and which attractions or winter activities are available. All three can change, due to weather, demand and the farmer's business conditions! Since the season is so short they often don’t have websites, so please check before you go!

Make it a family tradition to cut your own or carefully select a pre-cut beauty from the Hood Canal area. Head into the forest to select your own or visit one of the farms we have included below.

Brewers Tree Farm

Hunter Farms

Bayview Tree Farm

Two locations: California Road off Highway 101 — follow signs - U-cut is open on the weekends.

General Store — 1921 E Hwy 106, Union, WA Pre-cut and u-cut trees as well as gifts.

4673 E SR 302, Belfair, weekends While you sip your hot beverage and warm up check out the wreaths and selection of handmade Christmas decor. (360) 275-3790

Northwind Tree Farm Tree Days 2023

December 2-3, 9 AM -4 PM | Any tree $25 3601 E Agate Rd., Shelton Bring your saw and a donation for the food bank. Smiles and Christmas Cheer!

(360) 426-5593

1921 E State Route 106, Union Family owned, seasonal crops, gift shop at main location as well as farm store and petting zoo! (360) 426-2222

Toziers Hardware

110 Mill Street, Shelton, WA Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-cut Douglas firs and nobles; live trees, lights, decorations. (360) 868-4352 |

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Dreaming of heading to the forest and cutting your own? It’s time to begin a new family tradition!

Olympic Forest Permits are still just $5 and are good for one U-cut tree on the Olympic National Forest. Up to five permits may be purchased at any Olympic National Forest office or online at www.recreation.gov/ tree-permits. The season runs Fri, Oct 13, 2023 - Sun, Dec 31, 2023.

There are plenty to choose from and the selective picking allows other trees in the forest room for healthy growth.

Before you go –

Choose the Perfect Tree

2382 W. Deegan Rd. W., Shelton U -Cut trees (or they cut if you need help) Open on a weekend to weekend basis due to limited trees. (360) 426-4936

Olympic National Forest Trees $5

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Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip, conditions can deteriorate rapidly in the mountains. Make sure to bring a map and don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Remember, the forest service roads are not plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain.

Things to know – Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.

Trees may be cut from along roads, from forest plantations and in the understory of older stands. Be sure to be on Forest Service land. Know before you go.

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The data and product accuracy may vary due to compilation from various sources, including modeling and interpretation, and may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This information may be updated, corrected, or otherwise modified without notification.

For more information contact Olympic National Forest 360-956-3000.

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Permits may be purchased at any Olympic National Forest office (Quilcene, Hoodsport and Olympia) or online at recreation.gov/tree-permits.

Festival of the Firs and tree farm events and hours are subject to change without notice so always check before you go.

Questions about lodging, things to do, shopping, events?

Contact (866) 922-7469 or visit festivalofthefirs.com.

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Stella Wenstob | Fjord Contributor

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With the falling leaves, shortening days and the chilly winds it is comforting to be in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by fragrant evergreens giving us hope for life in the dead of winter. Whether you buy local greens or gather your own it is easy to “bring home Christmas” as the medieval English phrase used to say.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menzi), Noble Fir (Abies procera) and Salal (Gaultheria shallon) lend a cozy texture, while the jewel toned berries of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana), Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis) hips and Mountain Ash (Sorbus sitchensis) add a colorful contrast.

Ivy’s clinging nature has been used in a contradicting manner as both a symbol of humanity’s fallibility and also as a metaphor of the tenacity of Christ’s love. Interestingly, the tenacious nature of the holly and the ivy makes it difficult to eradicate from gardens and the wild and this is exactly why they are disparaged now as invasive plants.

Both plants grow quickly and easily and are on Washington’s hit list of noxious weeds.

Bringing in green for the midwinter is an ancient practice with pre-Christian roots amongst many cultures, including the Greeks, Egyptians, Celts as well as the early inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest.

Western Red Cedar with its strong, pliable, rot resistant wood was essential to life among the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast from Oregon all the way into Alaska. Split cedar boards were used for house making and creating steamed water-tight boxes that were used for storage. The old growth giants are still felled for dugout canoe building. In the spring, the outer bark of the cedar is easily peeled in longitudinal strips which may be twisted into a strong, flexible rope. In olden times, clothing was also woven from this bark.

The Greeks awarded wreaths made of laurels to the victors of the Olympic games and even today the laurel is engraved on the modern-day Olympic medals. Although the fragrant bay laurel has fallen out of favor as a seasonal decoration, the wreath is still a popular way to festoon winter festivals. Taken from the Old English word ‘writhen’ which means ‘to writhe’ or ‘to twist,’ the wreath is an elegant way to decorate your home for the holidays.

Although prickly and tricky to work with, holly is a traditional green for wreaths and swags. Holly has a history of superstitions and reinterpretations. Since ancient Celtic times, a sprig of holly has been a useful protective plant that kept away witches and evil spirits, as well as protecting the house from lightning. Contrastingly, a wreath hung at the door would welcome the Christmas Spirit into the house. The Christian faith graphically reinterprets the symbolism in the song the Holly & the Ivy, depicting holly as the thorny crown that Jesus wore and the berries as red as the blood of Christ.

Wreath Workshops @ Christmastown | Dec 1, 8 - 10 If you'd prefer a little "assistance" with your hand crafted wreaths and swags this season, consider joining in one one of the many crafting workshops offered during the holidays in th Festival of the Firs events.

With an emphasis on handmade gifts and family holiday traditions, wreath workshops run December 1, 8-10 in Shelton. Details and registration at christmatownwa.org.

Since cedar lent itself to so many important uses, it was considered the Mother Tree for Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest and was important for many spiritual purposes such as cleansing ceremonies and potlatches. The aromatic Western Red Cedar was quickly adopted for garlands by early settlers and now its crisp, fresh smell forms an important part of seasonal greenery.

Decking the halls in the Pacific Northwest can be as simple as raiding your garden.

However, if you lack the greenery, you can still enjoy the foraging-feel by obtaining a free personal collection permit from your local forest service office for collecting greens in the Olympic National Park.

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Wreath workshops at 2022 Christmastown

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SPONSOR

LYNCH CREEK FARM

Lynch Creek Farm Premier Sponsor of 2023 Festival of the Firs Jeff Slakey | Fjord Journalist / Media Coordinator It started as a way to keep the boys out of trouble on in a garage on Lynch Road, an extension of the summer season with the organic vegetables and cut flowers. At that time just a couple hundred wreaths a year were made by hand, just like it’s done now, but now Andy Hunter employs 40 year-round full-time employees to over 500 workers in two locations in Shelton and Elma, which makes them one of the largest employers in the area each fall.

Since 1980, Lynch Creek Farm and their wreaths have been sold locally. Check out their annual 6-foot wreath at the entrance of the Olympia Farmer’s Market where they still have a booth today. In addition to the local sales, Lynch Creek Farm ships nationally and beyond with such corporate clients as the San Diego Padres, Baylor University and Norwegian Cruise Lines and more.

From making bows, piecing together wreaths, and answering phones, Andy Hunter understands that the culture of Lynch Creek Farm is just as important as the final product that shows up in the iconic red box. A sense of family and pride is instilled across the company stemming from the family traditions in his own home. Everyone understands that these wreathes aren't just products, they can be cornerstones to family memories.

In addition to his staff, the non-direct employees, and connections he makes with others like, Green Diamond, Cooper Studios, and local farmers, Andy speaks often of thte relationships he has built over the years in te business. Without everyone working towards the same goals the success of the Farm wouldn’t have been able to move beyond Andy’s initial five-year goal for himself, with the farm now into its fourth decade of operation.

On your next walk about amongst the trees you may look down and see some Ponderosa pinecones, those full iconic cones of the trees around are the same ones that are used in the wreaths and centerpieces Lynch Creek Farm creates. The wreaths made of Pine, incense Cedar, and Noble Fir add the lush green look with an unmistakable smell of the forest, brought in by trucks

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and semis to fulfill the massive amount of orders shipped out every day.

Until recently, both the wreaths and the centerpieces were made in Shelton but with business growing about 20% each year Andy needed to secure more space to grow.

Like his great relationship with the Port of Shelton, a 200,000 square foot building at the Satsop Business Park at the Port of Grays Harbor has become his centerpiece hub where 150 of his employees work to create product that will end up on tables across the country.

You may see their wreaths elsewhere, at pop-up stands, in big-box stores and online but it’s the dedication to innovation that keeps Lynch Creek Farm moving forward.

The original wreath with the red bow, which is still one of his top sellers, has now transformed into 250 different products with 60 new products developed every year.

From dogs and gnomes to birdhouses there are specialty wreath designs for everyone.

If you come home to see that iconic red box ordered by someone who took the time to think about you, it brightens your day in unimaginable ways. Andy has heard that story many times.

However, the real magic is when that box is opened and that wreath that was made by hand, with love from beginning to end, chosen especially for that person opening the package is what, as they say, makes the season bright.

Thank you Lynch Creek Farm for your Presenting Level Sponsorship of Christmastown and Festival of the Firs events.

Your community appreciates you and your family's commitment to Mason County.

Cocoa Wagon Rides | Dec 7-10, 2023 Began in 2020 to help shuttered restaurants in Shelton, the Kristmas Town Kiwanis Dinner/Cocoa & Cookie Wagon has become a local tradition.

Guests load the wagon at the Guiness Trib- The wagon is covered but there is no heat ute Christmas Tree Maze near the Shelton so dress warmly. You are welcome to bring Civic Center on Cota Street. Reservations your own blanket or purchase a souvenir are made by "table." The wagon features fleece blanket. four tables for up to four adults (small children are welcome to get cozy at no extra Reservations must be made in advance for charge). The 20 minute ride includes holthe wagon ride – but don't delay, they fill iday music (this year we'll be broadcasting up fast each season. Reserve online at the Christmastown station - K-rist-MAS!), festivalofthefirs.com. Cost is $50/table. hot chocolate, cookies and a tour of the

25 lights.

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HOODSPORT HOLIDAY FEST | DEC 16

Caroling, Crafts & Comradery Hoodsport Holiday Fest 2023 SATURDAY, DEC 16 The Hoodsport business community is pleased to announce the second annual Holiday Fest to celebrate the season in downtown Hoodsport with activities, food and local shopping and festivities during the afternoon through early evening at businesses throughout town.

Look forward to caroling, led again this year by Matthew Melendez (Great Bend Center for Music) starting at YSS Dive at 5:30 PM. The carolers will stroll through Hoodsport with stops at businesses along the way.

YSS Dive will host a kids' Christmas card making activity (no boat rides this year due to the Port of Hoodsport dock closure), Octopus Garden plans to serve hot cider; and Potlatch Brewery will host Santa Paws to benefit the Friends of Foothills Dog Park. They will also serve drinks and have warm soup and sandwiches available for purchase.

The Hardware Distillery will be joined by The Tides on 101 Restaurant, serving up warm food for purchase. Canalside will be joined again by the Hood Canal Kiwanis club for a kids' ornament making activity and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus; as well as complimentary hot chocolate and cider.

Local artists and craftspeople, including St Germain Church Women’s Group, will be on site to provide guests with last minute gifts (starting around 1PM) and Canalside will be open late.

The caroling ends at Fjord Oyster Bank where there will be firepits and Christmas music hosted by KMAS 1030 AM/103.3 FM. The Fjord will also host activities for families including oyster ornaments and wreaths as well as a workshop to build a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table!

Parking available at YSS Dive / El Puerto, The Fjord Oyster Bank, and Canalside parking lots.

For additional details on this events and others in the area including musical events and workshops, visit festivalofthefjord.com.

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Hammersley Inlet Boat Parade, Shelton

The 2023 Shelton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade is December 15-16.

Boats will leave the marina at 6 PM (weather permitting) and travel down Hammersley Inlet. Have a boat? Get out the lights and decorations as all boaters are welcome to join in the parade regardless if you're a yacht club member or not!

The boat parade can be viewed from the club parking lot, Church Point and Walker Park. For additional information visit sheltonyachtclub.com. Enjoy the parade.

The hardware disTillery Co.

®

WINTER HOURS: Fri-Sat-Sun noon-5 206-300-0877 • hardwaredistillery.com • 24210 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA

Lake Limerick Pro-Shop & Café presents

12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY DEALS 2023 Lake Limerick Pro-Shop, Cafe and Inn want to wish the community happy holidays with twelve days of discounts!

Sat. 12/9/23: For each Punch Card

sold, get 1 free sleeve of Srixon balls.

Sun. 12/10/23: Purchase an annual golf membership for 2024 and receive 13 months instead of 12 months.

Mon. 12/11/23: 20% Off Club Re-Grips Tues. 12/12/23: 2023 Lake Limerick Calendar with $30 Pro Shop merchandise.

Wed. 12/13/23: 30% off select stocking stuffers for the golfers in your family.

Thur. 12/14/23: Buy one meal in the café & get one meal for half price.

Excludes alcohol.

Fri. 12/15/23: Buy $100 gift certificate and receive 9 Holes of golf.

Sat. 12/16/23: 30% off all headwear Sun. 12/17/23: Buy 1 round get 1 FREE Mon. 12/18/23: Free cart rental with purchase of green fees.

Tues. 12/19/23: 25% off everything in Pro Shop –apparel & golf accessories BONUS: 12/20-22: Specials missed above can be used until 12-22/23.

LAKE LIMERICK GOLF COURSE 811 E. Saint Andrews Drive Shelton, WA 98584 360-426-6290 lakelimerickgolf.com

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The best gifts are made with love Mom and Dad are right, best gifts are the ones you make. But sometimes it’s good to have a little help. You won’t find any popsicle sticks at our crafting workshops. Nope. We've got Lisa, and over the years her projects have been so amazing that some families came back year after year -- and every day to build something new!

We’re not exaggerating. The craft workshop success even knocked our Christmas stockings off. Our volunteers routinely sneak away to make their own special crafts to put under the tree come Christmas morning.

Our secret is Lisa Welander setting the bar high. She loves to make things and share with family and friends or donate to loca charities for auction items.

We are blessed that she also likes sharing her craft skills.

Each year she creates new project for our Christmastown event – the ornaments on the right are examples for 2023.

So join us in thanking the amazing Lisa – and join her at 2023 dates, December 2, 8, 9, 10, on Cota. It's free but limited to 100 projects. Don't say we didn't warn you!

“Connecting our community with safe, reliable, economical, and sustainable services, 24/7.”

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Christmastown Photo Hunt:

The Shelton Downtown Merchants’ holiday snapshot photo hunt is returning in 2023. Grab your camera, rally your crew, and join us for a weekend of photo fun.

How to Play:

Create a team and give yourselves a festive name. Post a team photo and your team name on the SDM Photo Hunt group page by the morning of 12/1/23. Brace yourselves for the unveiling of clues on the SDM Photo Hunt group page. Spend the weekend scouring Shelton for hidden gems and striking a pose at each spot – all in the name of fun!

How to Win:

Create a post on the SDM Photo Hunt group page showcasing ALL your fantastic finds. Make sure to use the designated hashtags for each photo.

Don't forget to tag Shelton Downtown Merchants in your post. Oh, and here's the kicker – you gotta be in every photo! That's right, it's a selfie showdown.

Mark your calendars, charge those phones & cameras, and get ready for a weekend of photo-fueled fun at the SDM Photo Hunt. The hunt is on, and the memories are waiting to be captured! Every entry post automatically enters you into a drawing for a chance to snag a $100 Visa Gift Card!

Greg & OMA Christmastown Market DEC 10, 3 -5 PM

Source: https://www.facebook.com groups/688613742652161/

FESTIVAL OF THE

FIRS

Thank you Lynch Creek Farm for your Presenting Level support of the 2023 Festival of the Firs!

fes tiva lofthef irs.com 29

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November 17-January 15

For hours, tickets, season passes, special events, and more, visit olyonice.com.

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Story & Pictures | Craig Romano Guide book author

Winter tranquility abounds at

Jarrell Cove State Park Harstine Island’s Jarrell Cove State Park can be a busy place throughout the warmer months. But once the mossy maples have shed their leaves and the sun makes its appearance low in the sky, the park can be remarkably quiet.

Jarrell Cove Park

DISTANCE: 1.0 mile of trail; 3500 feet of shoreline ELEVATION GAIN: 80 feet HIGH POINT: 80 feet DIFFICULTY: easy SNOW FREE: year round TRAILHEAD PASS NEEDED: Discover Pass NOTES: beach can only be explored at low tides, use caution as it can be slippery GPS WAYPOINTS: Main Trailhead: N47 16.974 W122 53.103 Features: kid-friendly, dog friendly, beach walking, camping, boat 31 FJORD accessible. Trailhead facilities: restrooms, water, dock, camping, picnic tables, benches

Primarily a marine camping park, Jarrell Cove’s docks may appear abandoned during the winter, its mooring buoys void of boats. It’s a perfect time to explore this little park’s forest, shoreline bluff, and cobbled beach. And it’s also an ideal time to set up your tent in one of the park’s 21 campsites and perhaps have a showing of evening light dancing upon placid cove waters all to yourself.

Hit the Trail

Named for Philura Jarrell, the first non-native woman to settle on the island, Jarrell Cove consists of two inlets on the north shore of the nearly 12,000-acre Harstine Island. It’s the largest cove on the island and where

much of Harstine’s earliest pioneer settlement and commercial activity took place. The island however never spurred any large communities or enterprises and was mainly settled by loggers, seafarers, fishermen and oystermen.

Philura arrived here with her husband Robert in 1886. Robert ran a logging operation while Philura became the island’s first postmaster.

When a bridge (replacing a small county-run ferry) was built in 1969 over Pickering Passage connecting Harstine Island to the mainland, an influx of new residents and vacationers found their way to the island. Jarrell Cove State Park was established in 1953 (reaching its present size in 1969)

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before there was a large automobile presence on the island. It was developed as a marine park with access via boat.

A narrow country road however was eventually built to the park allowing visitors sans boats to be able to visit.

But the park still remains orientated to those who arrive via its two docks.

There are walk-in campsites and campsites exclusively reserved for paddlers.

But those who arrive by vehicle are free to roam the park and also enjoys its attributes.

The park is small at only 43 acres with 3,500 feet of shoreline. The trail system is small totaling only about a mile. You can easily zip through the park in no time.

We Make Good Impressions CUSTOM DESIGN | FULL SERVICE PRINTING CUSTOM APPAREL | DIRECT MAILING CUSTOM PROMO PRODUCTS SPA SUPPLIES But in the quiet of winter and the absence of crowds, take your time here just absorbing the sounds, smells, sights and sensations of the natural world.

There are three short trails taking off from the park access road into the woods to connect with a longer trail that travels along the park’s southern and eastern periphery. Take to them admiring towering mature second growth Douglas firs and western red cedars. The understory is thick, owing to the island’s annual precipitation which exceeds 60 inches. The southern Puget Sound islands are far wetter than their northern counterparts within the Olympic rainshadow.

After exploring the shorter trails, wander on the periphery trail which leads to a bluff above one of the two slender finger inlets making up Jarrell Cove. Despite the wet climate, come upon some madronas growing along the steep banks of the cove.

These trees favor dry and rocky soils and are profuse on many of the islands and shoreline of Puget Sound.

Enjoy a few window views of the cove from the bluff, before reaching the trail’s end near a small parking area. Here you have two more walking options and a chance to explore the shoreline.

The trail leading left descends to the park’s long dock jutting into the cove where the two fingers diverge. Definitely walk down to it for a close up look at the cove’s greenish waters.

Look for eagles, herons, marine birds and perhaps a wayward harbor seal. When the tide is low you can walk out on the shoreline—but note that the pitch here is steep and the ground is extremely slick. It’s best to explore the shore from the park’s other dock.

Retrace your steps back to the trail junction and follow the trail northwest descending among mature firs and evergreen huckleberries.

(360) 426-4677 2505 Olympic Hwy N. Suite 220 B Shelton, WA 98584

360.898.2481 | hcc.net

Affordable Internet.

Hood Canal Communications believes everyone should have fast reliable internet and participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP is a federal government program providing qualifying households a discount of up to $30, $75 on tribal lands, off their monthly internet service.

To learn more and apply visit

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This wide path gently leads down to the park’s T-shaped dock located closer to the mouth of the cove. Here you’ll find the park ranger’s vessels docked.

These boats come in handy for patrolling several other nearby marine state parks.

Across the cove from the dock is the large private Jarrell Cove Marina.

When the tide is low take the steps down to the rocky beach and explore.

You can hike south coming to a bluff composed of conglomerate layers. Beyond this point things get pretty slick and steep. North of the dock offers some good wandering to the park’s boundary. When the sky is clear you catch a glimpse of the tops of several southern Olympic Mountain peaks.

Consider setting up camp at the park and using it as a base to hike the other state parks on the island; Harstine, McMicken Island and Fudge Point.

And check out the nearby Harstine Island Community Hall. Built in 1914, it’s the center of many activities on the island including the Garden, Theatre and Women’s clubs. The nearby Jarrell’s Cove Cemetery is also worth a visit.

Deeded to the residents of Harstine Island by Philura Jerrell in 1897, it is now on the Mason County Historic Register.

Land Agency Contact: Jarrell Cove State Park; https://parks.wa.gov/findparks/state-parks/jarrell-cove-state-park Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Olympia (Romano, Mountaineers Books) TRAILHEAD DIRECTIONS: From Olympic Highway (State Route 3) Exit on US 101 in Shelton, follow SR 3 east for 11.0 miles. Turn right onto Pickering Road and drive for 3.3 miles. Then bear left onto Harstine Bridge Road— drive over bridge to island and reach a T-junction. Turn left onto North Island Drive and proceed 3.0 miles to a four-way junction. Continue straight on North Island Drive for 0.3 mile and bear left onto Wingate Road. Drive 0.5 mile and turn left onto state park road.

Follow park road to day use parking area.

It’s interesting to note that Jarrell Cove just like Harstine Island had numerous spellings (note the different spelling for the cemetery) over the years. Harstine Island’s official spelling was declared by the Washington State legislature in 1997. Jarrell Cove State Park was originally called Gerald Cove until changed in 1966. Do some exploring and chat with some of the island’s residences to learn more about the Harstine’s history.

Winter is a great time to explore when island time is even more sedate.

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Marking the Seasons on Hood Canal's Shores Ron Adams | Prostaff at Verle’s LLC

I’ve always loved this time of year. Growing up near the shores of the Hood Canal has left me with so many wonderful memories. After one lives in the area for a while you start to recognize that there is a natural ebb and flow in the lifestyle of the locals, with every season bringing some new activities that are fun for the whole family and rewarding in many different ways as well.

Early Spring marks the end of the shellfish season and the beginning of trout season with local focus moving from the briny shores of the Hood Canal to the shores of the numerous freshwater lakes that dot the landscape surrounding the long narrow fjord.

Trout fishing in these lakes is usually excellent and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife does a great job of keeping these lakes wellstocked with hungry trout eager to bite.

Spot shrimp are also on the menu this time of year and shrimpers converge in large numbers on the Hood Canal, some from as far away as Oregon and Idaho to try their skills at harvesting the best shrimp in the world in a short but well-appreciated season.

As spring turns to summer, the return of thousands and thousands of salmon becomes the focus as they migrate to their home rivers driven by their procreative instinct. Anglers from all over ascend upon the Hood Canal to take their shot at catching up to 4 different species of salmon. This time of year, also means the woods are alive with hikers taking advantage of the seemingly countless miles of hiking trails around the area. Trails that take you just a short distance from your vehicle can reward you with spectacular views of waterfalls, and babbling streams cascading through a background of beautiful flora and fauna. More challenging hikes are also waiting to be conquered that can take you deep into the Olympic mountains to get up close to their majesty and splendor.

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Summer gives way to fall and winter, this time of year, which locals look forward to because it is the best time for shellfish harvest.

Shellfish are at their peak in the months with R’s in them so September through April have always been heralded as the best months of the year to harvest the abundant shellfish of the Hood Canal and also the nearby Puget Sound and Pacific Beaches.

The Hood Canal offers a variety of shellfish such as littleneck, manila, and butter clams, as well as mussels, oysters and the elusive Geoduck. These wonderfully delicious treats can be harvested from the many public state beaches that can be found up and down both sides of the Hood Canal

including some beaches at State Parks. It is fun to take the family and spend the day or a couple of days at the beach harvesting limits of clams and enjoying homemade clam chowder while sitting by a fire or under cover out of the rain with your family and friends.

These are the memories that I am so fond of and cause me to be so thankful for this area I have lived in for most of my life. I have a true love and passion for the Hood Canal and its surroundings and the wonderful and hearty people I share it with.

I am privileged to be able to share my knowledge and passion about this area not only through this wonderful magazine but also at my job working at Verle’s Sporting Goods in Shelton. I work with others who also share a passion for the area and like me, take advantage of all it has to offer. This is Verle’s 75th anniversary serving the great people in our area. We take pride in our customer service and knowledge of the local outdoor activities and strive to make our customers successful in their adventures.

We have fishing gear, boating gear, boats, motors, camping essentials, shooting sports accessories, and everything you need right now to be successful in your outdoor adventure. Whatever you need to become a successful shellfisher Verle’s has, including good local knowledge and good products to get the most out of your experience.

Next time you come in don’t forget to pick up a copy of chef and oyster shucker extraordinaire Xinh Dwelley’s latest edition of her cookbook featuring some of the best recipes for shellfish you will ever find. See you on the beach!

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MASON COUNTY'S BEA

shellfish Forage on Washington’s Wild Side.

Our Local Bivalves

Get to know a few species NATIVE LITTLENECK CLAM

Up to 3.5” with rounded shell displaying concentric rings and radiating ridge lines, cream, gray, brown, or mottled.

White inside shell; found at 6-10” deep in gravel, mud, mid-tide level.

Mason County’s saltwater bays and inlets along OLYMPIC Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are NATIONAL renown forFORE some of the tastiest and freshest bivalves in the OLYMPIC Northwest. Visit for the pristine waters, open NATIONAL PARK wilderness and public beaches stocked annually for families to enjoy!

EAGL 119

MANILA LITTLENECK CLAM (NOT NATIVE)

Up to 2.5”, oblong shell, Color can vary—typically gray,brown, or mottled and often times with what appears to be hand painted designs; some purple on the inside shell; found at 2-4” in gravel, mud, sand, typically above the half-tide level.

BUTTER CLAM

Up to 5”, shell with concentric rings (no radiating ridge lines), Yellow to gray/white colored; found at 1-1.5’ in sand, gravel, or cobble; lower intertidal or shallow sub-tidal zone. Butter clams retain marine biotoxins longer than other clams.

COCKLE CLAM

Up to 5” with round shell; prominent evenly-spaced radiating ridges fanning from hinge; mottled, light brown color; found at 1-2” in sand, mud in intertidal or sub-tidal zone.

LILLIWAUP STATE PARK

Full off on Hwy 101, stairway to beach at north opening of Lilliwaup Bay. Walk north or south when tide is out.

Oysters and Clams. Eagles andOLYMPIC osprey. Overnight RV camping permitted; no restrooms.

NATIONAL FOREST

TAYLOR SHELLFISH 130 SE Lynch Rd Shelton (360) 432-3300 Taylor’s product line includes worldwide export of geoduck, clams, mussels and oysters. Headquartered in Kamilche, retail store is open daily. taylorshellfish.com

Public boat dock with beach access. Starfish and crabs at low tide. Closed to shellfish gathering. Picnic tables & restrooms,nearby dining, grocery and shopping.

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POTLATCH BEACH PARK

Longest stretch of public beach, popular for swim ming, kayaking, and picnics. Camping & restroom

M AT LO C K

WALKER PARK

MUSSELS

Blue Mussel (native) up to 3”, California Mussel (native) up to 6”, Mediterranean non-native) up to 5”. Oblong shell, blueblack or brown, attaches to rocks, pilings, boats, gravel, or other hard surfaces in the intertidal zone with bissel threads.

GEODUCK

Up to 10”, 2.5 – 10 lbs. Gaping oblong shell with concentric rings; white shell with flaky brown skin; siphon and mantle are too large to withdraw; found at depth of 2-3’ in mud, sand, gravel in the sub-tidal zone (extreme low tides).

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HOODSPORT

Traditionally held in October at Shelton Airport, the two day festival features seafood delicacies prepared by local non-profits as well as the Northwest Oyster Shucking Championship & live music.

Up to 12”, white/gray oblong shell with irregular, wavy edges; found in intertidal zone; tumbled (farmed) Pacifics have cupped shape with fragile shells.

Up to 3”, rounded shell, white to purplish black and may be striped with yellow or brown; oyster’s flesh is a light olive green with a metallic flavor. Native oyster to the area and currently protected in wild habitats.

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OYSTERFEST

PACIFIC OYSTERS (NOT NATIVE)

OLYMPIA OYSTER

Expansive property si Warm eno Parking ac

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Beach access, playground, restrooms, picn basketball court. Olympic Hwy to Arcadia R Rd take Left on Walker Park Rd, Park is on r No shellfish harvest. No passes require

OYSTER BAY

Easy beach access on marshy estuary. Popu for bird watching and salmon observing/fis Pullout on Hwy 101 near Mile Marker 356; KENNEDY CREEK INTERPRETATIVE TRAI

explorehoodca

CHECK. CHILL. COOK.

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HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup 5th generation farm serves oysters prepared to order with an ever changing menu of seasonal local ingredients. Retail store and farm dining. hamahamaoyster.com

DEWATTO BAY

HAMMA HAMMA

e beach when tide is out, obey igns. Excellent oyster beach. ough for swimming in summer. cross from Eagle Creek Saloon.

Do not harvest in areas with pollution closures. Ask your doctor before eating raw shellfish if you have any concerns about allergies, are taking medications, or have a weakened immune system (such as cancer, liver disease, or HIV). Shellfish are a great and healthy food.

BELFAIR STATE PARK

Nice beaches for walking and exploring with summer water temperatures surprisingly warm.

Restrooms, camping and picnic facilities.

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DEWATTO

LIL LIWAU P

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MENARD’S LANDING

Visitor Information

ALLYN

Expansive beach (at low tide), picnic area, and views of the Olympics.

RENDSLAND CREEK, DNR owned clams and oysters open all year.

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Gazebo, garden, play area, pier, restrooms and beach access with boat ALLYN launch.

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OT L ATCH

K

106

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Excellent camping, swimming, kayaking, picnic sites, and shellfish harvesting.

M A SON UNION CITY MARKETL A K E

Visitor Information

NORTH BAY

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GRAPEVIEW

5101 E State Route 106 | Union | (360) 898-3500 3 Art, gifts, seafood and grocery items and seasonal cafe DNR 24/GRAPEVIEW, DNR beach clams and oysters open within a working marina. all year. Access by boat only.

HUNTER FARMS

921 WA-106, Union | (360) 426-2222 Direct farm to market retail includes 101 Hood Canal oysters at the general store located on the farm.

H A R ST I N E I S LA N D 3

HOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

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Visitor S H E LTON

Information 3

A R CA DIA

nic shelter and Rd, from Arcadia right. ed.

A 106-acre marine camping park reachable only by boat.

Covered with old-growth forests and saltwater marshes, the park features a beach oneand-a-half miles long. Access by boat only.

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CHELSEA FARMS OYSTER BAR

KA M I LC HE

Local Seafood

Here are a few locations that serve Hood Canal & South Puget Sound seafood on their menus.

Bistro at Lakeland Village

Restaurant at Alderbrook

Boat House Restaurant

Spencer Lake Bar & Grill

Burger Claim & More

Squaxin Island Seafood Bar

The Fjord Oyster Bank

Taylor Station

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon

Tides Family Restaurant

470 E Country Club Dr, Allyn (360) 277-4137

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Community park offers beach access, a picnic area and portable restroom and is very popular with kayakers, fishermen and local residents. Located on SR-3 at the south end of Allyn. The parking area is open only during the shellfish season.

TWANOH STATE PARK

U NI O N

mms.

ular shing. ; near IL.

Avoid illness by following the 3 C’s above and enjoy!

Visitor Information

H O O DS P O RT

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CHILL: Harvest shellfish on the outgoing tide and put on ice as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Keep them cold until ready to eat. Cover in fridge with a wet cloth to prevent drying out.

COOK: Cook shellfish in summer months when Vibrio illnesses can occur. To kill Vibrio bacteria cook shellfish to 145° F for at least 15 seconds, cooking does not destroy biotoxins.

Small beach with dramatic view of the Olympics. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

From Belfair: take the Belfair-Tahuya Road to Dewatto Rd. Continue four miles to Dewatto.

Parking limited.

LE CREEK

CHECK: Health closures and advisories: doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety Harvesting closures: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulation Signs on the beach: Follow posted warnings and respect private property.

18340 E WA 3, Allyn (360) 275-2954 24171 WA 3, Belfair (360) 277-5141

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport (360) 877-2102 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup (360) 877-5811

Hook & Fork

10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union (360) 898-2200

1180 E Pickering Rd, Shelton (360) 426-2505

91 West State Route 108, Shelton (360) 432-7120 62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-8501 27061 US-101, Hoodsport (360) 877-8921

222 CAPITOL WAY N, OLYMPIA | (360) 915-7784 5101 E State Route 106, Union Visitor Information Eld & Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound (360) 898-3500 Chelsea Farm have made a priority of farming the native Olympia oyster that was on it’s way to extinction. Visit their oyster bar in Olympia for 39 View more area dining at explorehoodcanal.com

FJORD local seafood experience! chelseafarms.net 101

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Quilcene's Worthington Park Gains Popularity as a NW Wedding Venue Quilcene’s Worthington Park is cradled in majestic beauty at the base of the Olympic Mountains and only 25 minutes from Port Townsend. This country get-away is gaining recognition as an ideal Pacific Northwest backdrop for intimate destination weddings.

Located on just over 10-acres, the park embraces nature in a well-manicured setting that lends itself well to some spectaular wedding shots. Guests can wander and explore the forest to enjoy the beauty of old-growth cedar and Douglas fir. Need a break from the wedding bustle? Navigate the CK Birkenfeld hiking trails, or wander down to the splashing river that hugs the borders of the property, great opportunities to reflect and reconnect with nature. Rest on a park bench overlooking the tranquil pond—you may observe migratory waterfowl in action feeding on grasses or simply resting among nature’s nesting cover.

In order to capture the old world charm, wedding photographers often capture the rustic 1915 barn. It is much more than “a beautiful old barn”-- it is a historic gathering space for memorable photos—those that capture your special day for a lifetime.

Worthington Park can comfortably host up to 300 guests for a reception on the grassy meadow. A spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains serves as the backdrop for this location site. Planners often add a large tent to serve as shelter for guests during inclement weather or in the past some brides have opted for several smaller tent shelters.

Caterers generally use a small outer portion of the meadow area for their grilling and buffet setup. Bar cars or beverage carts and lawn games may also share the space. Adjacent to the meadow stands the recently restored 1892 Victorian mansion. Hosting four bedrooms and two full baths, it works well for overnight wedding party accommodations. Each room is beautifully decorated with art and period furniture. The mansion is also a perfect gathering space for small wedding ceremonies.

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With a one of a kind venue and majestic scenery, it's no wonder that Worthington Park has made it to the wedding venue list! For more information visit worthingtonparkquilcene.org or call 619-778-2266 to schedue a tour.

New Logo for Local Credit Union Our Community Credit Union recently

ChinookBook salmon, chum pink The way climbs a little hump before Hoodsport's Friends of the Libary Salesalmon, Returns, salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout making a gradual descent toward the river.

November 25 forest can be dark While the surrounding still ply the Duckabush’s waters. And while numbers are a4:30 fraction they at times,on come spring hundreds of trilliums Hosted Shop Small Saturday, November their 25 from 10 AM– PM of at what the Hoodline the way adding whites, pinks, and

were back in Finch’s time, fishing (be sure

announced a logo transformation slated

checkand regulations andwith seasons) is still alpurples to the this emerald sport Library, is thelandscape. first Book Sale since to Covid. coincides the revival of

to be transitioned by January 2024.

the Friends, which saw a loss of becomes members during Covid. you have a favorite fishing And perhaps Soon the Duckabush River’s roar

The full name of the credit union will not change but the use of the acronym OCCU has become confusing for communities, as another credit union based out of Oregon, has a very similar logo (Oregon Community Credit Union - OCCU).

In an effort to establish and grow the credit union’s unique brand identity, which better aligns with the Pacific Northwest, the Our Community Credit Union logo will transform from the acronym OCCU to a more modern rendition of the logo using the new acronym OURCU. The new logo features a graphic interpretation of local mountains, and will still include the three figures element, a representation of members in our communities.

lowed and can be good on the Duckabush.

more audible. During the wetter months All proceeds from the sales of books it is quite loud. You are almost there. The will fund the Library’s programming trail makes a short steep drop and emerges and of these have been alongactivities. the banks Many of the Duckabush.

A short absent thereach Library since Covid. distancefrom beyond the famed fishing The may include old spot.programming Here the river crashes and thunders through a such narrow chasm to a deep favorites, asrocky live performances, pool. Frothy gurgling watersdays, crashand up new basket weaving and craft against the narrow cleft.

Be sure to programming, such as Dungeonskeep and children and dogs nearby while admiring Dragons. this landmark.

The Book Saleiswill feature fiction, When the sun shining, its ray reach this non-fiction, children’s books, cookspot, providing a little warmth and light books, craft books, biographies and providing a nice contrast to theand dark and damp surrounding forest. other genres.

There will be a few CD’s and DVD’s.

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hole on this river or another in the national The books on sale are all in pristine forest. A secret spot you don’t have to reveal condition. The cost is $2 for hard to anyone!

bound and just $1 for soft cover.

Donations of books that are in “like Additional Details new” condition can also be dropped off Land Agency Contact: Olympic NationatForest, the Library for theRanger sale. District, al Hood Canal

Quilcene, (360) 765-2200, www.fs.usda.

Located at 40 Schoolhouse Hill gov/olympic; andNorth Olympic National Park, Wilderness Center, Road, the Information library has free parking, and (360) 565-3100, nps.gov/olym is handicap accessible.

Recommended Guidebook: Day Hiking Olympic 2ndway edition LookingPeninsula for a great to (Romano, get involved Mountaineers Books)

in the community? The Friends of the Library is always welcoming new members.

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Mason County Concerts Association Brings National Acts to Shelton The Mason County Concert Association kicked off their 75th season on Sept. 28. Since 1949, the MCCA has brought in high quality musicians and entertainers from around the globe to perform in Shelton.

“The history is there were some people back East that wanted to bring first-class music to smaller towns, We all know you can go to Seattle or Chicago or something for big entertainment, but small towns were being left out.”

MCCA President | BECKY SCHUYTEN

To bring some of the best performing musicians to small towns at an affordable price for concert goers, the Organized Audience Movement was drafted by a team of musical visionaries in the early 1920s. The plan depended on the implementation of membership fees that concert organizers would collect from subscribers during a week-long campaign.

12 Days of Holiday Deals!

Lake Limerick Golf Club & Café December 9 – 22, 2023

Plan to shop our 12 Days of Holiday Deals for discounts on merchandise and great Café food. Pro Shop hours 8am 4pm every day and Cafe 7:30am - 3pm Thursday - Sunday.

Thank you for shopping locally in Mason County.

The Pro Shop and Cafe staff wish you Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2024 New Year!

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Although simple, the Organized Audience Movement revolutionized the way people in the heartlands could experience music. By securing the money first, before booking performers, concert organizers knew what budget they were working with and could avoid the financial losses associated with having to pay the difference between expensive artist’s fees and potentially dismal ticket sales. Eventually the movement morphed into Community Concerts Inc, a national company that established smaller localized nonprofit concert associations in hundreds of towns across America and Canada.

Following financial troubles and controversy, Community Concerts Inc. went under in the early 2000s, but some of the smaller concert associations they had helped construct remained.

At the height of their time, concert associations dotted the Olympic Peninsula, with locations in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Hoquiam, Chehalis and Centralia. Now, the MCCA is one of the last few remaining in the state, according to Schuyten.

Schuyten has overseen the operation of the association for the past 22 years.

One of her goals is to increase membership size, which saw a downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Most of our audience is older -- people joke about white hair -- but we’re trying to get younger people involved,” Schuyten said.

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The MCCA continues the legacy that was envisioned over 100 years ago, but not without adaptations to keep pace with the changing times. Instead of solely relying on membership fees, the association has also started selling tickets to single shows. The music featured is more varied than before, too.

This season’s six-show lineup included a stellar variety of artists ranging in talents -- from the world-renowned family accordion playing duo, Maria and Sergei Teleshev to the pitch perfect vocal quartet and 2016 “Britain’s Got Talent” semifinalists, Vox Fortura.

Upcoming Shows The Starlets | Top Female Trio Saturday, January 20, 7 PM The Starlets feature pop hits and favorite classics with vintage glamour and style. Inspired by the iconic girl groups The Ronettes, The Angels, The Shirelles, The Supremes, and more, the Starlets take you on a musical journey through the 50s & 60s. This powerhouse female vocal trio performs the sounds of pop, doo wop, R&B, and Motown, and dazzle audiences with their fabulous costumes, sizzling choreography, and audience engagement.

VOX FORTURA | Classical Crossover Saturday, February 24, 7 PM As recent Semi-Finalists of Britain's Got Talent, this show-stopping group stormed the competition with a powerhouse display of vocal panache and sheer class. Vox Fortura is bringing classical vocals back into the mainstream.

Season passes can be purchased online for $100 and single tickets can be purchased at the doors. For more information about the MCCA’s current season and full list of performers, visit their website, masoncountyconcerts.org

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Receive 50% off your first visit – includes exam & adjustment!

ndifer Dr. Steven Sa

✓ Same Day Emergencies ✓ Saturday Appointments ✓ Rehabilitative Massage Therapy ✓ Supplement Retail Store ✓ Most Insurance Accepted ✓ Affordable Cash Plans ✓ Friendly Compassionate Team ✓ Family Chiropractic Care ✓ Thurston County Since 1992 ✓ Chiropractic Care For Infants, Children, Teens, Adults, & Seniors!

We Would Like To Get To Know You! We’re passionate about what we do & compassionate about you and your health . Give us a call today – 360-898-0213

championchiropracticcenter.com 320 E DALBY RD SUITE E UNION, WA 98592 MONDAYS 2:30-6:00

WEDNESDAYS 9:00-12:30 SATURDAYS 9:00-12:30

festivalofthefirs.com

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FJORD

Shelton Seeks Volunteers for Playground Installation

Safety Prioritized in Olympic Park Campground Closure at Staircase

Shelton Parks and Recreation is installing a playground at

To protect visitors from risks posed by hazard trees, Olympic

Northcliff Neighborhood Park and they are looking for

National Park is modifying seasonal closures in select NW

volunteers who can follow directions, work in a group, and

campgrounds. From November 1 through March 31, Staircase

have an understanding of tools and how they’re used.

Campground will be closed.

This is an opportunity for those looking to get some volunteer hours and be part of a community event.

In the forest surrounding Staircase Campground, Armillaria root rot has weakened the stability of some conifer and broadleaf trees.

Parks and Recreation is looking for youth groups, service clubs, or any individual who may be interested!

The playground installation date will be Saturday, December 9. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jordanne Krumpols at jordanne.krumpols@ sheltonwa.gov by Friday, December 1.

Armillaria kills the tree by cutting off nutrient flow to the upper parts of the tree.

Compromised roots can cause the tree to fall during winter conditions when soils are wet, winds are strong, and the canopies are carrying heavy snow. Hazard trees will be monitored and removed after review by park staff and partnering scientists.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

FJORD

44

THINGS TO DO

FALLS TO FISHING

45 MAP/LODGING

SHELTON & KAMILCHE

48 Situated between the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in Mason County, is Hood Canal.

A place filled with world-class activities, wild-caught fare, lively events, and plenty of places to hide away from it all when you just want the world to yourself.

MAP/LODGING HOOD CANAL AREA

49-55

Hood Canal is Washington’s wild side. And it’s here for you, when you’re ready to discover yours. #WILDSIDEWA

KAYAKING

Whether you seek tide-ripped saltwater passages, challenging whitewater, or lakes big and small, Hood Canal is a kayaker, canoer, or paddleboarder’s ideal destination.

A rich paddling community supports any adventurer’s vision; rental packages and lesson opportunities for the budding kayaker or paddleboarder are not in short supply.

Get out on the water and enjoy a fresh perspective of the canal with colossal peaks towering overhead.

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EXPERIENCE THE

WILD SIDE OF WASHINGTON Like a giant fish hook weaving beneath the Olympics with a web of inlets, Hood Canal is poised to catch your imagination and reel in memories for years to come.This majestic saltwater fjord hosts unparalleled shellfish, shrimp, crab, and salmon and is renown as a diving mecca with its glacial formation causing underwater biomes that appear nowhere else.Venture away from the canal to Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest for hiking and thrilling vistas. Choose from hundreds of easy access freshwater lakes or revel in waterfall views including the iconic High Steel Bridge. Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow-capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to visit Hood Canal.

MOTORSPORTS

T he Ridge Motorsports Park racing course near Shelton includes a fantastic road course that's geared towards club racers and competitors. Head to the DNR forests for some unmatched off-road trail rides.

CLEAR YOUR MIND AND

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Hamma Hamma & Rocky Brook are just two of the many falls on Hood Canal waiting to be explored. Want to plan a waterfall getaway?

Visit waterfalltrail.org for 25 unique and special places to visit.

TRAILS & WALKS

World-class hiking trails lace the Olympic Mountain wilderness, leading from mountain stream beds through old growth forest to high-altitude ridge lines with breathtaking views of Hood Canal and beyond.

HIGH STEEL BRIDGE

Soaring 420' above the Skokomish River, the High Steel Bridge (1929), is the highest steel truss arch bridge in Washington. You won’t even need to leave the car for this breathtaking view.

Follow Skokomish Valley Rd 11 miles from Hwy 101 to reach the bridge.

FJORD

46

TAKE A LEAP We love the folks at SKYDIVE KAPOWSIN! Feel the adrenaline pumping rush of free-fall and experience the freedom of the air with highly trained professional instructors. Views of the fjord and the Olympics and a seven minute free fall adrenaline rush from 13,000 feet will definitely change your outlook.

RIDE THE RAILS

TASTING YOUR WAY AROUND THE CANAL & SOUND

May through October experience nature and history pedaling the timber rail on a

Do a farm-to-table dining loop experiencing some Northwest flavors – including Hama Hama, Hardware Distillery, Stottle, Hood Canal Winery, Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

vancecreekrailriders.com

PICK A PEAK From easy day hikes with the family to overnights or “experience needed” excursions – you don’t have to go far for spectacular memories!

PHOTO: TOBY TAHJA-SYRETT

2- hour quadricycle excursion.

FISHING

From open water trolling on the sound to throwing dry flies on small lowland lakes, there are plenty of fishing opportunities in the area.

Seek colossal coho in the fall and hungry trout in the spring to see why every season is fishing season in Hood Canal.

BIKING

Don the helmet and clip into your pedals, for there is no shortage of road or trail from which to experience the beauty and thrill of this landscape.

4747

FJORD

UP YOUR GOLF GAME Award-winning courses with incredible views of the Olympics on lush fairways – Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are ideal destinations.

ALDERBROOK GOLF

LAKE CUSHMAN GOLF

LAKELAND VILLAGE

SHELTON DISC GOLF

(360) 898-2560 | Union alderbrookgolf.com Par 72 course follows natural contours. Restaurant, lounge & proshop onsite.

(360) 877-5505 | Hoodsport lakecushmangolfcourse.com In the Olympic Mountain forest, this 9-hole course plays a challenging 18 holes.

(360) 275-6100 | Allyn lakelandliving.com With views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier, the 27-hole course has world class dining.

masoncountydiscgolf.com Different type of golf? 18hole disc golf course located in the watershed at the intersection of Wallace Kneeland Blvd & Shelton Springs Rd.

LAKE LIMERICK GOLF

SALISH CLIFFS GOLF

(360) 426-6290 | Shelton lakelimerick.com The gentle hills make this a challenging round of golf.

Restaurant & pro shop.

(360) 462-3673 | Kamilche salish-cliffs.com 18-hole par & 72 championship course is adjacent to LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT, a full service resort & casino.

CRUISE THE HOOD

FJORD

48

Explore the canal with your own boat or arrange with ALDERBROOK RESORT. Scheduled & private charters available. alderbrookresort.com 48

FOR THE BIRDS

SCUBA DIVING Scuba sales, air, training, rentals, and charters available at Hoodsport near renowned destinations like SUND ROCK and OCTOPUS HOLE. yssdive.com

With a majestic and varied landscape, Hood Canal is a gorgeous place to come search for the over 250 species that call the Olympic Peninsula home. Chock full of life – birds like bald eagles, rhinoceros aucklets and more on premiere birding trails –this is a birder’s paradise! OLYMPICBIRDTRAIL.ORG

ON THE WATER Hood Canal occupies 150 square miles of the Olympic Peninsula and bellies up to the Olympic National Park.

It's home to thousands of species of fish and marine mammals and invertebrates like orcas, oysters, and octopus. There's hardly a better way to take it all in than on the water.

49

FJORD

SHELTON

Ridge Motorsports photo

CELEBRATING A RICH TIMBER HISTORY

SHELTON is the westernmost city on Puget Sound. Featuring a bustling heritage core, its landscape is marked by colossal forests which led to a title of “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

GET YOUR RACE ON

Dubbed CHRISTMASTOWN, USA, since 1962, Shelton

The Ridge Motorsports Park hosts car and motorcycle events.

Karting is open thru October.

successfully won the Guinness World Record for Most Lit Christmas Trees in 2019.

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Riptide Retreat | 291 East Agate Beach Drive, Shelton | riptideretreat.com

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Shelton Inn | 628 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 426-4468 | sheltoninn.com

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Super 8 Motel | 2943 Northview Circle, Shelton | (360) 426-1654 | super8.com

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FOREST ROOTS

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Explore the Shelton Historical Museum with displays on early life on Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and working in the woods and stick around for the Mason County Forest Festival Paul Bunyan Parade, June 1-4.

50 masoncountyforestfestival.com

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Water view

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Watercraft

Little Creek Casino Resort | W 91 State Route 108, Shelton | (800) 667-7711 | little-creek.com

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RV Sites

•

Kitchen

•

Beach

TV/Cable

N

Pool

Wi/Fi

Harstine Island Beach Cabin | 21 E Dana Dr, Shelton | (253) 943-5264 | harstinerental.com

SHELTON AREA LODGING

Pets OK

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

RIDGEMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

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Crk

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Ta hu ya Riv

ALLYN Waterfront park features AL LYN gazebo and lawns, play Anderson Lake area, and beach access.

NO FEE/PASS

l

TAH UYA

Potlatch State Park

kum oo Sk

108

Crk

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Dr

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S End Rd

101

Ln

SE Lynch

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nch SE Ly

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To tten I nle t

Lit t

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oo Sk

Ka m ilc h e

N ew Ka m i l c h e 101

Totten Inlet

Totten Inlet

OYSTER BAY Beach,marshy estuary, for birding, salmon observing or fishing.

TO GO: Parking pullout on Hwy 101, marker 356 /Old Olympic Hwy. NO FEE/PASS

SCHAFER STATE PARK TRAIL THE KENNEDY CREEK SALMON TRAIL Trails, interpretive center, swimming, fishing.

Chum salmon are on view as they make their way up river TO GO: 12 miles north of Elma on the East Fork TOPOGRAPHY: flat, viewing platforms, interpretive signs of the Satsop River. The park is also accessible TO GO: Hwy 101, Old Olympic Hwy; weekends, seasonally. via the Brady exit from Hwy 12.

51 NO FEE/ PASS DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

sa HOPE ISLAND STATE Pas PARK Donly by water.

106 acre park Pugetreachable Sound Old-growth forests, saltwater marshes, fruit trees, beaches, historical buildings, friendly deer. Destination for kayakers and boaters!

TO GO: access by boat, mooring available, beach landing, boats and kayaks can launch at Arcadia Point (0.5 miles).

CAMPING FEES

a

La

Rd

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Island Rd S

Hope Island State Park

ge

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Pickering Passage

WALKER PARK Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelter, kayak access.

NO FEE/PASS

Harstine Island

an

E Agate Rd

Squaxin Island

Mill Cr k

Fa

Dr

Is

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ou th

N 13th St S 1st St

S 10th St

W G

Rock Crk

Timber Lake

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TAYLOR SHELLFISH STORE Fresh seafood, tours available; open to public.

Hwy 101 to Taylor Towne Exit.

Cr k

Arcadia

SE Arcadia Rd

3

nell Crk os

SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE MUSEUM Stories, photos, art, artifacts dating back over 500 years. TO GO: Hwy 101 to Kamilche exit , follow signs. ADMISSION CHARGE

Campbell

Pass

Isabella Lake

Agate

k Cr

Jacobys Shorecrest County Park mersley Inlet Ham

Arcadia Ave

S

allum Cr k oqu

vd Bl

c Hwy SE Olympi

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HARSTINE ISLAND TRAIL 300 acres to explore McMicken EASY 1.5 mile, beach Island DISCOVER PASS

Peale

Cr k

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Rock

E Pine St

Turner Ave

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Jarrell Cove State Park

ES

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ISABELLA LAKE TRAILS Dayton Peak EASY 2.5 mile loop, rolling meadows TO GO: Hwy 101 exit at SR#3 to Golden Pheasant Rd, right on Delight Park Rd. DISCOVER PASS

t tS

hel

Matlock

Railr

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101

Phillips Lake

B a y s h o re

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WS

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Stretch Point State Park

S En d Rd

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SHELTON

information, handouts, and maps

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Island Lake d

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SHELTON VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Red Caboose on Railroad Avenue

Lost Lake

Spencer Lake

EP

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Cr

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Crk

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102

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DAY TO N

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Lake Limerick

101

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HUNTER FARMS Farm Market, seasonal events; Visitor Center

POTLATCH STATE PARK Longest stretch of PUBLIC BEACH in Mason County with shellfish, kayaking, and Hood Canal water access.

DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

Cr

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Shumocher

Reach Island

G ra p e vi e w

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North Bay

Fair Harbor

Benson Lake

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106

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Annas Bay

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Skokomish Indian Reservation

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302

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106

UNI ON

Kirkl

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Sk

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Grisdale Hill

Lake West

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Maggie Lake

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Potlatch State Park Campground

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202

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Belfair State Park

Stre

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Taggert Crk Mc

Frigid Crk

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Lake Kokanee

Dennie Ahl Hill

Crk

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Finch

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NE B

HOODSPORT

rk

BE L FA IR

300

C

Dow Crk

K Lk

Gibbon s C

DEWATTO

Rd atto NE Dew

3

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Clark Crk

Hoodsport Trail State Park

is s

an

Sund Crk

Miller

Lake Haven

M

shm Cu

Crk

Wooten Lake

Dewatto Bay

Dow Mtn

119

n Creek ground

101

LI LLI WAU P

Brown Crk

Tahuya State Forest

Big

Lilliwaup Falls

Price Lake

ke La Cushman Hill

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Saddle Mtn

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

FJORD

Ranger Station is open in summer with information, exhibits, wilderness permits, map sales and wheelchair available. Road open year-round weather permitting. Call (360) 565-3131 NATIONAL PARK PASS TO GO: HWY 101 to SR#119, follow FS#24 to Staircase Entrance.

RAPIDS LOOP: EASY family friendly 2 mile trail through old growth forest to a bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River; only 200-foot elevation gain. BIG CEDAR, a 0.6 mile spur trail, leads to a fallen cedar while a 0.5 mile section leads to a river viewpoint.

UPPER LENA LAKE TRAIL Steep with unstable bed; camping.

MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 4.3 mile climb TOPOGRAPHY: 3,800 foot gain to sub-alpine lake TO GO: Same as Lower Lena Lake Trail above.

WILDERNESS PERMIT FOR CAMPING NW FOREST PASS FOR PARKING

FOUR STREAM: EASY 1.2 mile to Beaver Flat, swampy section of alder/cedar forest. Elevation loss 100 ft.

BIG CREEK Great pack-in picnic destination with pools and footbridges.

MODERATE 4 miles TO GO: Trailhead at FS#24 and SR#119 junction.

NW FOREST PASS Tri t o n Triton Head

WAGONWHEEL LAKE: MODERATE TO DIFFICULT climbing 2.9 miles (elevation gain of 3,365 ft).

FLAPJACK LAKES: DIFFICULT climbing 7.8 mile one-way hike (3,115 ft elevation gain).

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HAMA HAMA STORE Beach access & parking, seasonal outdoor Oyster Saloon and fresh seafood market.

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Lake

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Fair Harbor

Benson Lake d oo rw S he

G ra p e vi e w

3

52

Shumocher

Reach Island

Stretch Point State Park

Crk

let

Weaver

er Cr k

Ho en dsland

Crk

S KOKOMI S H

DALBY WATERWHEEL TO GO: SR#106

ob

FJORD Sk

North Bay

In

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and

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106

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UNION

302

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Anderson Lake

106

Annas Bay

Skokomish Indian Reservation

orth EN

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Potlatch State Park

rk i C Enat

AL LYN

vehicle/vessel/fishing/hunting northmasonchamber.com

TAH UYA Twanoh State Park

Lake West

Kirkl

rth

Rd ore Sh

N

101

202

VISITOR CENTER/ BELFAIR LICENSING nal od CaGO: On Hwy 3 in Belfair HoTO PASSES FOR PURCHASE Park/

C

PASSES FOR PURCHASE

Potlatch State Park Campground

a

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Expansive beach with panoramic views of Maggie Lake Olympics.

Picnic tables. NO FEE/PASS R

POT LATCH

Belfair State Park

Stre

MENARD’S LANDING

Grisdale Hill

h Va

Co

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N Lake

Crk

C

Crk

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– information, handouts, maps

DISCOVER PASS

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Lake Kokanee

HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Located just off Hwy 101 in Hoodsport

Skok omis

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BE L FA IR

on

Ha rp

elf air Tah u

3

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s Stin

rk

Crk

NE B

Rd atto NE Dew

HOODSPORT Finch

Frigid Crk

DEWATTO

Clark Crk

Hoodsport Trail State Park

rk

Dennie Ahl Hill

Lake Haven

Dewatto Bay

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Sund Crk

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Wooten Lake

Riv

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Dow Mtn

Dow Crk

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Creek round

101

LI LLI WAU P

119

Brown Crk

23,100 acre forest provides open spaces for sightseeing, camping, nature study, fishing, hiking,horse, ATV, ORV, and biking.

State ATahuya “working forest” trail Forest may be closed due to forest management activities.

TOPOGRAPHY deep woods TO GO: Hwy 300/Belfair 300 Tahuya Rd, 1.1 mile.

Rd ay

M

Lilliwaup Falls

Price Lake

TAHUYA STATE FOREST

Big

Cushman Hill

tto wa

Hw y U

k Cr

Saddle Mtn

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

rk

Ri v

Ea gle

Big Crk

Lake Cushman

Blacksmith Lake

Lake Melbourne De

119

Ayock

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Big Creek Campground

Be lfa ir

Lilliwaup Creek Campground Tenas Lake

od Skinwork C

Crk

North Br

Mt Rose

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Big

h ulc r G Be a

Fl at C

d

NE O

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Mt Ellinor

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Copper Mtn

Cr k

k

Cr k

Mt Washington

Jeffe r Crkson

Cr

DEWATTO BAY Beach with dramatic view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

TO GO: Belfair-Tahuya Rd to Dewatto Rd, 4 miles.

SERVICES AT PORT OF DEWATTO CAMPGROUND

Ir

o

EAGLE CREEK Beach access & parking across from Eagle Creek Saloon. NO FEE/PASS

Wa sh i ngt

rk

ELDO N H AMMA H AMMA

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eC at

rk

Big M

rk rson C Jeffe

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Ta hu ya Riv

Mount Skokomish Wilderness

Ced

No

Jefferson Peak

Mt Pershing

k Cr

Cruiser

n Crk

Ca

rk

rs o ffe Je

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e ors

Hamma Hamma River

C rk

eh

101

Hamma Hamma Campground

C

ion Cr k

Cr

k

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LIVING LEGACY TRAIL Spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers ranges; interpretive signage.

Trail passes Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1930s).

EASY TO MODERATE 1.5 mile loop.

TOPOGRAPHY: First 0.25 mile is barrier free along the river; ascends bluff to creek.

TO GO: Hwy 101 to FS#25, 5.5 miles.

WILDERNESS PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CAMPING

Miss

t so n Wa

Lena Creek Campground

HAMMA HAMMA

issio n

Boulder Crk

p le Ma

Wh it

Mt Skokomish

Le Crke

Mt Stone

Henderson

n

LOWER LENA LAKE TRAIL Well maintained popular trail leads to a small lake MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 3 mile climb,switchbacks TO GO: Hwy 101 at Hamma Hamma Recreation Area

STAIRCASE | OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

HIKING & BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Clamber up the rugged trails, tiptoe through the quiet old growth forest, or careen through the pristine meadows of Olympic National Forest & National Park. Shoulder your pack and experience the sights and sounds of the vast wilderness home to some of the most beautiful flora & fauna in the world.

Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, cool hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to hike Hood Canal.

ITINERARY 3: HOODSPORT & NORTH HOOD CANAL

DIVE DEEPER

Alice’s Little Beach House | 112 N Allie Ahl Ln, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-9226 | aliceslittlebeachhouse.com

N

Glen Ayr Waterfront Resort | 25381 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-9522 | glenayr.com

N

Mike’s Beach Resort | 38470 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-5324 | mikesbeachresort.com

Water view

Watercraft

RV Sites

Kitchen

Beach

Pool/Spa

CUSHMAN, ELDON, HOODSPORT, POTLATCH & LILLIWAUP

Pets OK

WEST HOOD CANAL LODGING

TV/Cable

Giant octopus, wolf eels and swarms of ancient rock cod add to the wonder of this special place. AIR, GEAR & SCUBA LESSONS, RENTALS & CHARTERS available.

Wi/Fi

CANAL SPIRIT

HOODSPORT WINERY, STOTTLE WINERY, and HARDWARE DISTILLERY offer tastings amongst shopping, dining and the famous Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

FORAGE DINNER

Come prepared with buckets and boots. Check regs at wdfw.wa.gov before digging – or stop by HAMA HAMA STORE & OYSTER SALOON for freshly prepared seafood.

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

HUG THE CURVES

As Hwy 101 navigates the bays of HOOD CANAL, imagine relaxing dockside of a beachside cabin, watching the seals roll off the rocks.

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The Moose House at Lake Cushman | Lake Cushman | themoosehouse.com

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Pali-Kai Canal House | 327000 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 426-2224

N

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Sunrise Motel & Dive Resort | 24520 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-5301

N

Waterfront at Potlatch | 21660 N Hwy 101, Potlatch | (360) 877-9422 | thewaterfrontatpotlatch.com

N

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Yellow House | 23891 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-6818 | hoodsportndive.com

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Watrview

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Watercraft

Kitchen

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RV Sites

Pool Beach

TV/Cable

Pets OK

Allyn House Inn | 18350 State Route 3, Allyn | 535-2198 | allynhouseinn.com

Wi/Fi

Allyn

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

ALLYN/ BELFAIR/UNION LODGING

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Belfair & Tahuya Belfair Motel | 23322 NE State Route 3, Belfair | 275-4485 | belfairmotel.net

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Gladwin Beach House | 391 Gladwin Beach Rd, Belfair | (360) 337-2960 | explorehoodcanal.com

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Sisters Point Waterfront Cabin | 12121 NE North Shore Rd, Belfair | (360) 275-6816

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Summertide Resort | 15781 NE Northshore Road Tahuya | (360) 275-9313 | summertideresort.com

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa | 10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union | (360) 898-2200 | alderbrookresort.com

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Blue Heron Resort Condos | 6520 E SR106, Union | (360) 614-3191 | attheblue.com

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Cottages at Hood Canale | 6871 E SR 106, Union | (360) 710-7452| booking.hoodcanale.com

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Harmony Hill Retreat Center | 7362 E SR 106, Union | (360) 898-2363 | harmonyhill.org

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Hood Canal Events Accommodations | curated short term rentals | hoodcanalevents.com

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Hood Canal Resort Properties | 8761 E SR 106, Union | (360) 842-9779 | hoodcanalresort.com

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Robin Hood Village Resort | 6780 E State Route 106, Union | 898-2163 | robinhoodvillageresort.com

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Union

ALLYN & GRAPEVIEW enjoy gorgeous views of the protected harbor waters of Case Inlet.

The area features quaint shops, waterfront lodging, restaurants, and beach parks.

Annually, the Grapeview area hosts the Water and Art Festival, a day-long event featuring entertainment and juried artists.

ITINERARY 4: ALLYN/GRAPEVIEW LOOP A CUT ABOVE

The largest chainsaw carving outlet, BEAR IN A is a great place to explore this unique art.

They also teach chainsaw carving.

WATERFRONT WANDERINGS

GRAPE VIEWS

Waterfront Grapeview is the location of first winery and vineyards of the Pacific Northwest.

BEACH WALK

There are plenty of great public beaches to explore and launch The area features quaint shops, a variety of points for your kayaks. restaurants, and beach parks.

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ALLYN

ITINERARY 5: BELFAIR AREA TAKE A WALK ON BOARDWALK

TAKE TO THE TRAILS

Hood Canal’s wild 139 acre THELER WETLANDS hosts two miles of trails.

1,700+ feet of floating boardwalk, native plants, and interpretive kiosks to experience wetland wildlife. olympicbirdtrail.org

23,100 acre TAHUYA STATE FOREST for camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ATV, ORV, and mountain biking. dnr.wa.gov

SALMON STRONG

THE SALMON CENTER provides education and recreation through a series of collaborative activities at their certified organic farm.

They also host seasonal events. pnwsalmoncenter.org

VISITOR INFORMATION & RESOURCES HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER 150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport, WA (360) 877-2021 | (800) 576-2021

BELFAIR VISITOR CENTER 30 NE Romance Hill Rd, Belfair, WA (360) 275-4267 | northmasonchamber.com

UNION VISITOR INFORMATION

Located at Hunter Farms, E 1921 SR 106, Union, WA

SHELTON CHAMBER VISITOR CENTER

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215 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA | (360) 426-2021 Open 8 AM - 5 PM | Monday through Friday

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA FREE Concierge Service: maps, lodging, dining & hikes information (360) 877-2102

MASON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

From ferries in Seattle to trailheads in Hood Canal, Mason Transit offers free rides – masontransit.org

427 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA 11 AM - 4 PM | Tuesday through Saturday

RIDE FREE IN MASON COUNTY OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK nps.gov

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Weather – more than just a safe subject.

Stella Wenstob, Fjord contributor

While talking about the weather is traditionally deemed the safest subject in polite company, predicting it definitely lands you in a volatile position, as weather forecasters who try to explain the many unique weather patterns we get along the Hood Canal can attest. From beautiful dry summers, to drizzly falls, stolen snow days and unexpected hurricane force winds– the weather of the Hood Canal never fails to surprise.

The fjord we call Hood Canal, flanked by the lofty Olympic Mountains to the west, creates a unique geography that is not only picturesque, but also results in weather systems that are very tricky to predict.

Although likewise coastal, Hood Canal experiences far more instances of snow than Tacoma or Seattle. Unlike other Washington coastal communities, the saltwater corridor of the tidal Hood Canal is too narrow to sufficiently warm the air.

Another factor influencing snow fall is the location of the Olympic Mountains. Traditionally, weather is known to travel from the west off the Pacific Ocean to the East.

Following this we would expect that because of its location lying in the eastern lee of the Olympic Mountains the Hood Canal would be protected from these weather

systems, but that is not how the weather always behaves. Low pressure systems off the Pacific often results in high pressure weather in Washington’s Northeast, which reverses this lee and draws weather in an East to West direction. Also cold air from the mountain tops often falls down into the fjord rapidly dropping the air temperature.

This cooler, snow ready weather makes winter sports an unexpected pleasure of the Hood Canal. Many locals take advantage of this 4x4’ing in the mountains on the weekend for snowy tailgate parties.

Recent snow falls have been fairly tame in comparison to the four feet of flakes Hoodsport received in 1916 or twenty-seven inches in 1943!

Fritz Dalby Ice fishing at Union ( 1950)

FJORD Photo: Mason County Museum

Since the Hood Canal is fed by the estuaries of the Skokomish, Union and Hamma Hamma Rivers along with a number of smaller tributaries, it has a layer of freshwater atop the salt. In very cold weather, this brackish water has been known to freeze over. In the winter of 1924-25 the Hood Canal froze from Lilliwaup to Belfair. In typical pioneering spirit, there are many historical accounts of exploiting this new surface. There were reports of the Twana elder Henry Allen driving his wagon across the canal from Hoodsport. Frank Pixley who founded the artist colony of Olympus Manor at Union reportedly walked across to Tahuya. Fritz Dalby (of the Dalby Waterwheel fame in Union) went ice-skating in front of the current site of the Robin Hood Resort in Union.

Shelton downtown, photo: Mason County Museum

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Through the Garden Gate: Veggies in Abundance Saturday, February 25, 9:30 -frozen 12 PM The Hood Canal is reported to have Mason County Public Works, Shelton over in 1950, 2009 and most recently in Through The Garden Gate is offering 2015. A similar low-pressure vacuum that both in person and zoom options for makes Hoodthe Canal prone to snowstorms workshops this year. See page 22.

also can result in heavy winds. In the summer-time thisAdult weather down Promcalms Fire and Ice to gentle breezes, which makes the straight stretch of Saturday, Feb 25, 6 -10 PM Hood Canal 1060 a favorite with sailing clubs.

West Eells Hill Road, Shelton

Get dressed up and head to the Ridge

to support our first these responders and However, during the winter winds 21+windstorm event featuring DJ hit Topflin ight can get fierce.thisOne that mixingwas yourparticularly favorite hits. $45/person.

February of 1979 infamous.

A low pressure moved in the Juan de Fuca Atomic OurWashNuclear Strait drawing all theWashington: air of Western Past, Present, and Future ington into tremendous winds. UnforSunday February 26, 1:30 - 3 PM tunately, Hood Canal with its deep fjord 3371 E Harstine Is Road N, Shelton shape and itsWashington South-North orientation lined State’s role in the nuclear up perfectly with the direction of this wind era ranges far beyond the construcand created ation, powerful wind operation, andtunnel. ongoing cleanup of the Hanford nuclear reservation.

The floating Hood Bridgescience, at theand DrawingCanal from history, Olson mouth of thepopular Hoodculture, Canal author couldSteve not stand reveals the waysgusts in which our state the winds with estimated of 120 mph. been acrew pioneer in the the atomic age.

Although thehas bridge opened bridge to help relieve the stress of the buffeting wind, the bridge’s pontoon storm hatches blew open and the bridge took on water.

OFFSHORE: Culinary Adventure

MARCH

Tent at Alderbrook

No one was Thurhurt,Sat but on2-February , Mar 4, 6:30 PM13th 1979 the world’s longest saltwater float10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union Be immersed in four courses oftodeliing bridge sank.

WSDOT scrambled cious routes locally sourced ingredients. re-establish ferry between Lofall and alderbrookresort.com South Point across the canal just south of the bridge and extra ferries were added Through Edmonds the Gardenand Gate: to the route between Port Is a Victory Garden For You? Townsend.

NEED HELP WITH

NEED HELP

PLANNING RETIREMENT?

Saturday, March 4, 9:30 - 12 PM Mason County Public Works, Shelton The bridge was reopened 1982Gate with heavier Through The Garden is offering anchors and both moreinstringent bridge closure person and zoom options for procedures. the Many called this for year. the bridge workshops See page 22.

to be replaced with a spanned bridge that wouldn’t be at theday mercy ofState the 16.5 Free at WA Parksfoot Thursday, March 9, daywater, and tides, the corrosive quality ofallsalt Celebratebut the the legacy of Billy Frank the strong currents, fjords 300 + Junior's Birthday. depth and sandy bottom is too difficult and cost prohibitive to span.

Through the Garden Gate: Native Bees a Buzzin' While the wind, snow, rain, and sudden Saturday, March 11, 9:30 - 12 PM brilliant sunny days make it hard to pack Mason County Public Works, Shelton for a visit on nthe Hood don’t for letthe the person andCanal, zoom options weather deterworkshops you. Pick a book and snuggle this year. See page 22.

MEDICARE? If it seems like a daunting task to plan how you’ll make your money last in retirement, you’re in luck.

We’ve been there before, and we can help you get a handle on preparing for your financial future.

There’s no need to go it alone.

Call Bowman Financial Group today for more information!

(360) 427-4248

www.bowmanfgi.com

We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

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beside the fire. Or pull on your boots and favorite jacket and meet the storm full on – Thank you Bowman Financia lGruop for your storm-watching has become something of FESTIVAL OF THE a thing. If it snows, dust off your favorite Tree Topper support of the Festival of the Firs hot toddy recipe and challenge your friends to an igloo building contest. Embrace the festivalofthefirs.com

57 FJORD unexpected, it’s the Northwest way.

FIRS

2023 Sponsor of the Festival of the Firs

New Funding Direction for Mason County's EDC The Economic Development Council (EDC) of Mason County, in partnership with the IGNITE Mason coalition, is looking to secure competitive funding from a new federal grant program that would revitalize the county’s infrastructure.

The “Rebuilding Economics and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel” Act, known shortly as the RECOMPETE Act, was drafted and introduced

by Rep. Derek Kilmer in 2021. The bipartisan bill called for the creation of a $1 billion federal grant program, which would provide flexible, 10-year grant opportunities to “persistently distressed communities.”

Kealy Electric is a proud sponsor of the

Christmastown Tree Maze Call now: (360) 462-0175

The language of the bill defines this as “those in which the employment rate of ‘primeage’ workers (ages 25 to 54) is significantly below the national average.” Mason County, the entire Olympic Peninsula and much of Southwest and Northeast Washington are marked as eligible areas for the grant funds.

2023 Sponsor Festival of the Firs and Christmastown events!

According to a 2022 press release from Rep. Kilmer’s team, "grants could be used for infrastructure investments, brownfield redevelopment, workforce development, small business assistance, resources to connect residents to opportunities, and other investments to help communities rebuild,”

Local agent, local team – proudly supporting the community.

(360) 426-2428 821 W Railroad Ave Shelton WA 98584

mysheltonagent.com FJORD

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Last year, a pilot program of the RECOMPETE Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The pilot program is authorized at $1 billion through the 2028 fiscal year and funded at $200 million for the 2023 fiscal year. The program will run through two phases and be administered by the country’s Economic Development Agency (EDA) Mason County’s EDC, in partnership with the IGNITE Mason coalition, is submitting a $55 million proposal.

According to EDC Chair Joe Schmidt, as a rural community with a smaller budget, Mason County lacks the money to retain large teams of grant writers or meet required grant matches, making it difficult to compete for funding.

The RECOMPETE Act looks to demolish those barriers by providing an initial round of money to help fund strategic planning and level the playing field.

Other issues hindering the county’s economic growth include the lack of proper infrastructure. While the EDC receives many inquiries from businesses wanting to locate to Mason County, the necessary infrastructure isn’t always in place to make it possible, “[Businesses] are looking for buildings to move into that are ready to go… and we don’t have that upfront cash to extend the pipes and extend the broadband to wherever,” Schmidt said.

“So, a lot of times, the development itself has to foot that

bill, which ultimately doesn’t pencil out for them, so then we lose those opportunities.”

If Mason County can secure funding made available by the RECOMPETE Act, then these issues could start being addressed, according to Schmidt. “[This] is going to get us on the right path so we can start putting the right infrastructure in place in a coordinated way and hopefully start attracting other businesses to Mason County and diversify our commercial landscape,” Schmidt said.

Bert Fisher to retire from Our Community Credit Union; Ryan Drake appointed new CEO On December 31st 2023, Bert Fisher, President/CEO for the

2023 Suppoorter

FESTIVAL OF THE FIRS

past 13 years, will retire. Ryan Drake, currently Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been appointed as his replacement.

Fisher’s career with the credit Ryan Drake joined the OCCU union began in 2005 when he team in 2012 when he was was hired on as Chief Operahired as Chief Financial Offition Officer (COO). He was cer. Drake has over 22 years’ appointed President in 2011 experience in the credit union to replace Joe Robertson, who industry and is a 1991 Boise retired after 35 years. Fisher has State graduate with a degree in been an active part of the Cred- Business Administration and it Union industry particularly a graduate of Western CUNA in the GoWest Credit Union Management School. league, which serves credit unions in Washington, Oregon, Ryan Drake has been an active Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and member in the communities Arizona and as an advocate for OCCU serves. He serves on credit unions on both Capitol the Governmental Affairs Find the forest in your Hill and in the community. committee at GoWest Credit Subaru Outback!

Today, under Fisher’s expert Union League, and has actively leadership and guidance, the lobbied for Credit Unions on Credit Union has grown from numerous occasions in Olymjust over $200 million in assets pia and in Washington D.C. to more than $600 million in assets and 35,000 members.

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Shop Local –

November 25, and every day.

Saturday, November 25, 2023 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. The communities on the shores of the fjord and South Puget Sound have a unique personality.

As always, we invite you to get to know them – shop, stay, dine and support local businesses. Christmas is just around the corner!

LILLIWAUP is located at the mouth of Lilliwaup Creek. Highway 101 passes through the hamlet. The small general store makes a great break for Olympic Mountain ice cream. Down the road at Hama Hama Oyster Farm, check out their retail store for gift ideas. Cookbooks, specialty foods, soaps, trinkets, shirts and hoodies in every size – you will find something for everyone on your list. As a special treat for out of town friends and family, Hama Hama offers direct shipping of their products.

Wrapped for the season, clams, and oysters can be shipped across the country! Visit hamahama.com for inspiration.

HOODSPORT is a nice place to find unique Christmas gifts. YSS Dive has great deals on items for divers or those who would like to scuba – masks, cameras, fins – a full diver's certification makes a great gift for the person who has everything! The Octopus Gallery carries a selection of silver and gold jewelry at all price ranges.

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Owned & operated by Lucy & Tim, who are both goldsmiths, much of the jewelry is made on-site. Lucy’s mother makes collectible watercolors that are copied onto cards, keychains, clothing, mugs, and more. Sadly, Octopus Gallery is set to close shop in the new year, so be sure to stop by this winter. Also stop in at the Hardware Distillery to sample their "fjord spirits" and pick up a few gnomes with wax hats – starting at just $15, these are good stocking stuffers! Next door is Canalside.

This store fills the imagination. We were especially enamored with the beaded octopuses that would look great on the Christmas tree. Although closed currently for renovations, the Fjord Oyster Bank, on the north end of town, has a fun treasure trove of curated NW gifts and books. Formerly a bank, the present owners preserved the vault, complete with over 300 safety deposit boxes and have converted it into a shop. The Fjord Oyster Bank is set to re-open in the new year.

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Canalside, Hoodsport

UNION is renowned as an artists’ haven.

With a range of lodging options – from quaint cottages to inclusive resorts, the area was recognized as the “Prettiest Town in America.” Stop by the Union City Market for local produce and many gift ideas. Cameo Boutique carries a selection of wines as well as “Hood Canal” inspired tableware and beautiful coastal gifts.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa has a gift shop near the main lobby. Here you will find everything from teddy bears to pajamas and gourmet items and blankets.

A gift certificate to the resort is never a bad gift either!

DESIGN MATTERS

We seek to create quality designs that are innately beautiful aesthetically while meeting practical and functional needs that fit your lifestyle.

Specializing in: Slopes Views Shorelines Unique Features

CONNECT WITH US

info@williams-architecture.com 360-426-0511 www.williams-architecture.com We want to hear your vision and help transform your ideas into reality.

New residences Additions and remodels ADU's Commercial buildings and spaces A LEGACY OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR MASON COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1986

Remodeling?

Building a new home?

OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN MILLWORK • Quality cabinets & built-ins for every room • Pre-finished millwork • Paint grade millwork packages • Pre-hung interior & exterior doors Call for an onsite walk-through or visit our Shelton showroom.

(360) 432-2992 822 E HIAWATHA BLVD. SHELTON, WA 98584

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Visit our gallery online at: ommco.net

Authorized Dealer

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ALLYN, located in the protected waters of the South Sound, is famous for kayaking and boating. Stop in and enjoy the restaurants and shops. Don't miss the surprisingly wonderful chainsaw carving retail outlet, Bear in the Box. Next door is a great little wine shop and down the road visit the specialty wool shop.

BELFAIR is nestled in the tip of Hood Canal. Belfair hosts local and chain stores and restaurants along with major grocery stores and many small local shops. Mosquito Fleet Winery has a tasting room and has won numerous awards for their blends. Their shop has a selection of gift items as well as full line-up of superior wines.

The winery is open for tastings on the weekends.

A favorite shop for the holidays, or any time of the year for that matter, is the White Barn Decor. Here you will find a host of beautiful quality decor for your whole home as well as your holiday decorating. The shop is open daily from 10 AM - 6 PM at 23611 NE, WA-3.

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SHELTON,fondly known as Christmastown, epitomizes the Northwest small town experience The main shopping area is located on Railroad Ave, in the classic timber town core. Here you will find gift shops, children's specialty store, antiques and jewelry as well as some dining options and even a candy shop! Looking for Christmas decorations? Stop by Lynch Creek Floral for an array of gifts including ornaments, chocolates and flower arrangements.

Be sure to venture off Railroad.

Neil's Pharmacy on Franklin has an astonishing collection of gifts and is always well stocked during the holidays with 62 Christmas ornaments and gifts.

Have a difficult person to buy for? Head over to Verles Sport & Marine, everything from clothing and lures, to hunting gear and boats can be found at this well-stocked store. Still not sure? A gift certificate is always a safe bet!

Try Tozier Brothers on Mill Street. From bee balm hand cream to bird feeders, boots, and backhoes – there is something for every stocking at this store – including the stockings.

QUILCENE, inland from the Hood Canal, is a friendly community of around 600 people.

Here you will find a selection of stores and restaurants. Stop by the one of the antique shops to pick up some well-loved treasures. Quilcene Village Store offers more than just gas and snacks they also stock a huge selection of interesting gifts sourced from all over the world as well as beer, wine, bakery and gourmet items that surpass standard gas station fare.

BRINNON has restaurants and interesting shopping options. Visit the seven acres of heritage plants at Whitney Gardens and stop by their retail store for some great gifts for the gardener on your list. After your garden walk, stop in the Geoduck on the south side of town for a great menu of wholesome "after hike" food as well as great views of the Canal and tidelands.

Recently opened is the Hood Canal Adventures Base Camp.

If you can't decide on one of the many outdoor gifts, books and essential items, buy your loved ones experiences with a kayaking or mushroom foraging tour! For more shopping ideas pick up a shop local flyer or visit festivalofthefirs.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR OF FESTIVAL OF THE FIRS AND CHRISTMASTOWN EVENTS

ESTABLISHED IN 1980 | SHELTON, WA Shop local. Lynch Creek Farm handcrafts traditional and decorated Christmas wreaths, fresh centerpieces, and other beautiful holiday gifts.

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