FORKS — The holiday season in Forks will be kicked off with a Festival of Trees Walkabout and auction, as well as a Twinkle Light Holiday Parade featuring Santa with his helpers handing out candy canes.
Because of health precautions, this year’s Cherish Our Children was virtual; Breakfast with Santa, the traditional tree-lighting and the VFW Bazaar were called off; and both the Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest Festival of Trees auction and the Twinkle Light Parade will be conducted from a safe distance.
Saturday’s parade, from 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. from C Street to Wood Street, will feature Santa. His helpers will hand out candy canes.
The Festival of Trees Walkabout and auction begins Friday and will continue through Sunday.
Six trees and 46 wreaths decorated by volunteers will be auctioned off. Proceeds will benefit a variety of Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest programs.
“Peace on Earth,” the 25th anniversary of the annual Festival of Trees, will be completely online at Festival of Trees (SIORF Forks, WA). Bids can be made online or by calling 360-640-3186 or 360-640-2239, or at auction headquarters at the First Congregational Church, 280 S. Spartan Ave.
Instead of an open house, a “Walkabout” is planned Friday and Saturday. The tour begins at Pacific Forest Management on the north end of town, then moves to Sully’s, Native to Twilight, Tip & Sip, Farmer’s Insurance and Hair Affair.
On the other side of Main Street, check out Forks Avenue Real Estate, the Rainforest Arts Center, Chinook Pharmacy and the Hoh Tribe building (the former Peninsula College).
The tour then continues at First Federal, Pacific Inn Motel, the Congregational Church (parking lot windows), Pacific Pizza and Forks Outfitters.
Bidding on the trees closes at different times Sunday between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.