The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Cathlamet's Bald Eagle Days festival is just a week away, and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce has a few reminders for residents and businesses to make the festival operate smoothly as well as provide a lot of fun. These reminders include:

--"Merchants: Clean shop windows, shine your shoes and get ready to make some money.

--"Locals: Enjoy the friends and family reunions. Also, don’t forget that Main Street will be closed for all parking and through vehicle traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the street fair.

"The Chamber is requesting that all vehicles and trailers also be removed from the following parade route, which runs from the Wahkiakum High School parking lot, down Elm Street to Columbia Street, down the Columbia Street hill to Main Street, down Main Street to Chester Street, from Chester Street to 2nd Street, loop around Elochoman Marina and come up 3rd street and out to SR 4. Vehicles and trailers may be parked back on the parade route after the parade has concluded, around 2 p.m."

The celebration kicks off Friday with a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Farmer’s Market, Tsuga Gallery anniversary party in Cathlamet and Challenge of Champions Professional Bull Riders Exhibition at the Skamokawa Fairgrounds.

Saturday events start with the Fun Run beginning at 8:40 a.m. at the Cathlamet Pharmacy (for more information contact Jordyn Wirkkala jwirk2014@gmail.com), the Main Street Vendor Fair with over 80 vendors in downtown Cathlamet 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the “Reelin’ and Rockin’ on the River” themed Parade starting at 12 noon, the Kid’s Corner, featuring an obstacle course, giant inflatable, games, prizes and a free balloon artist, live music and beer gardens at Maria’s and River Mile 38 Brewery, and last but not least, fireworks over the Columbia River starting at 10 p.m. at Elochoman Marina.

The Chamber event staff is looking for volunteers to help with checking in vendors, running kids activities, and take down after festivities. For more information, phone 360-795-9996 or email wchamber@cni.net.