{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"KMAS Radio","title":"Forest Festival Expands Scholarships for Mason County Students | Deadlines & Coronation Details","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":516,"description":"Forest Festival is coming up sooner than many people realize, and this year brings expanded opportunities for students across Mason County to get involved while earning scholarship support.In this conversation, Jeff talks with Anna Lilges about the 2026 Forest Festival theme, Legends of the Timber, and the expanded royalty and ambassador programs now available to students in grades 6 through 12. For the first time, freshmen and sophomores can participate as ambassadors, opening the door earlier for students who want to represent their schools, build leadership skills, and stay connected to community traditions.High school students in grades 9–12 can apply for Forest Festival scholarships, with awards ranging from $500 up to $2,000. These scholarships come with opportunities to participate in community events, attend Forest Festival weekend, and represent Mason County at other festivals around Western Washington. The application deadline for high school scholarships is Friday, February 6. Applications are submitted online at masoncountyforestfestival.com, and students will need to provide a resume, a copy of their school transcript, and meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.Younger students can also take part through the Junior Royalty program, open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from schools across Mason County. Junior Royalty is selected through a short essay contest and requires a lighter commitment, including participation in the Forest Festival parade. Junior Royalty essays are due by Friday, February 27, and should be based on this year’s theme, Legends of the Timber.The conversation also covers the popular Forest Festival Button Contest, which is open to 3rd through 12th graders, giving students another creative way to participate and connect with the festival.Looking ahead, Forest Festival weekend will take place May 28 through May 31, the first full weekend after Memorial Day. Anna and Jeff also preview Coronation Night, happening Friday, March 14 at 6:00 PM...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/-pvXmrIN7fSEOn3OYExkFef07zAaPOY9965kM2jEd7A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMyMTQ5LzE2ODQz/MjgyODItYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}