The Fall Festival at Lake Sylvia on Sept. 17 takes place just a few days before the official start of autumn.

The festival is sponsored by the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia state parks (FOSLS), and is in its seventh year.

The festival began as a way to bring people into the state park, and for them to experience all that Lake Sylvia has to offer. That goal hasn’t changed in the seven years since the first fall festival and this year offers a full day of family-friendly activities from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between 500 and 700 people attended last year’s festival and enjoyed beautiful weather, said organizers.

Start the day out with a breakfast of pancakes and coffee at 7 a.m. then head off on the trails for the races. Trail races include a 5k, 10k and a half-marathon, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and races beginning at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees for all races are $30 except for the under 18 5k, which is $15.

Those who prefer two-wheeled adventures can participate in mountain bike rides, offered for all ages and abilities, and are led by the Spoke Busters bike club.

Outta Monte, a family-friendly group of artists performing original music, start out the live musical performances at 9 a.m., followed by acoustic guitarist and singer Lisa Ramsauer at 10:30 a.m. Ken and Christine begin their performance of jazz and pop standards at 11:45 and Kingbird, with guitarist Dylan Paul and pianist Kymber Wolf, performs at 1 p.m.

The Boy Scouts will provide a camp cooking demonstration and tasting and the Girl Scouts will provide a nature arts and crafts booth for kids. Other kid-friendly activities include a variety of vintage children’s games and races. Ten vendors will offer food and drinks for sale.

Early west historian, Gerald Schaefer, also known as Doc Shores, will discuss the Battle at Beecher’s Island which includes a local connection to Grays Harbor. Schaefer will be dressed in authentic cavalry dress.

Artists in this year’s artist market include Randall’s Candles by Jane, offering handcrafted candles in fall and holiday themes; Mary D’s Scarves and More features infinity scarves, shawls, cowls and other accessories; Embellishing offers upcycled items such as jewelry boxes, furniture, trays that are painted and decoupaged.

Other artist vendors include Art by Carrie Larson which features letterpress-printed stationery and mixed media artwork; Tony Porter Photography features original photography designs on gift items such as bookmarks, greeting cards and calendars; and Hatley’s Handmade offers handmade gifts including home décor, chalkboards and fairy gardens.

Author Kari Aquila is selling her second book, “RUN Ragged.” Her stories provide a look at gender stereotypes and relationships set in a dystopic future, and artist Bev King Lufkin offers original paintings, prints and art cards.

Hatchet Annie’s Wares will be offering face painting, henna, temporary tattoos, feather extensions and hand-made bracelets; Sister Art Glass features handcrafted stained glass kaleidoscopes, jewelry boxes, wall art and glass holiday banners; and Bonny’s Angels offers handcrafted artisan angels, jewelry and ornaments.

Little “h” Custom Designs features custom and modern crochet gifts such as hats, blankets and toys; the Blooming Artichoke Herbary offers original botanical designs appliqued onto a variety of home decor items such as pillows and table runners; and Pacific Beach Workshop at SandPhifer Gallery sells driftwood sculptures of animals, fish and abstract creatures.

Patricia Thorp Leather offers creations in leather including animal masks, coasters, hair accessories and jewelry boxes; Lizzy’s Green Attic offers handcrafted wooden potting benches, stools, planters, end tables, and shelves; Lincoln Brothers Concrete Products feature concrete benches, stepping stones and wood crafts; and Bonnie’s Blossoms will sell garden décor such as yard art flowers made of re-purposed dishes and glassware.

Trixie’s Creations feature bird feeders, solar lights and yard art flowers handcrafted from antique glassware; The Bead Kahuna offers beaded bracelets, friendship bracelets and quilted wall-hangings; Susie’s Shards offers fused glass, wind chimes, sun catchers, kite tails and worry stones; Sassy Sisters offers mesh wreaths, wooden signs and holiday centerpieces.

Amazin’ Steel offers steel garden art such as dragonflies, birds, dragons and other hand-forged creations; Gaia Blends offers handcrafted soaps, organic skin salves and pure beeswax; Blue Drum Art Glass features hand created fused glass art such as wind chimes, nightlights, candle holders and tableware; and North Pacific Utopian Wares offers handcrafted all natural lotions, lip balms, hand cleaner, sunblock/bug repellent, beard oil, body butter and bath salts.

Free parking is available Simpson Avenue Elementary School, at the bottom of the hill up to the park. There will be a free shuttle running every 15 minutes from the school to the park. Parking inside the park is limited and requires a Discover Pass or Disabled Permit. Vendor parking is available on a limited basis.

For more information, visit fosls.org or call (360) 789-9953.