Skamokawa News

GRAY BEGINNINGS. While some folks are missing the morning sunshine and hot weather, I am enjoying the cloudy skies and cooler temperatures that have opted to show up. Far more comfortable when one is outside having to do all that yard work that is never-ending. However, that yard work is best done in the early mornings, as the sun often peeks out later on. It got quite warm and muggy despite the thermometer reading in the so-called moderate zone. Once that humidity kicks in, it’s miserable. The only spoiler alert I see is that we have a 35 percent chance of rain towards the end of the fair, but I'm hoping it stays dry. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed that we have a decent weather week ahead of us.

FAIR TIME EVERYBODY! Well, The Wahkiakum County Fair is happening this week Aug. 15 through 17, so Skamokawa is the place to be this Thursday through Saturday and we hope to see all of you. Certain days are free entries for seniors, veterans, and kids, I hope you got your fair books and are checking out which days are which. Fair passes are also available for all three days for a very reasonable price, so you could just attend all three days. This year there are music acts to check out, a wide array of animals to look at, great crafts and photos on display, Bingo, and food. Come on down and take in our county fair, it's always a good time to take in that small-town "country vibe" in little ‘ole Skamokawa!

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Aug. 15 through 21 are Kathleen Morgain, Shannon Britt, Jessica Schiek, Addy Hauff, Macie Moonen, Krista McQuire, Gary Cooper, John Gustafson, Tyna Zink, Erica Keenan Torppa, Julie (Engelson) McKagan, Deanna Dachtler, Amy Nichols, Josh Grasseth, Ryan Garrett, Brooke Nielson, Ricky Montgomery Jr., Dale Heiner, Travis Gorley, Brandon Olsen, Kody Vik, Kylee Johnson, Vickie Gregory, Toni Sue Ostling, Greg Moore, Margie Wagner Pedersen and Ellie Scudder. Those celebrating their anniversaries this coming week are Mark and Deb Howie, Robert and Terina Davis, Megan and Tracy Elliott, Brenden and Brynn McClain, Mr. and Mrs. Sean Miller, Nick and Becky Barth, Bryce and Caitlin Heiner, Brian and Amanda Wisdom, Ty and Kendra Finkas and Kyle Sechler and Suzy Ekstrom. Enjoy!

ANOTHER PROM NIGHT! It's time for all you Silver Seniors to get dolled up and head over to the Hope Center on Aug. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for another Prom Night. Last year was well attended and everyone had a great time and this year will be even bigger and better. There will be light refreshments and beverages and some games, along with some dancing, so why not come out and enjoy an evening with old friends and make some new ones while you enjoy a grown-up night out? Please RSVP by contacting Marianne Burkholder via email at MarianneBurkholder@gmail.com Or call HHS at 360-795-8630.

SOMETHING NEW. If you happen to be in the Grays River area at the end of the month, I hope you'll stop by the Grays River Grange Hall and check out the tapestry work of Darbury Novolselic. She will be there from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 30 and 31 and she'd love to show you her Deep River tapestries. These hand-painted, stitched tapestries are bright and beautiful works of art, stop by and check them out at 11 South Hull Creek Road, Grays River.

MUSEUM. Have you checked out your local museum lately? Located right behind the courthouse and beside the PUD in Cathlamet, it's a great place to learn about the area you're living in and is a wonderful source of information about how it all came to be. The museum also holds many family histories in the archives as well. If you'd like to come by and check out what's inside this historical gem of a building, the Wahkiakum County Historical Society invites you to come by on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 65 River St. and take a look around. Hosts/hostesses are always needed so if you've got some time on your hands and would like to help out, they'd love to have you join their team of volunteers. More info at 360-849-4353.

SCHOOL STARTING. It seems like school just got out but by golly, it won't be long and the school buzzers will be back in action and kids will be heading to school on Aug. 27. Drivers stay vigilant and watch for kids walking and school busses loading and unloading children. Stop when those red lights are flashing and the sign is out. I am always amazed that every year, I hear stories of people flying by a bus that is stopped and displaying the STOP sign. Teach kids to take that extra "look left and right" action as well; just because you have the right of way doesn't mean that someone else is paying attention. This year will be the first year our kids will only be going to school four days a week which might take some getting used to good luck!

ANNIVERSARY PARTY. Coming up next month, Sept. 15, the party is on for the Wahkiakum Animal Advocate Group as WAAG is celebrating its 5th birthday. They will be meeting up at Erickson Park that day from Noon to 4 p.m. and you're all invited to come up there to 581 Columbia Street in Cathlamet and enjoy a day of fun for dogs and people too! There will be a BBQ, pet photos, pie eating, and a silent auction happening at this "paw-ty". Mark this date on your calendar and celebrate this great group, who has done outstanding work in our community when it comes to animals in need of care or fostering, etc. We hope you will continue to donate to WAAG as well, so they continue to do this amazing work. They have a Facebook page where you can RSVP and they encourage you to bring a chair or a blanket with you as well a fun family event for sure!

ANOTHER ONE IN THE BOOKS. The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to an end and they've already have the next one set for four years from now back here in the States. We can all get geared up for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will run from July 14 to 30 that year. We certainly had some thrilling moments this year with several of Gold medals earned and of course, a few not-so-good moments when we were disqualified a couple of times in events we rarely stumble in. Sadly, a wrong step here and a line crossed there and one's dreams are dashed. Anyway, we enjoyed watching these athletes who worked so hard and gave it their all. May they continue to succeed and fulfill their dreams.