FORKS — Forks may be better known for its connection to the Twilight series of novels and movies, but it has not forgotten its ties with the logging and mill industry.
Forks Heritage Days will begin Wednesday, with Hickory Shirt Day, when residents are encouraged to wear the narrow-striped hickory shirts, one of a very few shirts that could stand up to the rough, wet work of logging, according to Christi Baron, organizer of the event.
“There are a few people who get creative with it,” Baron said.
Some dye the shirts. Others rework them into another style, or create skirts, aprons or other items, she said.
Baron said the fabric also is available at fabric stores, but the preference is to start with a genuine hickory shirt.
For those who don’t yet have one, hickory shirts are on sale at Forks Outfitters at 950 S. Forks Ave. or Jerry’s Rentals, Sales and Service at 1051 S. Forks Ave.
The celebration began in 1981, when the Thriftway store decided to honor the logging industry of the area.
This year, the celebration also includes sporting events leading up to the Forks High School Spartans Homecoming game and dance, Baron said.
Logging and Mill Tour
The three-hour Logging and Mill Tour is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday. Leaving from the Forks Visitors Center, it visits a working logging site and an operating mill.
Volunteer tour guides are retired and semi-retired forestry workers with knowledge of the industry.
Seating is limited, reservations are recommended. Children older than 8 years old or older are welcome.
Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots are required.
The cost of the tour is by donation.
Harvest Dinner
The 78th Annual Harvest Dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Church, 280 S. Spartan Ave.
The traditional pre-Homecoming dinner includes turkey, stuffing, baked salmon, sweet potatoes, salads, drinks.
Apple and pumpkin pie will be served for dessert.
Dinner is $10 for adults, $6 for children age 4-12 and senior citizens over 60 or older.
A family rate is offered for $35.
Homecoming Week
The Spartans’ Homecoming Week begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, against Rainier High School at Forks High School gymnasium, at 261 S. Spartan Ave.
Girls’ soccer will play two home matches, at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Ocasta High School, and 6 p.m Wednesday against Adna High School, at Forks High School.
Friday is “blue and gold day,” as Forks High students, alumni and supporters dress in Spartan colors.
Homecoming football kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday, when the Spartans’ football team takes on Rochester High School.
Homecoming week will conclude with the Homecoming Dance, 8 p.m. Friday.
Fish and Brew
Smoked fish will be judged, and beer and rootbeer will be on tap beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Old Mill Roundhouse at the 110 Business Park, 100 La Push Rd.
Entries for the smoked fish should be at the Old Mill Roundhouse at noon for judging. Brew entries should arrive after noon.
First, second and third-place prizes for smoked fish recipes will be awarded, as well as a People’s Choice selection.
Admission is by donation.
Raise the Roof
The celebration will be capped by the “Raise the Roof” fundraiser, be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Rainforest Art Center, 35 N. Forks Ave.
All proceeds will go to the Forks Library Renovation Fund, to replace the roof of the library.
The evening includes waltz and swing dance instruction from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., by Willow Roundtree and Joe Soha.
Following lessons, guests can use their new dance skills to dance to bands “Crescent Blue” bluegrass quartet and “Therapy Session,” a band that performs a mix of blues, rock, country, gospel, music from the 1920s and 30s, show tunes and original material.
Dessert, apple cider, coffee, and tea will be served.
Admission is a suggested $15 donation per person.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
