Summer festivals will offer variety of mixed entertainment

The 38th annual Bald Eagle Days are nearly here and this year we will be “Reelin’ and Rockin’ on the River.”

“It’s all about fishing, and rocking, and lots of music and fun,” Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce Director Megan Elliott said of the theme.

The event opens on Friday, July 19, with the annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in front of the Bank of the Pacific. Participants will get a coupon for a free taco or ice cream cone from Maria's and a medal will be awarded to winning entries in three age categories.

From 4-7 p.m., check out the goods at the Elochoman Marina Farmers Market and then stop by Tsuga Gallery from 5-7 p.m. for a ninth birthday celebration.

Meanwhile at the Skamokawa Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m., the Fair Foundation will present the Challenge of Champions Professional Bull Riders. It was a packed house last year, so pick up your tickets early at the Pizza Mill, the Duck Inn, Johnson One Stop in Naselle, and Bob’s Shopping Center in Longview. It’s $15 presale and $20 at the door.

Saturday’s festivities will begin with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. at the covered area at the marina.

A little later, there will be a fun run, which will begin at the Cathlamet Pharmacy Parking Lot. Runners should check in by 8:30 a.m. There is a one mile kid’s run, beginning at 8:40 a.m., and a 5k/10k run walk beginning at 9 a.m.

The vendor fair runs from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m, with 65 vendors so far, including four food vendors.

“The majority are first timers,” Elliott said. “It’s fun to see new stuff.”

From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Pioneer Community Center, visitors can check out a quilt show. Down at the Cathlamet Fire Department, they’ll be giving away popsicles and tours all day long. Nearby, at the Wahkiakum Historical Museum, there will be train rides and root beer floats.

The parade begins at noon. The course is much the same, but will return to the marina, as it once did. Wahkiakum native, Laurie Miller will be downtown to sing the national anthem after the law enforcement and fire department vehicles in the parade reach Main Street.

The grand marshals this year are Lee and Diane Tischer.

“I couldn’t pick better people,” Elliott said.

After the parade, live music will be playing downtown and will continue until 4 p.m. In front of the Bank of the Pacific, watch local firefighters compete in the annual water ball contest.

In the kids’ area there will be a free balloon artist, face painting, inflatables, and more.

River Mile 38 Brewery will open at 11 a.m., with live music starting at 4 p.m. At the taco stand, they will be offering ribs all day. Maria’s Place will have a beer garden as well.

At 10 p.m., the fireworks begin at the marina.

Afterwards, stop by Maria’s Place for some karaoke.

The chamber is still looking for volunteers in the kid’s area, to help with set up, clean up, and more. Interested? Call 360-795-9996.