By Dena Wood
The Times
A Sesquicentennial Success
Waitsburg's Celebration Days was fun for all
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Lisa Naylor
How many kids do you see? (Look close!) A half-dozen kids made memories that won't soon be forgotten as they took a dip in the mud pit prior to the return of Saturday's ATV Poker Run participants. The photographer who submitted this photo thought "man emerges from the mud" would be a fitting caption.
WAITSBURG–Waitsburg Celebration Days kicked into gear with a well-attended parade on Saturday morning, and partied on until The FrogHollow Band introduced their new lead singer just before midnight at the Burgers, Band & Brews event at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds. The fun-filled day offered enjoyment for everyone – art lovers, beer guzzlers and mud slingers alike.
This year's patriotic parade boasted an impressive 68 entries. Fifteen of those were from Shriners clubs from the Columbia Basin, Spokane area and Blue Mountain regions. Their high spirits, pranks and antics added an extra shot of amusement to the festivities.
"I'm told the Shriners on the east side pick one parade a year to make a big show and all come to together," said parade organizer Gwen Gobel. "This year they chose to come to Waitsburg to help celebrate our 150th anniversary. At first I didn't know what was going on and thought I was getting duplicate applications! It's so special that they chose us," she added.
The Tri-Cities Steel Band Association's marimba band entertained the crowd following the parade, while more bands played at the antique auto show in Preston Park. At noon, area dignitaries spoke in honor of the city and to dedicate the bronze sculptures that now grace Waitsburg's Main Street.
Lt. Gov. Brad Owens recognized the many unique aspects of Waitsburg, referring to it as "small-town Washington at its best." A letter of appreciation was read from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. State Senator Mike Hewitt, who said he met his wife Corey "in the Days of Real Sport beer booth 33 years ago," offered praise as well.
Representatives Maureen Walsh (R-WA16) and Terry Nealey (R-WA16) read a House resolution honoring Waitsburg, and State Representative Norm Johnson, of Yakima, presented a framed copy of the original documents that established the city in 1881.
Walla Walla artists Squire Broel, Wayne Chabre and Jeffrey Hill each spoke about the experience of creating sculptures for the town.
The Town Hall Association's Waitsburg Brew Fest was considered an all-around success,s with over 200 guests in attendance. "All seven breweries enjoyed the event and said they would like to come back again," said organizer Ron Standring.
Dena Wood
Jolly the clown gives and receives a happy wave.
One hundred eleven ATV's participated in the Karen's Ride ATV Poker Run, and 287 hands of poker were played. Upon returning to the fairgrounds, ATVers took a run through the mud pit and competed in the ATV challenge course. Prior to the return of the ATVs, a crew of kids had a ball "swimming" in the mud pit.
Saturday night wrapped up with PEO serving burgers in the Lion's Club Memorial Building, followed by music from bands Onion City and The FrogHollow Band in the Don Thomas Building.
Sunday brought Cowboy Church at Preston Park, a Duck Derby and the dedication of Wait's Mill Park just north of Main Street. Winners of the Rainbow Girls "Luck of the Duck" derby were Jim Mitchell ($500), Sandy Baker ($250), Cathy Lambert ($100) and Kathy Greenwell ($50).
They say "you can't have too much fun" but attendees at this weekend's events may have come close.
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