Locals appear in national magazine

DRIPPY BEGINNING--This work week is beginning a little damp, not making any hay-makers happy, but my lawn is probably thrilled as it was looking a little parched. The full week of dry weather that some forecasted fell apart as a weak system came in and gave us some heavy cloud cover Sunday evening and this light rain Monday morning. By Monday evening the drizzle turned into down right rain, and the clearing that I thought we'd have by Tuesday, certainly didn't show up here Tuesday morning either. It's another wet one I'm afraid.

FAIR TIME--It was certainly dry for the Wahkiakum County Fair last week and as a matter of fact, it got so hot that we had a few people who were overcome by it; just not used to things getting that toasty down here! We joke about the fact that when it's fair time, it must be going to rain, and we all complain about it, but this year it didn't and it actually got so warm that people were complaing then too! We just can't win!

I heard lots of compliments about the area and about fair manager Becky Ledtke and her staff and of course, Becky's family, as they have been putting in a ton of hours at the fairgrounds to make this all go so smoothly. Great job! Even when it was all over, Becky was seen running a tractor and picking up trash, even though that day was her birthday, so she hung right in there and kept plugging away even on her special day!

I saw lots of entries in the T-building where I was, and I have to tell you, it was super fun being in there this year, the time just flew by! Sitting next to the Sons of Norway crew really helped out! There were plenty of entries in the Youth Building as well and so that was wonderful to see, as it's all those entries that make up a good deal of the fair. It was terrific to see how talented our local folks are, from photography to quilt making, the entries were super! Our very own Betty Koziel got the People's Choice award for her beautiful pink/salmon colored and white Begonia, as well as a Best of Show ribbon, so congratulations to her! Each and every entry of hers was awesome; she is definitely our East Valley flower lady!

We can't forget the animals and all those who took the time to bring them as it's always a lot of work to load them and keep them clean and to show them. I got a kick out of the kids on the big, and I mean big, steer belonging to Viktor Goldinov, as he was just like a big ole puppy dog, despite his size. I enjoyed watching grandson Bryce Good show a calf this year and walk away with a blue ribbon. All the kids did a great job of showing their animals. The horses were a big hit as well, as the Silver Buckle Gaming series drew a very nice crowd.

Having Sassy Chocolates on the midway this year was a nice addition; super tasty items, very neatly displayed, and they were serving banana splits along with all their goodies, so that was a big hit as well! Janet Bryan and her work crew at the food booth was kept hopping, so these two new groups got to learn first hand how crazy fair time is and I'm sure they are ready for a nice break! We hope they come back next year!

The music this year was outstanding and they certainly enjoyed the new mini stage, which is quite a bit bigger than the previous stage, so larger groups were much more able to move around and they really put on some good shows. Hope you got to see and hear them.

All in all, I think our county fair was just what it should have been and I was happy to be a part of it. A big thanks to one and all for participating in it and for all those who came to see it. See you next year!

BIG WEEKEND--This weekend is action packed, with the longboarders/skateboarders in Cathlamet for a three day event beginning tomorrow (Friday) at 5 p.m. Then the following day at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. there will be a couple of events and then at 10 a.m. on Sunday, the big downhill race will take place down Cathlamet's town hill. Great fun! Don't forget the traffic revisions that will occur throughout these scheduled times.

Also on hand this weekend is the golf tournament to benefit Search and Rescue at Skyline Golf Course, and the reading by Kathy LaBerge and music at the Stockhouse Farm, to benefit the library. Plenty to do!

NEW EXHIBIT--The Friends of Skamokawa are happy to announce their newest exhibit by a couple of local artists, Mitzi Christensen and David Goodroe. It's entitled the "Mitzi and David Show" and will open Labor Day weekend, beginning September 3 at Redmen Hall beginning at noon. An artists reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. This exhibit runs through October 16, so we hope you'll get the chance to come and see it. Regular hours for Redmen Hall are noon to four, Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call 795-3007.

WINE/AUCTION--The FOS will present their annual Fall event September 10, and that is their fun, fantastic, fabulous Wine Tasting and Auction! While you may think that wine tastings are stuffy events, you've never been to this one, as it's really a blast. The wines and cheeses and other goodies are always great, but the fun part is the bidding, on the silent auction tables, or the items for the live auction. The bidding wars can be lively and entertaining and folks just love to take part in them. The money raised goes for the continuation of the restoration, upkeep of the beautiful and historic Redmen Hall, which is such an asset to our community. The Skamokawa Grange Hall is proud to be able to house this event and we'd love to have you come down and check it out. The Cornucopia of Wines event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m., September 10 with tickets costing $20 each or two for $35.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND--If you like swap meets, there will be one in Naselle at the Appelo Archives Center on September 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you'd like to sell some of your extra things or maybe your wonderful, newly constructed craft items, you can rent a table for $20; if you bring your own table, it's only $15. If you're interested, call Anita Raistakka at 360-484-3376.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from August 25-31 are Dolly Hartley, Mike Vincent, Kathy Perkins, Arlene Luthi, LouAnn Hedges, Joey Toste, Kelly Heiner, Ethan Heriford, Audrey Hedman, Meredith Cothren, Mickey Paulsen, Linda Ougendal, Judy Danielsen, Joe Turgeon, Debbie Melton, Elinor Bridenhagen and Wayne Bell. May all your special days be truly special to you no matter what you do!

Happy Anniversary wishes to Leslie and Larry Horman, Beryl and Randi Curtis, Duncan Cruikshank and Heidi Heywood, the Brandon Browns, the Mike Browns, the Bud Holtens, the Steve Doumits, the Pete LaBerges and the John Thompsons. Happy days to one and all.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION--Don and Kitty Speranza have reason to be quite proud, as their Inn at Crippen Creek is being featured in the September issue of Sunset magazine. The two put together some awesome dishes at their B & B on Oatfield Road. If you haven't been invited to one of their dinners, well, get some friends together, call up them at 795-0585 and they'll work out the menu and price for you! They are also on line and on Facebook.

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS--Mary (Hedman) McClaughlin has asked that we keep her dad, Cleave Hedman in our thoughts and prayers as he has a serious infection and is currently in the hospital. Pastor Les Foss was also hospitalized recently and his congregation at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church is asking for prayers on his behalf as well.

REUNION--The WA-KI-HI class of 1971 will hold their 40th class reunion this Saturday at Dave and Sandy Hendrickson's home, 467 W. Birnie Slough Rd., at 1 p.m. Bring a favorite side dish and join your classmates for a potluck gathering. If you were close to someone in that class, you are welcome to stop by and pay them a visit as well.

WINNER--The Skamokawa Grange #425 sold tickets for a beautiful maple slab coffee table recently as a fund raiser, and we drew the winning ticket on the last day of the fair. John Gustafson was the craftsman who built the table, and his wife Mary, drew the winning ticket. We are happy to announce the lucky winner as John Florek of Cathlamet! Congratulations to him and a big thank you to John G. for donating this table, that was super generous. Thanks also to everybody who bought a ticket and supported us.

NEW NUMBER--In my article last week about the Wahkiakum County Museum in Cathlamet, the phone number was listed incorrectly as they have a new phone number now, and as told to me by member Frans Eykel, it is 360-846-1604. If you'd like to be a volunteer, just leave your name and number and they'll get back to you. If you're from the west of Cathlamet and interested in being a board member to represent this area, you are more than welcome to come forward and submit your name to the current board, as these members carry a heavy load.

LOOKING AHEAD--Whether we want to admit it or not, Christmas is not that far off. The Skamokawa Grange will once again host the free spaghetti dinner on December 10. We hope you'll put this on your calendar today and then we'll hope and pray the weather co-operates and nothing stops this from taking place. There will be baskets to win and goodies for the kids, so we hope to see you there!

NEXT YEAR--At the last meeting of the Skamokawa Grangers, we discussed the continuation of the Vendor's Market recently held as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of Skamokawa Vista Park. It's just in the thought process now, but if we get enough positive feedback, we'll move ahead. All ideas will be brought before the board and we'll keep you posted as to our progress. If you'd like to be a sponsor, give me a call and we'll get this ball rolling!