Westside Stories

This past Saturday, the historic Grays River Covered Bridge once again transformed from a quiet landmark into the centerpiece of one of Wahkiakum County's most beloved traditions, the 18th Annual 4-H Covered Bridge Dinner.

Long tables stretched the length of the bridge, set with eclectic tableware and jars of homemade pickled beets and cucumbers. The air carried the scent of smoked salmon, slow-cooked brisket, and the faint mustiness of the bridge's old timbers. A string of lights draped along one side cast a soft glow, turning the scene into something out of a small-town romance. The youth volunteers dressed neatly in their aprons were considerate, kind, and attentive to every guest. It was a perfect fall evening; sunny, warm, and filled with friends and neighbors gathered shoulder to shoulder.

The dinner, now nearly 20 years old, started with a simple remark. Paula Carlson, then from Puget Island, once read about an East Coast fundraiser held on a covered bridge and said, "We've got one!" From that idea, a tradition was born. What started as an experiment has evolved into an annual fundraiser for Wahkiakum 4-H, connecting today's youth program to its deep history. In 1912, Wahkiakum County welcomed the first Extension Agent west of the Mississippi, George Nelson, thanks to the Grays River Grange. Just two years later, the Seal River School became the site of the first 4-H club west of the Mississippi.

Like every year, this year's event was made possible thanks to a long list of volunteers. Extension staff Carrie Shofner, Shari Parker, and Lisa Ervest carried the organizational backbone, with Lisa overseeing the auction and volunteer recruitment. Amber Eaton, a 4-H alum, has orchestrated the bridge setup since the beginning, often with the help of Naselle football players she recruits for the heavy lifting.

Other alumni continue to carry the torch. Joni Matthews runs the service area at the bridge's center, while Amy Hunt has worked alongside her for years. Jessica Vik leads the instantly recognizable youth servers in their white pinafore aprons, a tradition started when volunteer cook Mickey Bates repurposed old sheets into uniforms.

The cooking was also a real community effort. Mike Backman once again donated and cooked the salmon, assisted by Joe and Sarah Blalock and their daughters. The Rosburg Hall kitchen was filled with family teamwork. Stephanie Tetrick traveled from Colville to join husband Jeff; son, Gary; brother, Erik; nephew, Henri; and her mother (all 4-H alumni) to prepare the rest of the food.

Music floated over the tables as Jeffrey Reynolds, a faithful contributor since the first year, played his violin while guests bid on silent auction items donated by local artists and supporters. The live auction added to the energy, with the auctioneer's quick wit, steady rhythm, and commanding voice keeping the crowd engaged and the bids climbing higher with every item.

The Covered Bridge Dinner isn't just about food and fellowship. Funds raised provide scholarships for graduating seniors, cover enrollment fees, and help meet other needs for 4-H members.

This was our first time attending. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, visiting with friends, catching up with neighbors, and soaking in a sense of community. The evening felt less like a fundraiser and more like a family dinner. It was a reminder of just how special gatherings like this can be.

A special thank you to Carol Ervest for providing such detailed information about the event. This made it possible to fully appreciate both the history and the community effort behind it.

Westside Happenings

Plenty is happening on the West End this coming week:

Rosburg Hall Bingo Night–Friday, Oct. 11, hosted by the Rosburg Community Club. If you're looking for a lively evening out, these ladies know how to make it fun. The door opens at 5:30 p.m., and games start at 6 p.m.

Candidate Forum at the Grays River Grange.Monday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m., meet the candidates on the November ballot, hear their positions, and bring your questions.

Town Hall Meeting on the Community Forest Project – Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. at Johnson Park Community Center. The Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners will share details about a partnership with Pacific County and the Columbia Land Trust to establish a Community Forest in the Upper Grays River watershed.

October

9 – Fall Barter Night at Grays River Grange,

5pm

11 –Bingo at Rosburg Hall, doors open at

5:30pm, games start at 6pm

14 –Candidate Forum at Grays River

Grange, 6:30pm

15 –Town Hall Meeting at Johnson Park, 6pm

18 –Appelo Archive Center Harvest Auction

& Champagne Social, 5pm

25 –Holiday Bazaar at Rosburg Hall, 10am to 2pm. Chicken lunch at 11:30am. For

vendor information, please contact Frieda

Footh at 360-465-2574.

26 –FAFF Meeting, 4pm & FAFF Mixer at

6:30pm at Appelo Archives Center.

November

2 – Majority Finn concert at Valley Bible

Church, 4pm

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar. To add an event to the calendar, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com.