Parade, fireworks this weekend

STILL NICE--Summer weather is still here and so all those hay makers in our area have had plenty of time to get their hay in, which isn't always the case. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to get all that work done, as so often we're getting chased by the rain, and it's a great feeling to have it finished up under sunny conditions. Forecasters are saying we'll have a great weekend as well.

FRIDAY NIGHT--If you want to start the weekend out right, head to the Duck Inn July 19 to enjoy live classic rock beginning at 8 p.m. It's going to be a great weekend with a lot to do, so starting it out with some classic rock sounds good to me.

THIS IS IT--Yes, this is Bald Eagle Day and Wooden Boat Festival weekend. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and I know you won't want to miss that! The same goes for the fireworks held at the Elochoman Slough Marina when it gets dark, so here's to another wonderful display! Enjoy the weekend, everyone.

BINGO--The Sons of Norway will be hosting their monthly bingo game at the Norse Hall this Saturday evening, July 20. After a full day on the streets of Cathlamet, you can head over to the Island to play and hopefully win some cash. Doors open at 5:30 to buy $5 cards, and the games begin at 6 p.m. and go until 8.

REDMEN HALL-- Don't forget to check out the new exhibit put on by the Friends of Skamokawa at Redmen Hall. The Clatsop Weavers and Spinners Guild will have an array of household items for you to view and to purchase. The hall is open from noon to four, Thursdays through Sundays. You can call 795-3007 for more information.

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthdays this week are Luke Schmitz, Bev Moonen, Rick Benfit, Randy Montgomery, Al McClain, Stuart Bosch, Brian O'Connor, Don Twiet, Kim Hedges, Ashley and Kelsey Hedges, Kaisha Harris, Eric Ferguson, Les Burns, Larry Hendrickson, Steve Doumit, Lisa Hannah, Raedyn Grasseth, Sean Lindsey, McKenna Longtain, Tanner Bergseng, Linda Wright, Jerry Debriae Jr., John Buennagel, Molly Jorgensen and my cousin Art Pedersen. I hope everyone has terrific birthday celebrations. Belated birthday wishes to Jamie Hjaltalin Kincaid as she celebrated her birthday this past Sunday.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Lori and Steve Finkas, Rick and Janet Bryan, Mark and Patti Phillips, Gerald and Clara Olson and Andrew Emlen and Audrey Petterson. May you all have wonderful anniversary celebrations this year.

ISLAND MARKET--On Friday afternoons, don't forget you can head over to Two Islands Farm Market at 59 West Birnie Slough Road on Puget Island to enjoy the fruits of local growers. They have a wide variety of items for sale and weekly musical entertainment. Last week, Skamokawa resident Layton Elliott and his group, the Bloody Pirates, had a great time playing for the crowd.

NEXT WEEKEND-- The Vendor's Market being put on by the Skamokawa Grangers will be held at Skamokawa Vista Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday, July 27. Contact me if you'd like a spot. Skamokawa Methodist Church will be holding a rummage sale and bazaar that day as well.

LESS THAN A MONTH--It's hard to believe, but fair time is less than a month away. Volunteers gathered at the fairgrounds this past Saturday to do some work but there's plenty more that needs to be done, so please contact the fair office at 795-3480 if you'd like to volunteer. Watch for future work party dates.

SYMPATHY--Longtime county resident George Hanigan passed away last Thursday and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family. His funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. this morning (Thursday) at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. When I first moved here, I ran the Hotel Cathlamet while my folks were in Alaska, and George was a big help to me with all the legal and financial dealings with the Hotel. His family requests that contributions in George's name be sent to the First Aid Division in Cathlamet or the Wahkiakum Historical Society.

I also send my sympathy to David Shrum and his family, as his mother, Neta, recently passed away back in Kentucky after being ill for some time.

IN THE FUTURE-- 2016 will mark the one hundred year anniversary of the first Wahkiakum High School graduation, and Susan (McClain) Kuhn is in charge of coordinating another all-school reunion scheduled for August 13 of that year. Mark this date down on your calendars.

NEXT MONDAY-- The Skamokawa Grange #425 will meet next Monday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck and hold their meeting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend these meetings.

ACROSS THE RIVER--If you run out of things to do in our area, you might want to hop across the river to take in a performance of "Shanghaied in Astoria" which opened last week and runs through September 14. This is part vaudeville, part musical and part soap opera type show and it's always fun and entertaining. It runs every Thursday through Sunday with evening shows the first three nights and a Sunday matinee. The performances take place at the ASOC Playhouse in Uniontown Astoria, at 129 West Bond Street, which is near the Pig 'n Pancake restaurant and the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. Call 503-325-6104 for tickets and information or visit http://www.astorstreetoprycompany.com.