Skamokawa News

WET/CLOUDY START. As I begin this column, it’s been a very wet start to this Sunday morning for us out here in West Valley, but then things dried up a bit and it wasn’t too bad. However, the last couple of days of last week saw us wading through almost three inches of rain, so it was pretty soggy. Considering we’ve had such dry conditions, I was more than happy to see this rain come down. Because it started out nice and easy, it gave the ground a chance to soak up the water and not just run off, so I was truly grateful for that. I’m pretty sure I heard my yard give a big sigh of relief... ha!

FAIR OPENS THURSDAY. Considering our Wahkiakum County Fair starts this Thursday, which is when this paper is published, I hope the forecast holds, as it’s supposed to be dry and sunny for the entire three days of this annual event. Be sure to come to Skamokawa and enjoy the “Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats” 117th Wahkiakum County Fair, which is dedicated to a very hard worker and wonderful gal, Amber Eaton, this year. Thanks for all you’ve done, Amber! Here’s hoping you’ve gotten your fair book and have checked out all the events that are in it and we hope to see you at the fair on Aug. 21, 22 & 23 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Aug. 21 through 28 are John Gustafson, Riley Emlen-Petterson, Becky Ledtke, Kay Walters, Clarity Schmitz, Addy Helms, Julie McKagan, Bobbie Leingang, Brian Smith, Cindy Faubion, Linda DeBriae, Larry Havens, Bryce Heiner, Katie Phillips, Art Phillips, LouAnn Hedges, Sam Haynes, Addison Johnson, Devon Mueller, David Gates Jr., Audrey Hedman, Tina Fauver, Alba Rae Kuhl, Donna Evans, Tyson Bain, Patt Kellum, Sean Pedersen and Wayne Bell. Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are John and Nichole McKinley, Bryce and Caitlin Heiner, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Cruickshank, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Doumit, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lundgren, Pete and Patti LaBerge, Mike and Sara Brown, Bryan Bach and Libby Davison, and Bryce and Lauren Good. May all of you enjoy your special days and may they be filled with love and happiness and lots of good memories to last a lifetime.

FRIDAY MARKETS. We are fortunate to have two places to go when it comes to shopping locally and visiting markets on Fridays. The Westend Farmers Market takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. inside the Rosburg Hall. In Cathlamet, the Elochoman Marina Street Market takes place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. I love that we have these markets, where we can purchase fresh honey, homemade soaps, and fresh vegetables, as well as other locally made items, all while supporting our community. Don’t forget, Christmas is coming soon. Many things are being sold that would make for great gifts for your loved ones, or for gathering up and making a wonderful gift basket that you could donate to one of the many groups that will be hosting fundraising events in the near future.

MUSEUM HOURS. Our county is home to a wonderful museum located at 65 River Street in Cathlamet, and I had the pleasure of speaking to a packed house of folks who attended this past Saturday. Many were from out of town and were looking for pictures and information about local people they had been connected with in the past. Many were from the Mooers family, and we all had a good chat about who was who and how they knew this or that, a great bunch! If you have any information about your family that had connections to this area, and if the museum does not have pictures or records about them, please consider reaching out to our curator and sharing that information. This could help future visitors see things like service records or old homestead photos, which would make great additions to the museum’s collections. Contact Kari Kandoll at 360-849-4353. Please note that the museum will be closed August 23 because of the County Fair. Meanwhile, feel free to stop by the museum on Saturdays or Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. to browse through the records, photos, and exhibits—there’s plenty to see!

SERVICES NEXT SATURDAY. In case you missed the notice, there will be a memorial service for former resident and WHS alumna, Sandy Bussone Rodal on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Dowling Funeral Home located on Broadway Street in Cathlamet. Again, we offer our sincere condolences to her family on the loss of their very sweet loved one.