"Whiskeytown's Annual Free Wreath-Making Event is Back!"

Cindy and Sheridan Milestone with their holiday wreath

Milestone Family

News Release Date: November 10, 2009

Contact: Jeremiah Hockett, National Park Service, Whiskeytown, [phone]

Contact: Lori Martin, Shasta State Historic Park, [phone]

The National Park Service and California State Parks invite you to an “Old-Time Holiday” celebration at Whiskeytown's Tower House Historic District and Shasta State Historic Park on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Visitors will be treated to festivities and refreshments at both parks throughout the day including free wreath making at the historic Camden House. In addition, visitors can pick up copies of a self-guided "auto tour" identifying historic spots on the drive between Shasta and the Camden House in Whiskeytown’s Tower House Historic District.

“The strong partnership between Whiskeytown and our neighboring Shasta State Historic Park provides an excellent opportunity for friends and family of this community to come together and experience the joys of the holiday season in their beloved parks. Visitors will be offered a glimpse of what the holidays were like for the people who lived in this area 160 years ago, and will create their own history with the shared memories of this wondrous occasion,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone. "This is a great opportunity for the public to learn about some of our shared local history and enjoy a festive event at their National and State Parks," added Supervising State Park Ranger Lori Martin. 

Whiskeytown NRA activities at the Tower House Historic District will feature a free wreath-making workshop where families can make their own unique wreath to take home for the holidays, as well as historical games and craft activities for all ages. Other activities include tours of the Camden House, holiday carolers, and afternoon music by the Back Forty String Band. The event at Whiskeytown is free to visitors, and a vehicle pass is not required for parking at the Tower House Historic District parking lot. There will also be a special 15% off sale on all books and souvenirs at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center.

Shasta State Historic Park activities will feature a ‘49er miner’s tent camp, candle making, shopping at the 1800’s general store, decorating your own gingerbread cookies in the bakery, and old time music by the Back Forty String Band. Western Star Lodge No.2, the oldest Masonic Lodge in California and still active in the town of Shasta, will offer breakfast for a small fee from 7:30 am to 11:00 am. Admission to the Court House museum for the event at Shasta State Historic Park is $3.00 per adult, $2.00 for children aged 6-17 years, and children 5 and under are free.

The National Park Service and Shasta State Historic Park will also have food drive containers available at both Whiskeytown’s Tower House Historic District and Shasta State Historic Park on Saturday, December 5. People are asked that they deposit only canned and dry, non-perishable foods (check expiration dates please) in these containers. The food collected from the two events will be donated to local charities and food banks to assist people in our community.    

A printed program describing the scheduled events will be available at both parks.  The events at both parks will go ahead as scheduled, rain or shine. For more information call the Whiskeytown Visitor Center daily between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at [phone], or Shasta State Historic Park, Thursday through Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at [phone].

-NPS & SSHP-