Community invited to honor connection and local history at Tahoma Foothills Celebration

Story and photos by Rick Stedman

Community members in Eatonville have introduced the inaugural Tahoma Foothills Celebration, celebrating the town’s history dating back to the 1800s.

The four-day event takes place April 23-26 in and around Eatonville. The event’s official name is Tahoma Foothills Celebration, Honoring Community Legacy.

The free, family-friendly community gathering celebrates the history, culture, and living legacy of Eatonville and the surrounding areas.

“Everyone is invited to join in and celebrate where we’ve been and where we’re growing together,” says Aaron Pruitt, Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village executive director.

This interagency celebration is collaborated by representatives from Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village, Eatonville Family Agency and the South Pierce County Historical Society.

The idea for the event was sparked during planning for the recent Pioneer Farm Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“One of our celebratory events, which began in 2024, is Alalal Day, a Nisqually Tribe term for Community Day,” Aaron says. “This free event showcases the community and its roots that extend back to the 1890s. During that time, settlers from the Ohop Valley and the Town of Eatonville would gather annually with local Indians, who were led by Indian Henry.”

At the time, the event included a salmon bake, games and community members getting to know one another.

“We are trying to do something reminiscent of those early gatherings, so we can appreciate what we have now,” Aaron says.

SCHEDULE

Tahoma Foothills Celebration, Honoring Community Legacy

April 23–26

Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m.

FIRESIDE CHAT | Mill Haus Cider Company

Local author, educator and historian Abbi Wonacott shares “Stories from the Foothills” in a cozy fireside chat that begins at 6 p.m. at Mill Haus Cider Company in Eatonville. Abbi’s historical presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session.

There is no admission fee for the event, and attendees are welcome to purchase food and drinks from Mill Haus.

Friday, April 24, 5:30–8 p.m.

COMMUNITY DINNER | Eatonville Family Agency and Eatonville Community Center

Eatonville Family Agency’s Friday night dinner at the community center has become a tradition over the last decade. The community dinner this month will not only bring neighbors together around a shared table, the feast will take on a different flavor.

“This April’s dinner is made possible through the generous partnership of Pioneer Farm Museum, along with additional local sponsors, volunteers and community members who believe in strengthening Eatonville through shared experiences,” says Kylee Hutchings, EFA executive director.

That shared dining experience is enhanced with local early settler folklore stories and pioneer games from the past, courtesy of Aaron Pruitt from Pioneer Farm Museum.

Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ALALAL (COMMUNITY) DAY | Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village

A day of cultural sharing, activities and local pride honoring the roots and living traditions of the region. Come for a full day of free tours, crafts and more, with fun for kids and adults alike.

The Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village alalal (Community) Day is and will continue to be an annual event, separate from from Tahoma Foothills Celebration.

Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m.

EATONVILLE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR | South Pierce County Historical Society Visitor’s Center

Join this guided walk through local history featuring a special dedication and community reflection. Participate in the formal introduction to the Eatonville Historic Walking Tour, an initiative of Washington Main Street and the South Pierce County Historical Society.

A formal gathering begins at 1 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center on Mashell Avenue North. Then participate in the walking tour at your pace.

Participants on this self-guided walking tour of Eatonville’s original main street, will learn more about some of the enterprises that shaped this little town as it grew. The growth

of this community was shaped by many influences. Some of those included Indigenous people, vast forests, the railroad, and the massive sawmill and its diverse workforce. Other influences include majestic Mount Rainier, the pioneer settlers homesteading in the surrounding countryside and newcomers willing to establish businesses.

Walkers can also view the newly unveiled commemorative sign at the corner of Mashell Avenue and Center Street, honoring the valor of one of its early first responders, Marshal Dolar LaPlant. LaPlant gave his life protecting the town from a crazed shooter in a drunken rage in 1925. Even after suffering an injury that would prove fatal, LaPlant still managed to neutralize the threat and restore peace.