Life | The Daily Chronicle

Great Wolf Lodge completes $40 million renovation of Grand Mound resort

Great Wolf Lodge, the popular indoor water park resort in Grand Mound, completed a sweeping $40 million renovation, the largest in the Centralia-area resort's 16-year history. General Manager John … more

Xavier Martinez / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/10/24

Jackson Linson helps himself to some snacks at Yelm Skate Park on June 25.

Mother 2 Many: Couple feeds local youth at skate parks

Joann Wittler heard God’s voice, crystal clear, say to her at church in 2013 that she “will be the mother to many.” She had raised four children of her own, but she had no idea what … more

By Dylan Reubenking/dylan@yelmonline.com | 7/9/24

A Swiss wrestling match is photographed from above during the Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society’s 61st annual Schwingfest on Saturday, July 6.

In focus: Sawdust flies during Swiss wrestling at 61st Schwingfest

The Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society hosted the 61st annual Schwingfest in Frances Friday through Sunday. The three-day event featured Swiss wrestling, or schwingen, a stein-holding competition, a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

An East Lewis County resident sits next to a patriotically decorated truck on Saturday, July 6, during Packwood's Independence Day fireworks show.

Packwood’s fireworks show lights up the skies in East Lewis County

With cars parked along both sides of U.S. Highway 12 in Packwood, hundreds of East Lewis County residents watched as fireworks burst in the sky during the town’s annual Independence Day … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

Attendees dressed as wizards walk during the Centralia Fantasy Festival held at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 6. The festival, which began Friday and lasted through Sunday, is in its second year. The event offered activities for all ages, vendors with a diverse range of wares, performances happening at almost every hour and multiple places to dine. Performances included singers, magicians, acrobats, dancers, sword swallowers and jugglers. Learn more at https://centraliafantasyfestival.carrd.co.

In focus: A walk on the whimsical side at Centralia Fantasy Festival

7/8/24

An 1890s Studebaker Village Wagon is the latest addition to the Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond.

Northwest Carriage Museum welcomes another horse-drawn Studebaker

The Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond recently announced the arrival of its 64th historic vehicle at the museum. “The latest addition, an 1890s Studebaker Village Wagon, is a mix of … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

FILE PHOTO — A cast of characters poses for a photo on stage during dress rehearsals for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” presented by Tenino Young-At-Heart Theatre on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre presents summer musical ‘State Fair’

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, "State Fair,” as its annual summer production this year. “Set against the backdrop of the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

Northwest Carriage Museum to host ‘Midsummer Magic’ event

Fantasy and history will cross paths on Sunday, July 21, during the Northwest Carriage Museum’s “Midsummer Magic” event with the appearance of a “live unicorn” and an … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

Participants distribute cheese sandwiches to the crowd at the the Toledo Cheese Days Parade on July 8, 2023.

Cheese Days in Toledo to celebrate 101-year-old Don Buswell and sons as this year’s ‘Big Cheeses’

Toledo’s 103rd annual Cheese Days festival will highlight 101-year-old Toledo local Don Buswell and his sons as the event’s “Big Cheeses,” essentially grand marshals of the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/8/24

Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California. (Mark Ross/Dreamstime/TNS)

Six of the top West Coast travel destinations recognized in 2024

SEATTLE — Are you the type of traveler who likes to check all the “must-sees” off your list? Or would you rather take a risk on a lesser-known vacation itinerary than fill up your … more

Sarah-Mae McCullough / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/8/24

Washington's oldest hotel offers a peaceful escape — and delicious food

There's a saying you get told a lot as a mother. The days are long, but the years are short. And while I generally find it to be true (especially with small kids), the past 12 months have felt … more

Jackie Varriano / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/6/24

Parade grand marshals Jerry and Eileen Owens wave from a car during Centralia's Annual Summerfest parade on July 4.

In focus: Summerfest parade rolls through downtown Centralia

7/5/24

Both runners and walkers make their way across the top of Mossyrock Dam during the Arbor Health Mossyrock Independence Day 5K and 8K on Thursday, July 4.

In focus: Arbor Health Mossyrock Independence Day run takes participants over dam

7/5/24

Onlookers watch as the Mossyrock Freedom Day fireworks show's finale lights up the skies over Mossyrock High School on Thursday, July 4.

In focus: Fireworks delight onlookers at Mossyrock Freedom Day on Fourth of July

7/5/24

Fireworks light up the sky as spectators look on during a display at the Freedom Celebration at the Jesus Name Pentecostal Church in Chehalis on Wednesday, July 3.

In focus: Freedom Celebration at Jesus Name Pentecostal Church

7/5/24

This year, the Royalty Court will be headed up by Oakville High School junior Jolynn Reed as Monarch. Courtier Alondra Mendez and Jr. Courtier Adelyn Murray make up the rest of the court.

Oakville Independence Day festivities set for Saturday

Fourth of July festivities are on the horizon in Oakville this weekend with the Independence Day parade and associated activities taking place Saturday, July 6, in the east Grays Harbor County town. … more

By The Chronicle Staff | 7/5/24

The speakers for the 2024 Chehalis Flying Saucer Party are Kevin Day, top left, Connie Willis, top right, Charlton Hall, bottom left, and Steve Edmiston.

Chehalis Flying Saucer Party speakers: Learn about the USS Nimitz ‘Tic Tac’ video, Men in Black and more

With the theme for this year’s Chehalis Flying Saucer Party being “disclosure” as government agencies around the world continue to offer up evidence of unexplainable encounters, the … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/5/24

A driver completes a heat race in reverse after their vehicle was spun out in the second lap at the Summerfest Demolition Derby at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 4.

In focus: Summerfest Demolition Derby at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds

7/5/24

Teagan Bornstein-Cook smiles with a popsicle next to his mother Kayleigh at George Washington Park during Centralia's Annual Summerfest on July 4.

In focus: Summerfest activities entertain at Bob Peters Field, George Washington Park in Centralia

7/5/24

Lyla smiles and Sofia waves a flag during the Pe Ell 4th of July Festival Parade on Thursday, July 4.

In focus: Pe Ell Fourth of July parade attracts revelers

7/5/24