The first Forest Festival honored Mason County’s logging history by showcasing the timber industry while demonstrating the importance of safeguarding forests against destructive forest fires.

The Forest Festival in 1953 was one for the record books. Celebrating 100 years of logging in Mason County, on the festival’s final day 30,000 people — about six times the regular population of the town — crowded into the streets to watch the Paul Bunyan Parade.

Over the years the festival’s popularity has ebbed with the sentiments of our communities. In recent decades it has even faced extinction –– like the giant slabs of wood pictured above –– but each time dedicated volunteers rally to replant the seeds of tradition into a meager garden that once again miraculously blooms with community spirit.

It is this endearing spirit which we remark upon today.

What does community mean to you? While the world struggles to find its identity it is our responsibility to focus closer to home where we can actually exact change.

Own a business?

Show your support for local events by sponsoring. These traditions are our community life blood. They bring energy to our towns and offer hope to local families. You will get a great feeling PLUS the benefit of business exposure without even having to leave your busy day. But do remember to attend the event that you helped flourish!

Community member with skills or maybe just a little extra time?

Volunteer. It can be as small or as large as a commitment you have capacity for. No willing pair of hands is turned away and it’s a great way to meet neighbors and build lasting community relationships. Families are welcome too. It’s a great way to foster communication skills and stewardship.

Get involved:

MATLOCK OLD TIMERS FESTIVAL | MAY 4-5
The fair is hosted by the Matlock Historical Society. This group also manages a museum and curates/archives local history. They are all volunteers. The event celebrates Matlock heritage in timber industry, draft horses and early day machinery with antique booths, kids activities, handcrafted items, historical and agricultural displays, food, and live music.  The event is in need of volunteers and sponsors for music, museum and event costs. Founded in 1989 this FREE event is the perfect snapshot of simple, wholesome, rural community values. It is worth saving. To volunteer or sponsor (any amount is welcome) contact Leroy Valley, (360) 426-5637.

MASON COUNTY FOREST FESTIVAL | MAY 30-JUNE 3
80 years! Eight decades of Royalty Courts touching nearly every local family. Thousands of dollars in scholarships. Hundreds of floats and again, literally 1000s of family memories. Who hasn’t participated in the parade at some point? This event is in dire need to your participation to insure its survival to its centennial. Serve on the board, volunteer at an event, or again, if you are able, gain business recognition by sponsoring. This event is vital to the community identity of Mason County. It too is totally worth saving.

Annual event program: 48pp, 5K print, 25K downloads. Ad space available.

BLUEGRASS FROM THE FOREST | July 12-14

The 19th annual Bluegrass event is hosted by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis. The event is all volunteer. Camping, jamming, workshops, and great bands are hallmarks of this annual event! This event is family-friendly, affordable and welcomes nationally recognized bands and performers. After costs are covered, proceeds benefit local kids in Mason County. Like music and fun inclusive festivals? Volunteers are welcome.

For sponsorship information contact Duane: 360-280-3917 or email duanelwilson@gmail.com.

There are many more amazing events hosted annually in our communities: Candyland Youth Festival, April 20; Tour De Mason Bike Race, June 8; Hoodsport’s Fjordin Crossin, June 22; Cruisin’ Through Time Car Show, June 30; Allyn Days, July 19; Grapeview Art & Water Festival, July 27; Hoodstock Music Festival, August 16-18; and OysterFest, October 4-6. Visit their websites to find out more about getting involved!