Chamber supports steam engine society proposal

Cathlamet may host a national meeting of the Northwest Steam Society in August, 2011.

Following a Tuesday presentation by society spokesman Norm Davis of Astoria, members of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce said they would support the event if the society chooses Cathlamet as the location of its three-day annual gathering.

Davis said the society includes people who are enthusiasts of steam power. They bring boats, vehicles and other steam engine devices to the festivals for public display.

Davis and other society members like Cathlamet because the marina and connecting sloughs offer quiet water.

"At a meet three years ago at St. Helens, the river kicked up and the boats stayed tied up to the dock all day," he said.

Chamber officers said they would provide lodging and other information for Davis, who will present the proposal this weekend at a society meeting in Seattle. Astoria is another possible host, he said, but society members worry about finding calm water there.

The society rotates annual meetings between British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, he said.

Also at Tuesday's meeting of the chamber, Bob Garrett said there are still tickets available for the annual fundraising crab feed which will be held Saturday at the Norse Hall on Puget Island.