Expanding Opportunities

This year, 2026, we are excited to announce additional Royalty Court members to provide freshman thru seniors the ability to represent Mason County as part of the Forest Festival Royalty Court!

2026 Mason County Forest Festival Royalty Court - Applications OPEN NOW!

“Legends of the Timber”

Applications now open for the 2026 Forest Festival Royalty Court Students must have a GPA of 3.0+:

Seniors: Queen of the Forest & Paul Bunyan

Seniors or Juniors: Timber the Axe Man, Princess of Hemlock & Princess of Douglas Fir

Sophomore or Freshman: Ambassador of Cedar & Ambassador of Spruce

Please submit the below online application and email the following to royalty@masoncountyforestfestival.com by Friday, January 30th, 2026.

  • Resume

  • Copy of school transcript

  • Medical release form

  • Essay

  • Questionnaire

Students accepted for participation in Coronation will be required to attend practice sessions Tuesday nights at 6:00 preceding coronation that focus on interview skills, etiquette, Mason County Forest Festival history and royalty court expectations. Participation in coronation does not guarantee a position on the 2026 Royalty Court. Seven members of the approved participants will be selected for a scholarship and Royalty Court title.

Royalty Court Selection & Coronation Preparation

  • Workshops on Tuesday nights through February & March from 6 - 7:30pm at Mason County PUD 3.

    • Resume Building

    • Job Search & Interview Process

    • Speech Writing & Delivery

    • History of Forest Festival

    • Understanding local Community Groups (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, etc.)

Royalty Court Selection & Coronation Elements:

  • Formal Interview with judge’s panel Friday, March 13th from 3:30 - 7:30pm

  • Coronation Dress Rehearsal, Saturday, March 14th from 2-4:00pm

  • Introduction & Speech inspired by essay at Coronation Saturday, March 14th from 6pm - 7pm.

What does it mean to be part of the 2026 Mason County Forest Festival Royalty Court?

Finding Your Place

Participating in the Mason County Forest Festival Royalty Court offers high school students a unique opportunity to grow as leaders, connect with their community, and leave a lasting legacy. Here’s why it’s worth it:

Leadership & Personal Growth

  • Public speaking & confidence: Representing the county in parades and events helps students develop poise and communication skills.

  • Responsibility & teamwork: Being part of the Royalty Court means working together, meeting commitments, and representing something bigger than yourself.

  • Resume booster: Colleges and scholarships love to see meaningful extracurriculars—this one stands out.

Community Connection

  • Celebrate local heritage: The Forest Festival honors Mason County’s rich logging history and natural beauty. Students become ambassadors of that legacy.

  • Inspire younger generations: Little kids look up to royalty court members like local celebrities. It’s a chance to be a role model and make a difference.

  • Build lifelong relationships: Participants often form close bonds with fellow court members, mentors, and community leaders.

Tradition & Pride

  • Be part of history: With over 80 years of tradition, joining the Royalty Court means stepping into a legacy that generations have helped shape.

  • Represent your school and county: It’s a chance to show pride in where you’re from and help others see the best of Mason County.

Commitment & Benefits

Students who are selected for the 2026 Royalty Court will receive a scholarship to their school / trade program of choice ranging from $500 - $2,000 depending on position.

Tentative 2026 Royalty Schedule

Queen, Paul Bunyan, Timber & Princesses

  • 60 + hours of community service

  • Scholarship ranging from $1,000 - $2,000 to be awarded after graduating high school

  • Juniors & seniors in high school (Queen & Paul Bunyan must be seniors)

  • Participate in a minimum of 7 community festivals throughout Western Washington, Saturdays from May - July.

  • Present to local community clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, etc.)

  • Visit all elementary schools in Mason County - from reading time to recess!

  • Lead groups at the Mason County Field Day - all day event!

  • Participate in additional community events throughout the Royalty Season.

  • Attend Mason County Forest Festival wrap-up board meeting

New Positions: Ambassador of Cedar & Ambassador of Spruce

  • 20 + hours of community service

  • Scholarship of $500 to be awarded after graduating high school

  • Freshman and/or sophomores in high school

  • Participation with full Royalty Court weekend of Mason County Forest Festival (family fun night, parade, log show, and car show)

  • Attend at least one community festival - opportunity to participate in additional if interested

  • Present to at least one local community club (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, etc.)

  • Attend Mason County Forest Festival wrap-up board meeting

Apply below!

Application + Required Documents:

Remember to email the following to Royalty@MasonCountyForestFestival.com by January 30th, 2026.

The Mason County Forest Festival Committee wishes to thank all the scholarship donors, event sponsors, participants, and the many volunteers who made the Coronation evening special.

Upcoming events.

Look for the Forest Festival Court at festivals in our area throughout the year.

Note: this list will be updated as events are rescheduled or canceled owing to COVID gathering restrictions.

 
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