The holiday bash put on by the Deception Pass Park Foundation last year was such a hit that it will be held over two days this month instead of one.

The first “Bowman Bay Holiday” drew 600-800 people. This year’s second annual event is Dec. 16-17 at the Bowman Bay portion of Deception Pass State Park.

“It’s a family-friendly event that has two missions,” said Montana Napier, one of the event’s coordinators. “One is to promote and support the Deception Pass Park Foundation, which supports educational programs at the park. The other is it’s a fun way to engage the community during our offseason.”

Festivities will take place 4-7 p.m. outdoors each day. The two kitchen shelters and surrounding picnic area and campgrounds at Bowman Bay will be the site of the winter party and will be decorated with lights. Santa Claus will be on hand, and there will be hot chocolate, apple cider, baked goods, music, a campfire and a craft station for kids.

Cost is $5 per family. Parking is free with a Discover Pass.

“It’s just a way to have fun and celebrate the end of the year,” said Jack Hartt, manager of Deception Pass State Park.

Park officials and others recently celebrated a major beach restoration project at Bowman Bay. Interpretive signs were installed recently to tell the story.

It’s busy at Deception Pass State Park this time of year. The park’s annual open house is Thursday night, Dec. 8, at Walla Walla University’s Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory.

That event, which is open to the public, starts at 7 p.m. and will include live music, a book signing, raffle prizes and presentations by park staff.

Hartt also is preparing for the park’s sixth annual First Day Hike, which will start at 10 a.m. New Year’s Day at the Cornet Bay Retreat Center.

Goose Rock will be the hike destination. The public is invited.

The Deception Pass Park Foundation will provide warm food and drinks before and after the hike.

n For more information, go to www.deceptionpassfoundation.org/events