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Image courtesy the National Park System

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Mount Rainier National Park changes its wilderness permit fees | Mount Rainier

The flat $20 per wilderness permit has changed to $10 per person per night.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Early weeding, pruning will pay dividends in the summer | The Compleat Home Gardener

Get ticket for the Tacoma Home and Garden Show while they last.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Put a pep in your step with a prepped greenhouse | The Compleat Home Gardener

This is the time to prepare for the year to come.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Gardening goals for the year | The Compleat Home Gardener

Put these tips on your calendar.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Hydrate those hibernating plants – just not too much | The Compleat Home Gardener

Just a few tablespoons may do, depending on the pot size.

Photos by Ray Miller-Still Events are few and far in between in January on the Plateau, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t news. Last year in January, Plateau Outreach Ministries opened its new food bank, and Buckley’s Rainier Fresh Country Store opened its store, filled with local greens, produce, dairy, and more. And if you’re really itching for something to do, look forward to the Enumclaw Expo Center’s Wine and Chocolate Festival on Feb. 7 and 8, which features up to a dozen local wineries and local chocolatiers, plus other beer, food, and craft vendors.

Life

At a Glance | January 2025

There are few events this month, but The Chalet is hopping.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

A visit from the holly jolly gardener | The Compleat Home Gardener

Marianne Binetti’s annual Christmas poem.

Photo courtesy Washington State Parks Nolte Satte Park will be free to enjoy on Jan. 1, 2025 for the Washington State Parks’ First Day Hikes event. Arrive at the park at 10 a.m. for a guided tour.

Life

Nolte among the many parks with a First Day Hikes tour

Celebrate the new year with free state park visits and events.

Courtesy of the Grand Kyiv Ballet.

Life

Ukraine’s most prestigious dancers bring ‘The Nutcracker’ to South King County

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will showcase the most prestigious ballet dancers from…

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Some gift ideas to help your holidays flourish | The Compleat Home Gardener

Still need stocking stuffers? Get garden show tickets or hard-to-find plants.

Photos by Vic Wright / vicwright.zenfolio.com Hundreds of people bundled gathered along Enumclaw’s Cole Street to celebrate the Christmas season with the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Santa Parade, and the festivities could be heard far beyond downtown. Floats traveled down the street for more than an hour and featured local businesses, school clubs, and familiar characters like the Grinch and Santa Claus (who, as we reported last week, no longer vacations in Enumclaw, but of course he still attended the event). The festivities continue on Dec. 14 with the Chamber’s last 5 p.m. Snow on Cole event. For more photos of the parade, go to page 8.

Life

Holiday cheer in the ‘Claw | Slideshow

Some photos from this year’s Santa Parade.

Marianne Binetti, "The Compleat Home Gardener"

Life

Good reads to start a new chapter with your garden | The Compleat Home Gardener

Winter is the best time to dream of a green future.

Photo by Lauren Lilly / laurenlillyphotography.com Thousands of Plateau children shared their wishes with Santa while he vacation in Enumclaw for his off-season for the last 24 years.

News

Santa recounts fond memories of Enumclaw

The Plateau was Old St. Nick’s vacation spot for more than two decades — now he’s moved to…