Bald Eagle Day Festival crew needs volunteers

Like any event, Bald Eagle Days will not run smoothly without a lot of support behind the scenes, and this year, the new Chamber of Commerce Director Shannon Gildea is short on volunteers.

“Since I’m so new,” Gildea said, “I have this burden of not having connections. I think that is where I’m struggling, calling people I haven’t met and asking for help.”

Little of the work that needs to be done is strenuous and Gildea is hoping to fill several one or two hour slots throughout the day. She is looking for people who are willing to empty garbage cans or hand out ketchup at the burger stand or any number of simple things that according to Gildea, don’t require much sweat equity.

“I hope people will want to help out and want to make sure this year is great,” Gildea said, “but this event can’t run with the few people that have volunteered to help so far.”

Individuals or groups who are interested in volunteering are asked to call Gildea at (360)795-9996 or send an email to wchamber@cni.net.

There will be a more diverse selection of food on Saturday of the festival, according to Gildea.

From 7-10 a.m., the Kiwanis Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Elochoman Slough Marina.

“It’s a cool thing for people to visit,” Gildea said. “They put on the event to raise money for scholarships for local high school students. It makes it really special.”

Once again, Maria’s Mexican and American Restaurant will have a beer garden and offer a portion of her menu. Ostling’s Fish and Chips will be there and another vendor will be offering authentic Indian fry bread tacos. The Farmstead Creamery will have goat cheese ravioli and Waterway Espresso will be providing snacks. The Chamber and the Kiwanis Club will be serving buffalo burgers again, and the Sons of Norway will have lefse. Other vendors will have kettle corn and sno-cones.

As for the fireworks, which start at 10 p.m. The show should be longer this year, but Gildea is waiting to hear more from the pyrotechnician after the busy July 4th weekend is over.