FORKS — The Forks Chamber of Commerce has a new bus to use for the Logging and Mill Tour, which resumes later this month, and as a shuttle for community events.
The Forks Chamber of Commerce board President Don Grafstrom; Lissy Andros, chamber executive director; and Randy Mesenbrink, volunteer tour bus driver, took delivery Saturday of a used 2011 13-passenger tour bus for the Logging and Mill Tour.
“We are really excited to get this,” Andros said.
Tours will leave at 9 a.m. each Wednesday beginning May 25 at the Forks Visitor Center, 1411 S. Forks Ave.
The tour is free, though donations are accepted.
The bus was purchased for $35,000 from Northwest Bus Sales in Federal Way.
Forest images
It will be decorated with a graphic wrap featuring local forest imagery, with logos of the sponsors who helped make the purchase possible, Andros said Monday.
The Port of Port Angeles Community Partner Program provided a $16,666.67 grant to help purchase the bus, and a $6,000 anonymous donation was received through the Forks Timber Museum, she said.
Many area individuals and businesses provided smaller donations, she said, and each will be listed as donors on the bus wrap.
The bus is equipped with a public address system and a CB radio, has large windows and is more roomy and comfortable than the 1995 Econoline van it replaces, Andros said.
She said the van had bench seats, fit 10 people and was cramped when the tour was full.
In addition to the tour, the bus can also be used as a shuttle during community festivals and events to move visitors around town, she said.
To make reservations for the logging tour, phone the chamber at 800-443-6757.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
