Snoqualmie residents can look forward to a fresh start for the annual tree lot at Gateway Park. After the former operator, Outdoor Youth Association (OYA), announced it would not run the lot in 2026, the city opened a competitive application process and selected Celebration Farms as the new operator.
Background on the tree lot
Located at the intersection of Snoqualmie Parkway and State Route 202, the tree lot has been a community tradition for more than two decades. For years it was managed by OYA, a nonprofit that also chartered the Snoqualmie Valley Venturing Crew #115, a co‑ed adventure program for youth ages 14‑20 under the umbrella of Scouting America. The lot provided a fundraising platform for the crew, allowing members to develop real‑world skills with the support of parents and guardians.
Financial history and recent concerns
According to a 2012 report by the Snoqualmie Valley Record, the tree lot grew into a $60,000 business with a net profit of $24,000. By 2026, the lot was reported to generate more than $35,000 in net profit. However, in January of this year a group of youth and their families left OYA citing organizational differences and concerns about financial management.
In August, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office issued an assurance of discontinuance to OYA. The document noted that the attorney general had opened an investigation into OYA’s handling of property held for charitable purposes, specifically the distribution, disposition, and reporting of such property. The investigation found that OYA failed to keep accurate accounting records from January 2022 through March 2026 and submitted incorrect reports for its 2023 and 2024 IRS filings.
An assurance of discontinuance is a legal settlement that does not constitute an admission of guilt but requires the organization to correct its practices. The attorney general ordered OYA to maintain proper accounting records moving forward, amend its 2023 and 2024 tax filings, accurately reflect its financial condition, and pay $5,000 to cover the cost of the investigation.
New operator and next steps
Following OYA’s decision not to operate the lot independently, the City of Snoqualmie evaluated applications and chose Celebration Farms. The city is finalizing a contract with the farm, with the goal of opening the tree lot for the 2026 holiday season.
Celebration Farms, a local agricultural business, plans to continue the tradition of offering a wide variety of Christmas trees and related merchandise to residents and visitors. The new operator has expressed commitment to maintaining the lot’s role as a community gathering place and a source of seasonal cheer.
Community impact
The transition promises to keep the tree lot active while addressing the accountability concerns raised by the attorney general’s investigation. Parents and youth involved with the Venturing Crew can still benefit from the experience, as the lot’s revenue historically supported the crew’s activities.
City officials emphasized that the selection process was transparent and aimed at preserving a beloved local tradition. They also noted that the city will continue to monitor the lot’s operations to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Looking ahead
Residents are encouraged to visit Gateway Park later this year to select their holiday trees and support a long‑standing community event. The city will provide updates on the lot’s opening date and any additional programming associated with the new operator.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
