Join the National Park Service and the Friends of Whiskeytown for the Annual “Old Time Holiday” Celebration on December 7, 2013 at the Camden House

The National Park Service and California State Parks are gearing up for their annual "Old Time Holiday" celebration on Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Follow in the footsteps of miners who in 1849, after preparing a holiday meal in Shasta, traveled to Whiskeytown to share their food and cheer! The events will take place at Shasta State Historic Park and the Tower House Historic District in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, both located along Highway 299 west of Redding, California.

Shasta State Historic Park will offer free entrance into the Courthouse Museum, and exploring at the 1800's Litsch General Store.A special exhibit on California State Parks 150th anniversary, "A Gift from the People to the People," will highlight the Department's historic milestones, diversity and role they play in California's history. Other activities will feature a '49er miner's tent camp, candle making, musical entertainment and activities for all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Western Star Lodge No. 2, the oldest Masonic Lodge in California, and still active in the town of Shasta, will offer a scrumptious breakfast for a small fee from 7:30 am to 11:00 am.

At the Camden House in Whiskeytown's Tower House Historic District, families are invited to make a free wreath to take home for the holidays.The wreath-making workshop will continue through 3:00 p.m.Visitors are welcome to bring their own hand pruners for cutting greenery.Other holiday craft activities will be offered for visitors of all ages, as well as live music by the Old Time Fiddlers and Sweet Adelines.In addition, visitors can learn the fascinating stories of the families who settled here in 1852 by touring the homestead of Charles Camden and the adjacent historic orchards.

Visitors at Whiskeytown's celebration will not be required to display a pass on their vehicles within the Tower House Historic District. In addition, Western National Parks Association is having a 15% off sale on books and souvenirs all day at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center. There are many new nature-related gifts available at the park store, and this is a great way to support our parks while doing your holiday shopping.

A printed program describing the scheduled events will be available at both locations.For more information on the Old Time Holiday Celebrations, please call the Whiskeytown Visitor Center daily between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at (530) 246-1225, or Shasta State Historic Park on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (530) 243-8194.

 The Friends of Whiskeytown (FOW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving visitors' experience at Whiskeytown National Recreational Area.

Some projects supported by FOW include:

Trail improvements such as bridges, benches, picnic tables and vista points

Waterfall Week Celebration

Free Kayak Program

Artist-in-Residence, and Special Art Events

Annual Holiday Event at Camden House

Pick Up Lake Litter Day (PULL)

Sponsorship of Student Conservation Association Workers

Fall Harvest Festival at Camden House