Elma, WA - The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to attend the yule log celebration, Dec. 11 at Schafer State Park in Elma. The celebration begins 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at Schafer State Park, West 1365 Schafer Park Road, Elma. Activities start with a hunt for the yule log by children attending the event. Participants then pull the log back to the community hall for the fire during the celebration. The celebration proceeds with music, singing around the fire and refreshments. Hot beverages are provided. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to share. The Discover Pass is required for those attending 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 to 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 along 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. 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 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013. Washington State Parks is now on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.
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