White Salmon Unites to Celebrate Spring and the Natural Beauty in and around White Salmon
The White Salmon Wildflower Festival kicks off the first weekend of May and features over 20 events throughout the month. The festival is dedicated to appreciating the 800+ 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. 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,” says Marla Keethler, Mayor of White Salmon.
Residents and visitors can sign up for hikes, rafting, and workshops, ranging from Columbia Gorge Natural Dyes to iPhone Photography 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,” says Ashley Erdely, Meet the Wildflowers Author and Kids Wildflower Art Contest coordinator.
FIRST WEEKEND OF MAY
The first weekend of May features Mayfaire and the Wildflower Half Marathon on Saturday, May 4th. Mayfaire, presented by Heartsong, is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating spring in Rheingarten Park. “With our focus on children and all the wonder and growth of spring, we bring the maypole dance back to White Salmon to share the joy of the season,” says Stephanie Seliga-Soulseed, Founder of Heartsong Living Arts. The Wildflower Half Marathon, with sweeping views of the White Salmon River Valley and Columbia River Gorge, starts at the Husum Fire Station and ends at the Downtown White Salmon Fire Station. “The Balsamroot should be putting on a fantastic show as you make your way up the Weldon Wagon Trail portion of the course,” says Roz Plumb, Race Coordinator. 100% of the race proceeds are donated to the Klickitat County Fire Dis. #3 Volunteer Firefighters Association.
SECOND WEEKEND OF MAY
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 are over 30 wines to try, live music, and the Wildflower Artisan Market featuring 20+ local makers. Tickets are now on sale. The ticket includes 10 tastes, a wine glass, a tote bag, snacks, and live music. “The Wine Walk was a great opportunity to discover White Salmon and taste unique wines not available otherwise,” says a last year participant.
THIRD WEEKEND OF MAY
The third weekend of May features the BalsamRoot Bash and the USFS Guided Hikes and Education Day. The BalsamRoot Bash, Saturday, May 18, includes a “Bring Back the Pollinators” presentation at 5pm, the UCD Farm Tool Library open, the Center Street Band, Dance Performances, and a Dance Party. Tickets are now on sale. “We hope to raise $3,000 to cover loan costs for a new roof for the Mt View Grange,” says Ruth Olin, Mt View Grange Volunteer Board Member. The USFS Guided Hikes and Education Day (Saturday, May 18th): 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,” says Lily Carey, USFS Interpretive Specialist.
We ask everyone to practice “Leave No Trace” principles while enjoying the flora and fauna during the Wildflower Festival. Particularly, avoid picking wildflowers. “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,” says Julie Burgmeier, founder of the White Salmon Wildflower Festival.
The White Salmon Wildflower Festival is an annual month-long festival that unites our community and celebrates spring, wildflowers, and the natural beauty in and around White Salmon. The festival is supported by the City of White Salmon lodging tax funds and administered by the Mt Adams Chamber of Commerce with support from the White Salmon Business Alliance Advisory Board.
