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Tag: Shelton WA

  • What Is CERB? How Washington State’s Economic Development Loan Program Helped Bring Olympic Mountain Ice Cream to the Port of Shelton

    What Is CERB? How Washington State’s Economic Development Loan Program Helped Bring Olympic Mountain Ice Cream to the Port of Shelton

    When the Port of Shelton Commission approved a $1.75 million loan to renovate a warehouse for Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, the financing came from a state program that most Mason County business owners have never heard of — but probably should know about.

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board, or CERB, is one of Washington State’s primary tools for funding the kind of infrastructure investment that keeps local manufacturers in rural communities instead of relocating to cheaper or better-served markets.

    What Is CERB?

    CERB is a Washington State program administered by the Department of Commerce. It provides low-interest loans and grants to public entities — port districts, counties, cities, public development authorities — for infrastructure projects tied to private sector job creation.

    The key word is “public entities.” CERB does not lend money directly to private businesses. Instead, a public partner (like the Port of Shelton) takes on the CERB debt, builds or improves an asset, and then makes that asset available to a private company under lease terms designed to be economically accessible. The private company commits to creating a specified number of jobs in exchange.

    It’s a leveraged model: $1.75 million in state money, paired with at least $1 million in private investment from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, creates a $2.75 million project that the company likely couldn’t finance on its own — and that the private capital markets wouldn’t fund in a rural county without a public partner at the table.

    Why the Port of Shelton Was the Right Vehicle

    The Port of Shelton, established in 1948, is a public port district with statutory authority to promote economic development. Its assets include Sanderson Field, a general aviation airport and 1,200-acre industrial park, and the Johns Prairie Industrial Park. The Port can issue CERB applications on behalf of projects that meet the program’s job-creation and public benefit criteria.

    In the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream case, the mechanics are straightforward: the Port received the CERB loan, renovated its warehouse building at 130 West Corporate Drive to meet the company’s production and retail requirements, and executed a lease with Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. The lease terms are structured to be affordable for the company while generating revenue that helps the Port service the CERB debt.

    The 17-job commitment is not goodwill — it’s a contract obligation tied to the CERB financing. The state tracks job creation outcomes for CERB-funded projects, and the Port is responsible for ensuring the commitments are met.

    What This Means for Other Mason County Businesses

    The CERB program exists throughout Washington State, and Mason County has public partners — the Port of Shelton, Mason County government, Mason County Economic Development Council — that can sponsor applications for eligible projects.

    If you run a Mason County business that needs facility improvements, infrastructure investment, or expanded production capacity that would create jobs, the path to CERB financing runs through those public entities, not through a bank. The Mason County EDC at masonedc.org is the right starting point for businesses exploring whether their project could qualify.

    CERB is not the only state economic development tool available — the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA), the Rural Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund, and various USDA programs also operate in Mason County. But CERB is specifically well-suited to the kind of port-anchored industrial development the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream project represents.

    The Bigger Picture: Mason County’s Economic Development Momentum

    The Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion is happening in the same year that the SR-3 Belfair Bypass received $48.3 million in state transportation funding and PUD 3 is completing fiber buildouts reaching hundreds of additional homes. The three investments are unrelated but collectively signal a county that is attracting public capital investment at a rate that will shape its economic trajectory for years.

    For businesses considering a Mason County location or expansion, that infrastructure context — roads, fiber, industrial space at public ports — is worth paying attention to.

    Full expansion details: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s New Port of Shelton Facility — Complete Coverage

    Related infrastructure: PUD 3 fiber is reaching 680+ Cloquallum homes — what gigabit internet means for Mason County businesses

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does CERB stand for and who administers it in Washington State?

    CERB stands for Community Economic Revitalization Board. It is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce and provides low-interest financing to public entities for economic development infrastructure projects that create private-sector jobs.

    Can a private Mason County business apply for CERB funding directly?

    No. CERB loans and grants go to public entities — port districts, cities, counties, and similar government bodies — not directly to private businesses. A private business benefits from CERB through a partnership with a public entity that sponsors the project and owns the improved facility, which it then makes available to the business through a lease.

    How do I find out if my Mason County business project could qualify for CERB-backed financing?

    Contact the Mason County Economic Development Council at masonedc.org or the Port of Shelton directly. These organizations work with the Washington State Department of Commerce on CERB applications and can help determine whether your project meets the program criteria — particularly the job-creation requirements that anchor CERB eligibility.

    How much was the CERB loan for the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream project?

    The Port of Shelton received a $1.75 million CERB loan for the warehouse renovation. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream committed to at least $1 million in private investment alongside the state financing, for a total project investment of approximately $2.75 million.


  • Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens New Port of Shelton Facility — What a $1.75M CERB Loan and 17 New Jobs Mean for Mason County

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens New Port of Shelton Facility — What a $1.75M CERB Loan and 17 New Jobs Mean for Mason County

    One of Mason County’s most beloved food brands is growing up — and growing into a facility four times the size of where it started. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, the artisan ice cream maker that has operated out of the Skokomish Valley for over 40 years, is establishing a new home at the Port of Shelton: an 11,500-square-foot facility at 130 West Corporate Drive, backed by a $1.75 million state loan and expected to add 17 new jobs to the local economy.

    The move is the largest single expansion in the company’s four-decade history, and one of the more significant food manufacturing investments Mason County has seen in years.

    The Numbers Behind the Expansion

    The Port of Shelton Commission passed a resolution approving the project’s financing — a $1.75 million low-interest loan from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). The loan is paired with at least $1 million in private investment from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream itself, for a total project investment of roughly $2.75 million.

    The new facility is a renovated Port-owned warehouse at 130 West Corporate Drive. At 11,500 square feet, it is four times larger than Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s previous Skokomish Valley location. The company currently employs 18 people and produces more than 50,000 gallons of artisan ice cream, gelato, and sorbet annually, serving over 300 active wholesale customers.

    The expansion plan projects 17 new permanent jobs over the next five years — nearly doubling the current workforce. In a county where manufacturing employment is relatively scarce and wages in food production tend to be accessible to workers without specialized credentials, 17 additional positions represents a meaningful contribution to the local job market.

    A New Public-Facing Retail Storefront

    The Port of Shelton facility will include a retail storefront open to the public — a significant upgrade from the company’s previous production-focused setup. For Mason County residents who know Olympic Mountain Ice Cream primarily as the brand in their grocery store freezer case, the new location offers a chance to buy direct and see the operation up close.

    The company has been handcrafting ice cream using Pacific Northwest-grown berries and stone fruit for more than 30 years under the same family ownership. Moving to a facility with a retail presence while maintaining its wholesale distribution network positions the company to grow both sides of its business simultaneously.

    What Is CERB and Why Does It Matter for Mason County?

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board is a Washington State program that provides low-interest loans and grants to public entities — including port districts — for infrastructure and economic development projects that create private sector jobs. The Port of Shelton received the $1.75 million CERB loan and is leasing the improved facility to Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

    CERB is not a grant program for private businesses directly; it works through public partners like ports and economic development councils. The Port of Shelton model here is a good example of how it’s designed to work: the public entity takes on the CERB debt, improves an asset, and leases it to a private business, which commits to creating jobs in exchange for the favorable terms.

    For Mason County, the CERB financing keeps a homegrown company in the county that might otherwise have had to look at cheaper or more competitive real estate elsewhere in the Puget Sound region.

    The Port of Shelton’s Expanding Role

    The Port of Shelton, established in 1948, manages several distinct assets including Sanderson Field (a general aviation airport and industrial park on 1,200 acres) and the Johns Prairie Industrial Park. The Olympic Mountain Ice Cream partnership is consistent with the Port’s mission of attracting and retaining private sector employers in Mason County.

    For the Port, the project represents a low-risk deployment of CERB capital into an established local business with a proven product, an existing customer base of 300+ wholesale accounts, and a 40-year operating history in the county.

    Related: SR-3 Belfair Bypass secures $48.3M — another major Mason County investment in 2026

    Related: Mason County PUD 3 fiber expansion reaches 680+ Cloquallum homes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the new Olympic Mountain Ice Cream facility located?

    The new facility is at 130 West Corporate Drive in Shelton, at the Port of Shelton. The building is a renovated Port-owned warehouse that Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is leasing under the CERB-financed partnership arrangement.

    When will the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream retail storefront open?

    The project was moving toward a March 2026 opening based on the original timeline. Check the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com or their Facebook page for the most current opening status and hours.

    What is the CERB loan and who receives the money?

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board is a Washington State program that provides low-interest loans to public entities for economic development projects. The Port of Shelton received the $1.75 million CERB loan — not Olympic Mountain Ice Cream directly. The Port used the funds to renovate the warehouse building, which it leases to the ice cream company. The arrangement ties the public investment to job creation commitments.

    How many jobs is the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion expected to create?

    The project is projected to create 17 new permanent jobs over five years, nearly doubling the company’s current workforce of 18. These are food manufacturing and production positions in Shelton, Mason County.

    What does Olympic Mountain Ice Cream currently produce?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream produces artisan ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets using Pacific Northwest-sourced ingredients including locally-grown berries and stone fruit. The company produces more than 50,000 gallons annually and serves over 300 active wholesale customers throughout the region.

    How long has Olympic Mountain Ice Cream been in business?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream has been operating for over 40 years under the same family ownership, with roots in the Skokomish Valley near the Olympic Mountain foothills. It is one of the oldest artisan ice cream makers in the Pacific Northwest.


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  • New to Mason County? The Forest Festival Is the Event That Explains Everything About Shelton

    New to Mason County? The Forest Festival Is the Event That Explains Everything About Shelton

    For New Mason County Residents: The Mason County Forest Festival — 81 years running — is Shelton’s defining community event. If you’ve recently moved to the area, attending June 5–7 is the fastest orientation to who Mason County is and where it came from.

    New to Mason County? The Forest Festival Is Required Attendance

    If you’ve recently moved to Mason County — whether to Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Union, or anywhere along Hood Canal — you’ll hear about the Forest Festival before long. It’s the one event that concentrates the full character of this community into a single weekend.

    The 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival runs June 5–7, 2026 in downtown Shelton. Here’s what it is, why it exists, and what you need to know to get the most out of it as someone still learning the area.

    Why This Festival Exists

    Mason County’s identity is inseparable from timber. Michael T. Simmons built the first American sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853. By the late 1800s, the Simpson Logging Company had become the economic backbone of the region, shaping not just Shelton’s economy but its physical layout — the railroad routes, the mill sites, the neighborhoods.

    The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945, just after World War II, as a way to celebrate and promote the logging industry that employed much of the county. Eighty-one years later, that heritage is still honored — not as nostalgia, but as living identity. When you watch the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade move down Railroad Avenue, you’re watching a community acknowledge where it came from.

    What to Expect

    The weekend is fuller than it looks from a distance. Key events for newcomers to prioritize:

    • Paul Bunyan Grand Parade (Railroad Avenue): The centerpiece of the festival. Community organizations, bands, equestrian groups, businesses, and floats. This is where you’ll see the full cross-section of Mason County’s civic life in one place.
    • STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier (Loop Field): Competitive logging — axe throwing, log rolling, chainsaw events. This is a national qualifier, not a demonstration. Chainsaw carving runs alongside. Free to watch.
    • Manke Fireworks Show: Launches from Oakland Bay Junior High, visible from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard. One of Mason County’s most-attended annual events.
    • Shelton Car Show-Off (Sunday, F Street): A quieter, community-focused way to see a different side of Shelton.

    Start early: The Goldsborough Creek Run on May 30 is the unofficial Forest Festival opener — a great way to meet neighbors before the main weekend. It starts at Shelton Valley Christian School and finishes downtown on Railroad Avenue.

    How to Think About It

    For longtime residents, the Forest Festival is an annual reunion. For newcomers, it’s an orientation. The organizations that staff the booths, the businesses that sponsor the floats, the families that show up every year — this is the visible layer of Mason County’s social infrastructure. Showing up is how you start to become part of it.

    Most events are free. Bring layers — June evenings in Shelton can be cool. Full details at masoncountyforestfestival.com.

    For more on Shelton and Mason County’s history, see our coverage of Shelton’s Deep Roots — Squaxin Island Tribe and the Mosquito Fleet and the Forest Festival 2026 announcement.

    Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival for New Residents

    Why is the Mason County Forest Festival significant?

    It’s Shelton’s oldest and largest annual community event — now in its 81st year. The festival celebrates Mason County’s timber heritage and serves as the primary community gathering of the year, drawing residents from across the county and beyond.

    When and where is the 2026 Forest Festival?

    June 5–7, 2026 in downtown Shelton, WA. The parade is on Railroad Avenue, the logging show is at Loop Field, and the fireworks are best viewed from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard.

    Are most Forest Festival events free?

    Yes — the parade, logging show, concert, and fireworks are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run on May 30 has a registration fee.

    How do I get to Shelton from other Mason County communities?

    Shelton is the Mason County seat, accessible from Belfair and Union via SR-3, from the Hood Canal communities via US-101, and from Allyn via SR-3. The festival takes place in the downtown core near Railroad Avenue and Loop Field.

    Is there parking at the Forest Festival?

    Downtown Shelton fills up on parade and fireworks days. Plan to arrive early, and consider Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard as both a parking and fireworks-viewing location. Check masoncountyforestfestival.com for event-specific parking information closer to the date.


  • Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Family Guide: What’s Free, What to Bring, and When to Go with Kids

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Family Guide: What’s Free, What to Bring, and When to Go with Kids

    For Mason County Families: The 81st Mason County Forest Festival (June 5–7 in Shelton) has family-specific programming throughout the weekend — Family and Pet Parade, Junior Jog at the May 30 Goldsborough Creek Run, carnival at Grove and First, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS logging show, and the Manke Fireworks Show from Oakland Bay Junior High.

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Family Planning Guide

    The Mason County Forest Festival is one of the most family-friendly weekends of the year in Shelton. The 81st annual celebration runs June 5–7, 2026 and includes dedicated programming for kids throughout. Here’s how to plan your days.

    Start Early: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30

    The Forest Festival’s unofficial kickoff is the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30. Kids can participate in the Junior Jog and quarter-mile option starting at 7th Street and Railroad Avenue in Shelton. The full run starts at Shelton Valley Christian School on Shelton Valley Road and finishes downtown. Proceeds go to the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship — a good conversation starter for older kids about what community fundraising looks like.

    Parade Day: The Family and Pet Parade Comes First

    On main parade day, the Family and Pet Parade runs before the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — giving younger kids a chance to march or cheer in their own parade before the full event begins. The Grand Parade follows along Railroad Avenue with floats, bands, equestrian groups, and community organizations. Arrive early for good sidewalk spots on Railroad Avenue.

    Loop Field: The Logging Show

    The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field is genuinely engaging for older kids. Athletes compete in axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw events at a national qualifier level. Chainsaw carving demonstrations show artists creating sculptures from raw logs during the festival. Most Loop Field events are free to attend and provide a great education in Mason County’s working forest heritage.

    Carnival

    The carnival at Grove and First runs throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. This is typically where families with younger children (under 8) spend the most time outside of parade day.

    Fireworks Evening: Planning for Kids

    The Manke Fireworks Show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High after the Rockin’ the Forest concert. Best viewing is from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard parking lots. Arrive early — this is the most-attended event of the weekend. For families with very young children, the fireworks can be loud; consider bringing ear protection or sitting farther back along Wallace-Kneeland.

    Sunday: Car Show-Off for Older Kids

    The Shelton Car Show-Off on Sunday (10 AM–3 PM on F Street) is a lower-key way to close out the weekend — good for families with older kids who enjoy classic and custom vehicles. Judging at 11 AM, awards at 2 PM. Proceeds benefit the Shelton High School NJROTC program.

    Full schedule and event details at masoncountyforestfestival.com. For the complete festival overview, see Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide. For other family-friendly Mason County events, see Harstine Island Theatre Club’s 1776 auditions.

    Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: Forest Festival 2026 for Families

    Is the Mason County Forest Festival good for young children?

    Yes. The festival includes a Family and Pet Parade, Junior Jog at the May 30 Creek Run, carnival rides and games, the logging show at Loop Field, and the Manke Fireworks Show. Most daytime events are relaxed and appropriate for all ages.

    Which Forest Festival events are free for families?

    The parade (including Family and Pet Parade), logging show, chainsaw carving, concert, and fireworks are all free. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run has a registration fee.

    What should families bring to the Forest Festival?

    Comfortable walking shoes, layers (June evenings in Shelton can be cool), cash or cards for carnival and food vendors, and sunscreen for daytime events. If attending the fireworks with young children, bring ear protection — the show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High and is loud nearby.

    Is there a kids parade at the Forest Festival?

    Yes — the Family and Pet Parade runs before the main Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, giving younger kids a chance to participate before the full community parade begins on Railroad Avenue.

    When does the festival officially start on Friday, June 5?

    The festival opens Friday, June 5 at 4 PM and runs through Sunday, June 7 at 5 PM. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival weekend on Saturday, May 30.


  • Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide to Shelton’s 81st Annual Celebration

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide to Shelton’s 81st Annual Celebration

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 81st annual celebration runs June 5–7 in Shelton, WA. Highlights include the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field, Rockin’ the Forest concert, Manke Fireworks Show (visible from Wallace-Kneeland Blvd), Sunday Car Show-Off on F Street, and the Goldsborough Creek Run on May 30.

    Mason County Forest Festival Returns June 5–7 for Its 81st Year

    Every summer, Shelton becomes the center of Mason County’s public life for one unforgettable weekend. The Mason County Forest Festival — one of the longest-running community celebrations in the South Puget Sound — returns for its 81st year from June 5–7, 2026.

    The festival is rooted in the county’s timber heritage and has drawn residents and visitors from across the region since 1945. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.

    The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade

    The anchor of the Forest Festival is the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a Shelton tradition that winds through downtown along Railroad Avenue. The parade features floats, marching bands, community organizations, equestrian groups, and local businesses. A Family and Pet Parade runs before the main event, giving younger participants their own moment on the route.

    STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field

    The logging show at Loop Field is more than nostalgia. The 2026 festival includes the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier — a competitive logging skills event serving as a regional qualifier for the national series. Athletes compete in log rolling, axe throwing, and chainsaw events. A chainsaw carving exhibition runs alongside, with artists creating sculptures from raw timber during the festival. Most Loop Field events are free to attend.

    Rockin’ the Forest and the Manke Fireworks Show

    The Rockin’ the Forest concert delivers live music in the hours before the festival’s signature evening event: the Manke Fireworks Show, launching from Oakland Bay Junior High. Best viewing is from parking lots along Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard. Plan to arrive early — this is the highest-attendance event of the festival weekend.

    Sunday: Shelton Car Show-Off

    The festival closes Sunday with the Shelton Car Show-Off on F Street. Registration runs 8–11 AM, judging begins at 11 AM, and awards are presented at 2 PM (show runs 10 AM–3 PM). The event benefits the Shelton High School NJROTC program.

    Carnival

    The carnival runs throughout the festival weekend at Grove and First in Shelton with rides, games, and food vendors. Rides require ticket purchase.

    Kick Off Early: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30

    The Forest Festival’s official opener is the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30. The run starts at Shelton Valley Christian School on Shelton Valley Road and finishes on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. A Junior Jog and quarter-mile option are available for younger participants. Proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship.

    81 Years of Timber Heritage

    The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945 to celebrate and promote the county’s logging industry — which had shaped this region since Michael T. Simmons built the first American sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853. The Simpson Logging Company’s growth through the late 1800s and 1900s defined Shelton’s economy and community structure for generations. The festival has honored that heritage every year since.

    For complete event details and updates, visit masoncountyforestfestival.com. For more on Mason County’s history, see our coverage of Shelton’s Deep Roots and the Mason County Historical Society.

    Related: Mason County April 28 Special Election: Ballot and Return Information

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026

    When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?

    June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The festival runs Friday June 5 at 4 PM through Sunday June 7 at 5 PM. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival on Saturday, May 30.

    Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?

    In downtown Shelton, WA. The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade follows Railroad Avenue. The logging show and vendors are at Loop Field. The carnival is at Grove and First. Fireworks launch from Oakland Bay Junior High and are best viewed from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard.

    Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?

    Most events — the parade, logging show, concert, and fireworks — are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run (May 30) has a registration fee.

    What is the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier?

    A competitive logging skills competition at Loop Field featuring axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw events. The 2026 Forest Festival event is a Western regional qualifier for the national STIHL TIMBERSPORTS series.

    Where are the best spots to watch the fireworks?

    The Manke Fireworks Show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High. Parking lots along Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard offer the best viewing angles and space. Arrive early — the fireworks draw the largest crowd of the festival weekend.

    How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?

    The 2026 event is the 81st annual Forest Festival, which began in 1945 to celebrate Mason County’s timber heritage.

    What charity does the Goldsborough Creek Run benefit?

    The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options are available including a Junior Jog for younger participants.



  • Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Is June 5–7 in Shelton — Here’s What to Expect

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Is June 5–7 in Shelton — Here’s What to Expect

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival takes place June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The multi-day event includes the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a logging show and vendor showcase at Loop Field, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and the Goldsborough Creek Run.

    Mason County Forest Festival Returns June 5–7 — Mark Your Calendar

    One of Mason County’s most beloved annual traditions is coming back this summer. The Mason County Forest Festival — in its 81st year — runs Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Shelton.

    The festival celebrates Mason County’s rich timber heritage and has been a community cornerstone since 1945. It draws visitors from across the South Puget Sound region each year for a packed weekend of events.

    What’s at the Forest Festival

    The weekend centers around the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — a Shelton tradition featuring floats, marching bands, community organizations, equestrian groups, and local businesses winding through downtown. A Family and Pet Parade traditionally precedes the main parade for younger participants.

    Other festival highlights include a Logging Show and Vendor Showcase at Loop Field featuring demonstrations of traditional forestry skills including log rolling and axe throwing. The Manke Fireworks Show caps off the main festival day with a spectacular evening display. Live music at the Rockin’ the Forest concert keeps the energy going before the fireworks.

    A carnival runs throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food vendors. The Shelton Car Show-Off, which benefits the Shelton High School NJROTC program, takes place Sunday.

    Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30

    The festival weekend officially kicks off early with the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30 — a Forest Festival tradition that starts on Shelton Valley Road and finishes on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options are available.

    About the Mason County Forest Festival

    The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945 to celebrate and promote the county’s timber industry. Mason County has deep roots in logging — from Michael T. Simmons’ first sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853 to the Simpson Logging Company’s growth in the 1890s. The festival has honored that heritage every year since.

    For more information and updates, visit masoncountyforestfestival.com.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026

    When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?

    June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival on May 30.

    Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?

    In downtown Shelton, WA, with the parade on Railroad Avenue and the logging show and vendors at Loop Field.

    Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?

    Most festival events are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Car Show-Off is free to spectators.

    How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?

    Since 1945 — the 2026 event is the 81st annual Forest Festival.


    Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide

  • Mason County Business: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expands to Port of Shelton, Chamber Keeps Community Connected — Mason County Minute

    Mason County Business: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expands to Port of Shelton, Chamber Keeps Community Connected — Mason County Minute

    Big things are brewing on the business front in Mason County.

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream — the beloved local ice cream maker with roots in the Skokomish Valley — is making a major move. The company is expanding into a new 11,500-square-foot facility at the Port of Shelton, backed by a $1.75 million state CERB (Community Economic Revitalization Board) loan. The new space is four times larger than their previous location, with expanded production capacity, a retail storefront open to the public, and an estimated 17 new jobs coming to the community over the next few years. For a region where quality food manufacturing jobs are rare, this is the kind of growth that matters.

    Meanwhile, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce continues to keep the business community wired together. The Chamber recently hosted its Timber in Mason County luncheon featuring Green Diamond Resource Company — highlighting a business with 130+ years of history in Shelton and an ongoing investment in sustainable forestry practices in the region. The Chamber’s regular Business After Hours events give local entrepreneurs and professionals ongoing opportunities to connect and build the relationships that keep Mason County’s economy moving.

    Business Highlights

    • Olympic Mountain Ice Cream: Expanding to 11,500 sq ft at Port of Shelton. $1.75M state CERB loan. 4x larger facility with retail storefront. ~17 new jobs expected. Skokomish Valley roots.
    • Green Diamond Resource Company: 130+ year Shelton history. Featured at Chamber’s Timber in Mason County luncheon. Ongoing sustainable forestry investment in Mason County.
    • Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours events held regularly. Visit masonchamber.com for upcoming schedule.
    • Port of Shelton: Active economic anchor for Mason County industrial and commercial development. portofshelton.com.

    Whether it’s ice cream or timber, Mason County businesses keep showing up. Support local when you can.

    Sources: Mason County Journal, Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Hood Canal Communications (CERB loan announcement), Port of Shelton, MasonEDC.org

  • Mason County Business Update: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expansion & Chamber News — April 8, 2026

    Mason County Business Update: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expansion & Chamber News — April 8, 2026

    Big things are brewing on the business front in Mason County 🏗️

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream has been making moves — literally. The beloved local ice cream maker is expanding from its Skokomish Valley roots into a new 11,500-square-foot facility at the Port of Shelton, backed by a $1.75 million state CERB loan. The new space is four times larger than their previous location, with expanded production, a retail storefront, and an estimated 17 new jobs coming to the community over the next few years. That’s the kind of growth we love to see.

    Meanwhile, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce continues to keep our business community connected. Tonight’s Business After Hours (Wednesday, April 8) is another chance for local entrepreneurs and professionals to network and build the relationships that keep Mason County’s economy moving. The Chamber also recently hosted its Timber in Mason County luncheon featuring Green Diamond Resource Company, highlighting the company’s 130+ year history in Shelton and its ongoing investment in sustainable forestry practices here.

    Whether it’s ice cream or timber, Mason County businesses keep showing up. Support local when you can. 💪

    Sources: Shelton-Mason County Journal | Shelton-Mason County Chamber | masonchamber.com

  • Government & Civic: SR-3 Belfair Bypass Gets $48.3M, Commissioner Meetings & Transit Board Update — Mason County Minute

    Government & Civic: SR-3 Belfair Bypass Gets $48.3M, Commissioner Meetings & Transit Board Update — Mason County Minute

    Big news for North Mason: State legislators Drew MacEwen, Dan Griffey, and Travis Couture have secured $48.3 million in the 2026 supplemental transportation budget for the SR-3 Freight Corridor project — the long-awaited Belfair Bypass. The 6-mile new highway will route through-traffic around downtown Belfair, with construction currently scheduled for 2027–2029. Environmental review is complete and land acquisition is well underway. This is the single largest infrastructure investment in North Mason in a generation.

    On the local government calendar, the Mason County Board of Commissioners met Monday, April 6 with the Clean Water District on the agenda. Briefings are held at the Courthouse in Shelton (411 N. 5th St.) and are also available via Zoom — a good habit to check in on if you want to know what’s happening with county water quality initiatives.

    Shelton City Council holds its regular business meeting Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center (525 W. Cota St.). And looking ahead, Mason Transit Authority holds its April board meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 p.m. — this month at the Hoodsport Regional Library (40 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Hoodsport). The public is welcome to attend all of these.

    Civic Calendar & Key Updates

    • SR-3 Freight Corridor / Belfair Bypass: $48.3M secured in 2026 WA supplemental transportation budget. 6-mile new alignment routing around downtown Belfair. Construction: 2027–2029. Environmental review complete, land acquisition underway.
    • Mason County Commissioners: Regular briefings at 411 N. 5th St., Shelton + Zoom. Clean Water District updates ongoing. Check masoncountywa.gov for agendas.
    • Shelton City Council: Regular business meetings at 525 W. Cota St., 6 PM. Check ci.shelton.wa.us for full agenda.
    • Mason Transit Authority Board: April 21 at 1 PM, Hoodsport Regional Library, 40 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Hoodsport. Public welcome.

    Sources: WSDOT SR-3 Freight Corridor project page, WA State Fiscal LEAP Transportation Document 2026-2, Mason County Journal, MasonWebTV.com, Shelton City Council agenda, MasonTransit.org

  • Community Spotlight: Shelton History & the Mason County Historical Society Museum — April 5, 2026

    Community Spotlight: Shelton History & the Mason County Historical Society Museum — April 5, 2026

    Did you know Shelton is the westernmost city on Puget Sound? 🌊 Long before it was a logging town, this land at the head of Oakland Bay was home to the Squaxin Island Tribe — the “People of the Water” — who lived and thrived along these inlets for centuries. When settlers arrived in the 1850s, Shelton grew into a hub of timber, shellfish, and small-boat commerce, eventually served by the famous Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet steamboats that connected remote communities across the water.

    You can explore that history right here in town. The Mason County Historical Society Museum on West Railroad Ave in Shelton has a free collection of photos, artifacts, and documents spanning the county’s logging, farming, and shellfish heritage — plus free walking tour maps of historic downtown. It’s a great Sunday stop for locals and visitors alike.

    Open Tue–Fri 10am–4pm and Sat 11am–4pm. Free admission. 📍 427 W Railroad Ave, Shelton.

    Sources: HistoryLink.org — Shelton History | Wikipedia — Shelton, WA | Mason County Historical Society | Squaxin Island Tribe Official Site