Bull riding, Bald Eagle Days are this weekend

Meg Morris and Megan Kuhl were working out the finer details of Bald Eagle Days on Tuesday afternoon.

Their push to bring vendors to the event this year must be working because so far the two have 65 vendors signed up.

“We think we’re going to put our food vendors by the courthouse,” Kuhl said. “There are nine so far including salmon chowder, snow cones, and Hawaiian.”

The big event starts on Friday, July 20, with the annual Rolly and Ginny Armstrong Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest on Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Bank of the Pacific.

“There’s going to be medals given out and each contender gets a coupon for a free taco or small cone at Maria’s,” Kuhl said.

From 3-6 p.m., visitors can check out the Farmers Market at the Elochoman Slough Marina. Tsuga Gallery will celebrate its eighth birthday from 5-7 p.m.

And everybody is excited about the Challenge of Champions Professional Bull Riders who will be performing at the Skamokawa Fairgrounds. The doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20 at the door.

On Saturday morning, runners, walkers, and their four legged friends are invited to participate in a fun run to support sports at Wahkiakum High School. Entry forms are available at the Bank of the Pacific, the Cathlamet Pharmacy, and the Chamber of Commerce during the week, or can be picked up the morning of the race. It costs $15 to enter. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in front of the Cathlamet Pharmacy and the 5K run or 2 mile run/walk begins at 9 a.m. All proceeds go to the high school’s pay to participate fund.

The Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet is putting on their annual pancake breakfast at the marina from 7 to 10 a.m and you can check out the quilt show at the Pioneer Community Center from 9 to 3 p.m.

Kids of all ages can go for train rides and enjoy root beer floats at the Wahkiakum Historical Museum all day long or stop by the Cathlamet Fire Station for a tour and a popsicle.

The kids’ area, which will be located in the Bank of the Pacific parking lot is organized by Melissa Garrett.

“I’m excited about the Hungry Hippos giant inflatable,” Morris said. “It’s circular, and each kid is hooked to a harness. They try to grab balls before the harness drags them back.”

Kids will also get to play Plinko, and Beat the bucket, which is a version of a dunk tank. There will be human foosball, which was a big hit last year, a photo booth, face painting, and a sucker ring toss.

The parade is rumored to be as big as last year and will begin at noon. The parade route travels from Wahkiakum High School, down Elm Street to Columbia Street, down the hill to Main Street and SR 4. The route has included the marina in the past, but it has been changed this year due to damage on 3rd Street.

This year’s Grand Marshals are Sandi and Francois Rieder.

The Chamber has asked people to have vehicles removed from the parade route by 8 a.m on Saturday morning. Main street and the Bank of the Pacific parking lot will be closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. The chamber is looking for more canopy tents and volunteers. Stop by the office or call 360-795-9996 if you can help.

The time for the annual water ball competition between local fire departments has been moved up from it’s usual time in the afternoon. This year, they plan to do it right after the parade in front of the Bank of the Pacific.

The Deadhollows will be playing classic rock on Main Street from 1 to 4 p.m. Later they will play at River Mile 38 Brewery, who has also scheduled two other bands, Tom Armstrong, and The Mutineers.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce is raffling off an opportunity to push the plunger and start the show this year. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the Chamber booth.