Westside Stories

The Grays River Grange Barter Night was a notable success, attracting over 40 participants who joined the private bartering group to present and exchange their distinctive farm, kitchen, and agricultural products. The evening began with a potluck-style meal, where a variety of homemade dishes created a welcoming atmosphere for those who attended.

After the meal, participants received instructions from one of the event's organizers, Kelly Shumar, who outlined the evening's agenda and explained the bartering process. Kelly emphasized how, in the past, community members would gather at the Grange to meet their needs. During these exchanges, farmers and other community members traded essential items such as hay, livestock, and produce to obtain necessities, fostering a cooperative community spirit.

To kick off the bartering event, a jam walk was held. Similar to a cake walk, there was a circle of eight numbered spots on the floor for each participant to stand on. As Grange member Krist Novoselic played various tunes on the accordion, everyone circled until the music stopped, and each person stepped onto a number. The other event organizer, Brooke Bennett, drew numbers and announced the winners, who then had the chance to choose from a variety of jams and jellies donated by Grange members. It was a fun way to start the evening.

We spent the rest of the night mingling at different tables and looking over the items available for trade. I'm not sure how much actual bartering took place, but our overall experience was very positive. We met other locals who shared helpful tips about raising goats, baking sourdough bread, and trying to connect a neighbor with someone to help bale their hay field. It was a great opportunity to strengthen connections with friends and neighbors.

The concept of bartering, which is defined as the direct exchange of goods and services, has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. The tribes of Mesopotamia are recognized as some of the earliest users of this trading system, which played a significant role in the development of early economies before the widespread use of money. Throughout history, bartering has served as a means of trade. In the United States, there was a resurgence of bartering during the Great Depression as people sought ways to obtain essential goods and services when money was scarce.

Overall, the barter night at the Grange not only highlighted the historical importance of bartering but also underscored the value of community involvement.

Another notable event we attended this past Saturday was the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Astoria. As usual, the festival attracted a large crowd, even with the drizzly weather. Merchants, artisans, and food vendors filled the fairgrounds, offering their products while musicians and dance groups entertained the crowds on two stages. My husband bought me two adorable gnomes to add to my growing collection, along with a Karl Frazer Salty Toffee Chocolate bar from the Finn Ware booth. I also purchased a bottle of chive vinegar from an Oregon vendor. One of the highlights of the festival was visiting the Icelandic horses in the arena. The two teenagers caring for the horses for their grandparents shared a wealth of information about them.

I heard from Angela Metcalf that the Finnish Midsummer Tea at the Appelo Archives Center was well attended, and everyone had a great time. The food was definitely the highlight, featuring salmon lox on Finn Crisp crackers with Sinappi (Finnish mustard), tea sandwiches, cardamom madeleines, and Finnish Pulla bread served with Swedish cloudberry and lingonberry jams. There was also a large variety of teas from Finland. The attendees enjoyed a performance by young dancer Kaisa Pakenen, who showcased a ballet solo. Additionally, a raffle was held, offering gift baskets containing donations from Finn Ware and the Naselle Coffee Company. I am sorry I missed it.

There were so many events in our area to attend this past weekend that we couldn't go to them all. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy one or two of the great happenings in our community.

Westside Happenings

July

2 – Jeff Evans Reading Magic Show at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

2 – Play Day at the Library at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

9 – Tie Dye Party at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

16 – Build a Terrarium at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

23 – Meet YA Author Vanessa L. Torres at Naselle Timberland Library 11 a.m.

23 – Stomp Rockets at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

26 – enTaiko at Naselle Timberland Library, 11 a.m.

30 – All ages Pour Painting at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.