"I can't see the Yard Bird fall apart," says Jason Mattson, the instigator of a string of fundraisers designed to aid Chehalis's iconic Yard Bird statue, still standing at the former shopping mecca and Lewis County roadside attraction. "It's been here most our lives - it's unique, it's our Paul Bunyan, and it's a symbol. If it went away it would be a big loss."

Saturday's Birdfest 2011 is Mattson's largest Yard Bird fundraiser yet, where he hopes to raise the $10,000 needed to complete repairs.

A full day of all-ages activities in the Yard Birds parking lot, centered around Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists Don Wilson and Nokie Edwards of the Ventures, along with Barry Curtis and Steven Peterson of the Kingsmen, with Lt. Governor Brad Owen on sax, Birdfest 2011 will also have face-painting and bounce houses for the kiddies, and a beer garden for adults. Giveaways and raffles will play a prominent roll, including a chance at an autographed guitar from the Ventures.

To read Nikki Talotta's full story click here.

Birdfest 2011

Don Wilson and Nokie Edwards of the Ventures
Barry Curtis and Steven Peterson of the Kingsmen
with Lt. Governor Brad Owen on sax
Saturday, June 25, noon to 10 p.m.
$12 at the gate, $10 pre-sale at Shanks in Olympia or Shop'n Kart in Chehalis
Yard Birds parking lot, 2100 N. National Ave., Chehalis