Chamber of Commerce planning more events

Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Hanigan said this week that last month’s crab feed was a huge success. After advertising fees, the chamber earned an estimated $8900. The total income is up approximately $2200 from last year, she said.

Bradwood Landing has given the chamber a $5000 grant to be used for operations. It is a good thing, Hanigan said, “because not a lot of grants go toward operating expenses.”

A business fair will take place on Saturday at Norse Hall on Puget Island. The fair is sponsored by the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council (LCEDC) through a micro-enterprise grant. The purpose is for local businesses to get together to network and talk about the economy, or what is or isn’t working for individual businesses.

Hanigan said the chamber is preparing to send out chamber membership applications. The dues haven’t changed, she said. This year, the focus will be what the chamber does for its members.

Bald Eagle Days is right around the corner, said Linda Barth. The planning committee is still looking for ideas for a grand marshal and a theme for this year.

The next festival planning meeting is April 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Scarborough Building. “We’d love anybody and everybody to show up and give suggestions, help, or whatever,” Barth said.

Historical Society Representative John Dees said the kids’ train will be running for Bald Eagle and other festivities. There are spaces available on the train for advertising individual businesses. Businesses must supply their own plaques, however, the society will take care of attaching. Space is limited. For more information contact Dees at 795-0550.

The circus will be returning to Wahkiakum County on May 24. Tickets will be available soon. For more information, contact the chamber. Barth pointed out that the more tickets the chamber sells, the more the chamber makes. “The presale tickets are our little net profit. The day of the fair, sales will be their profit,” she said.

Mayor Dick Swart said the rumors that there will be no pool use available in 2009 are false. The appropriations are safe, he said. The pool is an important plus for the community and it provides a lot of activities for children.

“That is good news in the short run,” he said.On April 18, the Greenwood Water tank will be slowly drained so some repair work can be conducted. Swart said it will be important for residents to conserve water at that time. There will be a reminder in the paper when the time comes, he said. “If anyone has questions, contact town hall, or me.”