Page 39 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST THROUGH THE Y EAR  37

In December, a cheering Christmas Lighting Festival in Bavarian-themed Leavenworth
the lush plantings in this Various events celebrate the
Winter
botanical garden. commercial fishing industry
When snow covers the region’s Christmas Lighting Festival and its people through stories,
mountains, many Pacific (first three weekends), Leaven- poetry, and song.
Northwesterners take to downhill worth, WA. Visitors enjoy roasted
ski slopes or cross-country trails. chestnuts, bratwurst, strolling Public Holidays
In mild coastal areas, where carolers, and twinkling lights
winter days are short and rainy, against the snowcapped United States
unique Christmas celebrations Cascade Mountains in a
provide a cheerful glow. Bavarian-style town. New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
Carol Ships Parade of Lights Martin Luther King Day
December (first three weekends), Vancouver, (3rd Mon in Jan)
Portland’s Christmas Ships BC. Beautifully decorated vessels Presidents’ Day (3rd Mon
Parade (Dec), Portland, OR. Gaily light up local waters. in Feb)
decorated boats sail down the Memorial Day (last Mon
Willamette River. January in May)
VanDusen Botanical Gar dens’ Eagle Festival and Count
Festival of Lights (Dec), (early Jan), Brackendale, BC. Independence Day (Jul 4)
Vancouver, BC. Thousands Festival centered on a competi- Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep)
of lights glitter throughout tion to count the number of Columbus Day (2nd Mon in
bald eagles settling for the Oct)
winter on the Squamish River. Veterans’ Day (Nov 11)
Chinese New Year (late Jan Thanksgiving Day (4th Thu
or early Feb), Vancouver, BC. in Nov)
Almost two weeks of colorful
festivities, including dance, Christmas Day (Dec 25)
music, and a parade, celebrate Canada
the new lunar year.
New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
February Family Day (BC only;
Northwest Flower and Garden 2nd Mon in Feb)
Show (third week of Feb), Seattle, Good Friday (Mar/Apr)
WA. Full-scale land scaped Victoria Day (Mon before
garden displays and a flower May 25)
show featuring creative designs Canada Day (Jul 1)
attract flower lovers to this event. Civic holiday (BC Day)
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (1st Mon in Aug)
(mid-Feb–Oct), Ashland, OR
(p112). Classic and contemporary Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep)
plays draw actors and spectators Thanksgiving Day (2nd Mon
from around the world to this in Oct)
highly acclaimed drama festival. Remembrance Day (Nov 11)
One of many ski competitions held in the The FisherPoet’s Gathering Christmas Day (Dec 25)
region during winter (last weekend), Astoria, OR.

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