News Release 12-107
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Hilary Schult: (360) 902-8604
Arnold Hampton: (360) 482-3852
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Celebrate the coming of winter at Schafer State Park
OLYMPIA –
Dec. 4, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks invite the public to the annual yule log celebration at Schafer State Park in Grays Harbor County.
The celebration is 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Schafer State Park, West 1365 Schafer Park Road in Elma. Activities start with a hunt for the yule log for children attending the event. Participants then pull the log back to the community hall to use as firewood at the celebration. After the yule log hunt, visitors may enjoy music, singing around the fire and refreshments. Hot beverages are provided. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to share. Admission is free. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.
The yule log celebration at Schafer State Park began as a community event more than 50 years ago. The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks and park staff continue the tradition, bringing the community together in the natural Pacific Northwest setting of Schafer State Park and to celebrate the coming of winter.
The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (FOSLS) strive to support, promote and ensure the perpetual operation of Schafer and Lake Sylvia state parks as state parks. FOSLS raises funds and in-kind donations for the support of these two state parks, through events such as the Fall Festival at Lake Sylvia and other volunteer efforts. Friends groups support Washington state parks in a variety of ways, including financial assistance and volunteer support and helping keep to state parks open and operating for the enjoyment of all Washingtonians.
Schafer State Park is a 119-acre camping park in southwest Mason County, midway between Olympia and Ocean Park. Abundant fishing for steelhead, trout and salmon on the Satsop River and shallow waters for wading and swimming attract park users. The park also features structures built of native stone. Peter, Hubert and Albert Schafer donated the property to the state in 1924 to honor their parents, John and Anna Schafer. The Schafer family homesteaded along the Satsop River in 1871 and later founded the Schafer Bros. Lumber Company. The logging company became one of the largest lumber operations in the Northwest. Rich in local history, the park is a state and national historic site as designated by the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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