South Lewis County is set for an egg-cellent time this weekend.
The Winlock Egg Days Festival, a tradition that dates back more than 100 years, will take place Friday through Sunday. The annual festival will include, among other activities, a parade, a car show and an Egg Day Run.
The history of the festival dates back to 1921 when a newly completed paved road between Winlock and Cowlitz Corner sparked a town celebration known as “Poultry and Egg Day,” which recognized the thriving poultry industry in the town. Since then, only World War II and COVID-19 have prevented Winlock from celebrating.
This year, the festival will celebrate Dean Hendrickson, a volunteer since 1958, as its marshal. Hendrickson served as the chairman of the Egg Day Festival Committee from 2000 to 2022. A Korean War veteran, Hendrickson joined the Buford Rockafellow American Legion Post and performed at Memorial Day ceremonies as a member of the rifle squad for nearly 70 years. Hendrickson also joined the Lions Club of Winlock, district legion and boys state, among other volunteer efforts.
“Over the years, Dean made a positive impact on his fellow volunteers, the youth that were involved with the programs offered by these organizations, and the residents of Winlock ... Well actually, everyone that Dean encountered,” a description in this year’s program reads. “Dean’s got enough stories of his youthful antics and local history, with a joke thrown in for good measure, that you are entertained for hours. But beneath the laughter and mischief is the patriot.” The festival will crown their royal court at 7 p.m. Friday at the Community Building of Winlock, located at 607 NW Kerron Ave. Attendees are asked to bring either a monetary donation or a non-perishable food item for the Winlock-Vader Food Bank.
Here’s a rundown of the festivities at this year’s festival. For more information, visit: winlockeggdays.com.
Friday, June 14
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Book sale by the Friends of the Winlock Library
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Winolequa Garden Club plant sale
Saturday, June 15
• 7 to 10 a.m. — Breakfast at the Rowdy Rooster Bistro
• 7 to 10 a.m. — Community breakfast at the Senior Center
• 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Breakfast and lunch AOG youth fundraiser
• 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Flea market
• 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. — Egg Day Run registration
• 9 a.m. — Egg Day Run 5K
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Winlock Custom Car Show
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Winolequa Garden Club plant sale
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Food, commercial and craft vendor fair
• 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Lewis County Rock and Gem Society
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Winlock Historical Museum
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Lewis County Axe throwing
• 11 a.m. — Free ice cream cones
• 11 a.m. — Egg Day Parade
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Ballunatic balloon artist
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Reptile Road Show
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Amazing Magic Show
• 8 p.m. — The Club Tavern Street Dance
Sunday, June 16
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Winolequa Garden Club plant sale
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Father’s Day Bingo
