Commercial Club President Robbie Johnson grew up in a tiny western Washington town called Rosburg, about 20 miles north of the Astoria, Oregon.

Drawing from a far-flung population of about 2,500, Rosburg had only one grocery store/gas station not much bigger than Waitsburg's Jackpot and it was better known for the things it didn't have than the things it did.

A parade was one of those things Rosburg didn't have. And the proud hometown tradition here is one of the reasons Johnson, who moved to town 11 years ago, appreciates being in Waitsburg.

Waitsburg is the kind of community that pulls toget...