Do you enjoy learning about local history? Whether you are new to the area or have deep family roots, here is your chance to enjoy and preserve local history.
The first annual Parkersville Day on June 4, 2022, from 12 pm to 3 pm, held at the Parker’s Landing Historical Park (west of Westlie Ford, Washougal) will offer local history lessons for all ages beginning with a Chinook Indian blessing.
Volunteer storytellers will be stationed throughout the park to share interesting tales to bring the rich history of the area to life. Children and families will experience historic fun picnic games of wheelbarrow races, ring toss, bean bag toss, and croquet with tootsie roll and saltwater taffy prizes.
Even the game prizes are a history lesson! In 1896, Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield started Tootsie candy in a small shop in New York City. He wanted a chocolate candy that didn’t melt easily in the heat and was an economical alternative to traditional chocolates. He named the candy his daughter, Clara “Tootsie” Hirshfield. (Now you know…).
Parkersville Heritage Foundation is sponsoring the event. Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Clark County Historical Museum, Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance, and park partners will have display booths. Park partners donate time and materials to help preserve and beautify the park.
Washougal students will be a part of the event with a display of student art contest winners featuring creations inspired by the park’s heritage trees. And the event will close with the Washougal high school brass band, just as a “fine brass band” played at the 1879 Parkersville namesake event.
For more information about Parkersville Day, email [email protected] or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark
