The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG-Waitsburg's Patriot's Parade and community potluck is a nearly decade-old tradition, but many may not know how it originated. As the story goes, the whole thing began with a dare.

In 2011, Anita Baker challenged her late husband, Tom, and Jack McCaw to walk down Waitsburg's Main Street, bearing the colors, on the 4th of July. The only hitch was that she required them to wear shorts while doing so.

McCaw spoke for Tom, saying they would accept the challenge, for $100 each.

Anita agreed and the plan was formalized at the hardware store. John and Marilyn Stellwagen agreed to pro...