4A Wednesday, December 13, 2017 Appeal Tribune Life in the Valley y Oregon’s own ‘Wonderland’ Kids play in the faux foam snow at Silver Falls Lodge & Conference Center during the 40th annual Christmas Festival held at Silver Falls State Park. This is the first year the conference center has been a part of hosting the festivity. PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MUCH/STAYTON MAIL Silver Falls spreads holiday spirit at 40th annual Christmas festival S ilver Falls State Park hosted “Christmas Wonderland” Saturday, Dec. 9, celebrating the 40th year of the annual Christmas festival. • Musicians and choral groups entertained visitors, who enjoyed cookies, cocoa and seasonal stories in the South Falls Lodge area. • There were also a number of hands-on activities on tap, including holiday cards, gingerbread houses, festive ornaments, wreaths, nature crafts and guided hikes. Wreath making yields a decorative gem in the South Falls Historic District's "Christmas Wonderland." Creating Christmas buttons spurs smiles during the holiday festival. One proud owner of a gingerbread-house shows off his piece during the event. Chef Kirk Veroneau roasts chestnuts for visitors to snack on during the event. The Round House Band sets the holiday mood inside the big tent at South Falls Historic District's "Christmas Wonderland."