Holiday in the Parks Celebration at Whiskeytown and Shasta State Park

Date: November 4, 2006
Contact: Clinton Kane, 530-242-3451

The National Park Service and California State Parks invite you to a free “Old-Time Holiday” celebration at Shasta State Historic Park and Whiskeytown's Tower House Historic District on Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. There will be no entrance fee, and visitors will be treated to festivities and refreshments at both parks throughout the day.

In addition, visitors can pick up copies of a self-guided historic "auto tour" and scavenger hunt identifying historic spots on the drive between Shasta and the Camden House in Whiskeytown’s Tower House Historic District. "This is a great opportunity for the public to learn about some of our shared local history and enjoy a free and festive event at their National and State Parks," stated State Park Ranger Lori Martin. “Each year hundreds of people in the North State make the trip to Shasta State Historic Park to kick-off the holiday season.

This year we are continuing the tradition of including activities and events at the Tower House Historic District,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone.

Shasta State Historic Park activities will feature a ‘49er miner’s tent camp, shopping at the 1800’s general store, baking your own gingerbread cookies in a wood fired oven and old time music by the Back Forty String Band. The Court House museum will also be open to the public. Western Star Lodge No.2, the oldest Masonic Lodge in California and still active in the town of Shasta, will offer breakfast from 7:30 am to 11:00 am and lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00pm.

Whiskeytown NRA activities will feature a free wreath-making workshop where visitors can make a wreath to take home for the holidays. Other activities include historic tours of Camden House and surrounding area, storytelling, holiday carolers and afternoon music by the Back Forty String Band.

There will also be a special 15% off sale on all books and souvenirs at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center. A printed program describing the scheduled events will be available at both parks.

For more information call the Whiskeytown Visitor Center daily between 10:00am and 4:00pm at [phone] or Shasta State Historic Park at 243-8194.