WHITE SALMON — The White Salmon Wildflower Festival kicked off the first weekend of May and features more than 20 events throughout the month. The festival is dedicated to appreciating the 800-plus species of wildflowers that call the Gorge home.
“The month-long Wildflower Festival is a great opportunity for our community to come together and our visitors to experience what makes our town so special,” said Marla Keethler, mayor of White Salmon. “We’re especially excited about kicking off the month with the return of a Mayfaire celebration, part of a once long-held city tradition featuring our city’s beloved maypole. We’re so grateful to the organizers and community members working to make this festival an annual celebration.”
Residents and visitors can sign up for hikes, rafting and workshops. Ongoing events include a Wildflower Art show, Live Mural Painting, an Instagram Photography Contest, and a Kids Wildflower Art Contest.
“Multiple lines of research demonstrate that outdoor exploration and the experience of nature can be crucial to kids’ development, mental health, and spirituality,” said Ashley Erdely, Meet the Wildflowers author and Kids Wildflower Art Contest coordinator.
The second weekend of May features the Wildflower Wine Walk and Artisan Market on Saturday, May 11, and the Wildflower Quilt Show hosted by the Gorge Heritage Museum at the Mt. View Grange in White Salmon. The Wildflower Wine Walk pairs Downtown White Salmon businesses with local boutique wineries and proceeds to support Downtown White Salmon beautification projects. There will be more than 30 wines to try, live music, and the Wildflower Artisan Market featuring more than 20 local makers. Tickets are now on sale. The ticket includes 10 tastes, a wine glass, a tote bag, snacks and live music.
The third weekend features the BalsamRoot Bash and the USFS Guided Hikes and Education Day. The BalsamRoot Bash on Saturday, May 18, includes a “Bring Back the Pollinators” presentation at 5 p.m., the UCD Farm Tool Library will be open, the Center Street Band will play. Tickets are now on sale.
“We hope to raise $3,000 to cover loan costs for a new roof for the Mt. View Grange,” said Ruth Olin, Mt. View Grange volunteer board member. Wildflowers and Watercolors is at the ADA Loop at the Catherine Creek Recreation Site. A static education station will be available at the trailhead, and guided watercolor and wildflower hikes.
“Discover wildflower biology using a digital microscope and flower and plant specimens, and you can also check out watercolor materials to use at your leisure if you do not want to join the formal guided hikes,” said Lily Carey, USFS interpretive specialist.
Everyone is asked to follow “Leave No Trace” principles while enjoying the flora and fauna during the Wildflower Festival. “Please avoid picking wildflowers so that they can continue to support our pollinators, and in turn, our pollinators can continue to spread their seeds for years to come,” said Julie Burgmeier, founder of the White Salmon Wildflower Festival.
Commented