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 at the Shelton High School Performing Arts Center, where scholarship recipients, royalty court members, the parade grand marshal, and the button contest winner will be announced.
Anna shares her own experience as a former Forest Festival royalty member and how the scholarship program helped shape her education and career, highlighting why this long-standing tradition continues to matter for students, families, and the wider community.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, educators, and anyone interested in keeping Forest Festival’s history and community spirit moving forward.
#ForestFestival
#MasonCounty
#StudentScholarships
#CommunityTraditions
#LegendsOfTheTimber
#SheltonWA
What is KMAS Radio?
From local leaders and hometown heroes to breaking stories and in-depth conversations, the KMAS Podcast brings you the voices that matter in Mason County, Washington. Hosted by longtime broadcaster Jeff Slakey, each episode dives into what’s happening around the Hood Canal—government, education, small business, the outdoors, and everything in between.
New episodes drop throughout the week, featuring interviews, community spotlights, and extended versions of the stories you hear on the air at KMAS.
Subscribe, listen, and stay connected to your community—wherever you are.