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

WEATHER--How did this past holiday weekend treat you? I hope you had a good time with family and friends and were able to enjoy some nice weather where you were. I was happy that we had a pretty rainy day last Tuesday prior to the fireworks going off, as having a little moisture to combat the fire danger made me feel a bit more at ease. It also meant I didn't have to water the flowers and I'm sure the lawn liked the drink as well, so like a lot of us out here in the sticks, it was okay by us!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 11-17 are Jalynn Rainey, Samantha McClain, Marietta Montgomery, Jerry Ledtke, Sharrel Mooers, Martha Backman, Sunny Manary, Justin Perkins, Kurtis Bergseng, Mary Schroder, Janelle Seaberg, Bryson Coleman, Randi Curtis, Pam Elliott, Lonney Kubacki, Ron Miller, Kalei Meyers, Jensen Finkas, 67'ers Doug Wright and Sharon McKie and grandsons Kyle and Blake Sechler.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Lance and Shannon Britt, John and Mary Gustafson and Kevin and Stephanie Prestegard. Here's to wonderful celebrations for all of you enjoying special days this coming week! Belated anniversary wishes to the Michael Swansons.

FRIDAY MOVIE--Friday, July 12 marks the return of the free Friday night movies at the Community Center in Cathlamet at 101 Main Street, so if you're looking for a cheap night out, this is it! The movie listed is rated PG-13. All movies start at 7 p.m., and also include free popcorn.

CHECK IT OUT!--For those of you who love webcams, we've got one in town now, so be sure to check out the view! I got this link from Pam Emery, so here's hoping I get this right: http://skamokawa.net/webcam/?p=8284. If nothing were to show up, head to the Redmen Hall/River Life Interpretive Center site and the link should be there as well.

FLEA MARKET/HORSES--As always, the second Saturday of the month (July 13) will find bargain hunters headed to the Youth building at the fairgrounds as their monthly Flea Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Naturally, you're invited to sell your own things, so for just $10 you can do that, or just come down to check out what others have, which not only includes used items, but new things and tables by vendors selling their crafts, so you never know what will be available. Contact Patty at 360-795-3480 (leave a message) to rent a table.

To top it off, there will be another part of the Silver Buckle Series happening that day, so you can come and check out the horses and those riders while you're down here.

BULL RIDING--Next Friday, July 19, it will be time to head back to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds and take in the Challenge of Champions Tour/ Bull Riding Event. This was really well attended last year, which is why the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation brought it back again this year, so if you missed it last time, here's your chance to start off the BED festivities by attending this event on Friday evening. The gates open at 5 p.m. so you can come in and enjoy their beer garden and food booth, while all the bucking, twisting, turning and back-jarring action starts at 7:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are just $15 and tickets at the gate will be $20. Kids under five are free. For those in Skamokawa, you can pick up your tickets at the Duck Inn Restaurant and Lounge. If you're in Longview, you can get them at Bob's Sporting Goods.

ALMOST TIME--The Bald Eagle Day Parade and Main Street events in Cathlamet will take place July 20, so spread the word and get ready for a real good time! For those of you who are new to the area, the street will be lined with vendors and food carts and lots of people, so you'll have to travel behind town, to go to and from parking spots as Main Street is closed for a good part of the day. Not only will there be a parade, but at the Elochoman Slough Marina, there will be a fantastic fireworks display that evening. This is a time when families have reunions and Wahkiakum High School alumnae also have some class reunions, so lots and lots of folks will be coming to town that day. Be sure to check signs and posters, or the Wah. Chamber website for the full schedule of times and events, as there's a lot happening that day. From what I hear, there is a mass of vendors this year, so this should be a shopper's dream that day!

MUSEUM OPEN--While you're checking out the town, it is hoped that folks will stop by the Wah. Co. Museum and check things out there. As always, your donations really help out the place that is storing all of our historical treasures, so it would truly be appreciated if you were able to donate to the WCHMS so the doors can stay open.

67'ERS WILL GATHER--WHS Class members from 1967 are reminded of the 1:30 p.m. meet up during Bald Eagle Days, and if you have any questions, just give me a call. As always, bring a chair, bring a beverage and your favorite food, as you'll be taking your leftovers home. We already have enough funds for chicken and a cake in which to celebrate, and all of us kids born in July to boot, LOL! Hope to see you there and if you know of someone in this class, please spread the word as not everybody gets The Eagle, or does Facebook or email. Other WHS graduates are welcome to stop by and say hello.

BACK TO THE NW--Former residents Layton and Pam Elliott are back on the Oregon coast, after a road trip to find a new place, just didn't quite work out. The couple thought they'd head to Arizona and live "off the grid" but unfortunately, things weren't all they seemed and they opted out of that scenario. A move a little further seemed to be working out but then the excessive heat and thick pollen made for breathing problems so they tried another spot. Unfortunately, due to insurance issues, coming back to the Oregon coast seemed like a great idea. Thanks to their friends and family, they finally made it back in one piece and I know the sunshine and milder temperatures and ocean views were deeply enjoyed. Welcome back to the NW guys!

CLOSER NOW--Also coming back to the land of the "green," is my cousin Larri Palmer and his wife, Sally, as they have moved from their home down south and are now back in Longview, so it will be fun to have them closer to some of the other family members now. They got back just in time to celebrate their folks' anniversary, Donna (Healy) and Glenn Palmer as well as the Fourth of July, so that was great timing! Not to mention, they made it up here before those earthquakes hit, definitely good timing. Larri recently retired, so they were able to make these big changes in their lifestyle, but I think they are truly going to enjoy them and I know his folks will be happy to have them closer.

CELEBRATION--We were fortunate to join some of Bill's friends from years ago, as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently. With one partner being a bubbly, outgoing, fun loving, easy going, people hugging Hawaiian and one being a more reserved, structured Dutch person, well, you'd have to wonder how they managed a compromise between worlds, but they have done so beautifully! However, it was quite obvious that their two children took after Mom, as they performed a song and their grandkids danced for us, so no, they didn't get their Dad's reserved part. It was great fun to meet all the family and friends from Hawaii and find out that one of those close friends had even been to Skamokawa to go kayaking; small world! In true Hawaiian fashion, games were played, songs were sung and the feast that was served to around 80 people, was absolutely awesome! There had to be over 20 feet of things being served up, so if you went away hungry, it was your own fault! It was also great to see Tony Aegerter and his family there as the dairy folks always seem to find one another no matter where they live. Needless to say, we wish Kommer and Marcia Langendoen the very happiest of anniversaries and we hope there are many more to come. With plans for retirement coming up next month, I'm sure there'll be even more celebrating on the way.