Parade canceled

The surging number of COVID-19 cases in Mason County prompted the organizers of the Mason County Forest Festival to cancel the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade and fireworks slated for Saturday.

"The biggest part of making this decision is keeping the community safe and doing our part," Forest Festival Chairman Mick Sprouffskee said in an interview with the Journal. "That's really what this is about."

Sprouffskee said he understands the decision is not popular with some people.

Only 50 % of eligible Mason County residents have chosen to be vaccinated.

The festival's board members decided Sunday to cancel the Sept. 18 events.

"We apologize for the short notice, we hoped for a miracle, a quick turn-around of the COVID status, but that just isn't happening," the festival's volunteer crew wrote in a news release.

"We are so grateful to have been able to hold three weekend Timber Days events this summer, plus the Family and Pet Parade, an afternoon movie at (Shelton) Cinemas, a night at the (Skyline) Drive-In and the new Royalty Tea. It was so wonderful to see everyone."

"I think they were well received," Sprouffskee said of the Timer Days weekends. "It gave people the chance to get out and enjoy that street fair feel."

The parade was postponed until Sept. 18, but organizers would have better off scheduling it for August, Sprouffskee said.

"The volunteers did a good job and kept up a great attitude ... We try to do our best," he said.

The new release from the festival's volunteer crew concluded, "Looking forward to seeing you back in 2022 with a full Forest Festival lineup. Stay safe Mason County!"