Westside stories

The Fall Barter Night at the Grays River Grange was another successful evening full of good food, good company, and that warm, practical hospitality our community does so well. Folks who didn't bring anything still came to look, chat, and see what their neighbors had hauled in. Those who did bring items were generous with them. Trades often started as conversations and ended with someone walking away with something they actually needed.

One of the evening's highlights was the squash walk. Accordion music started and paused as participants leaped onto numbered spots taped to the floor. It was both silly and competitive and just the kind of activity that makes strangers laugh together. Winners took home a variety of squash provided by Grange members.

In a small rural community like ours trades often happen over a kitchen table or favors are exchanged on the front porch. Whether it's a dozen eggs, a load of firewood, or a few hours to help with a project friends and neighbors come together to help each other, not by exchanging money but by exchanging labor, goods, and ideas.

I finally played bingo for the first time ever (if you can believe that) on Saturday night at Rosburg Hall. It was exactly the kind of chaotic neighborly fun our community does best. The women of the Rosburg Community Club pulled out all the stops: good food and drinks, great prizes for the winners, and an atmosphere that made everyone feel at home.

Nick Nikkila guided the evening with his steady, cheerful cadence and Carol Ervest kept the felt board full so folks who missed a call could catch up. Games moved from simple to more challenging, like the airplane pattern and four corners and were rounded out with blackout. After the adults finished, several more games were called just for the kids.

Bingo is more about the fun than the prize. The banter between the caller and players, the shared groan when someone calls out "Bingo" from across the room. I heard, "I was just one away, that's all I needed," more than once. That mix of near-miss disappointment and good humor set the tone for the night.

There was also a bittersweet note. Nick and Dee Nikkila are selling their Deep River home and heading to Missouri. Their move will be a real loss, not just because of their contributions to our community, but because of the energy and laughter they bring to every gathering of which they are a part.

Westside Happenings

The Appelo Archives Center invites the community to its annual Harvest Auction & Champagne Social on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. For $25 per person attendees receive access to a generous hors d'oeuvres bar, one complimentary glass of champagne, and one door-prize raffle ticket. Tickets may be purchased online through their website, at the café, by phone, or at the door the night of the event. The auction raises funds that support the center's programs and preservation work, so your ticket is both a fun night out and a direct boost to local history efforts.

The Finnish American Folk Festival is hosting a public gathering at Appelo Archives Center on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m. for anyone interested in helping shape next year's festival, which is scheduled for July 24–26, 2026. The gathering is open to individuals, local organizations and museums, cemetery associations, and community leaders who want to contribute time, exhibits, programming, sponsorships, or practical support.

The festival's mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase the historic customs and cultures of Finnish Americans and the broader Lower Columbia communities, while connecting generations and strengthening community bonds. Although Finnish heritage remains central, the organization plans to expand its focus on local history, industry, and other regional traditions. If you have ideas for an exhibit, want to volunteer, or represent an organization that could partner with the festival, please come. If you plan to attend, kindly let the organizers know by emailing rsvp@nasellefinnfest.com or by calling or texting 971-704-1135.

October

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.

8 – American Legion Veterans' Breakfast at Rosburg Hall, 8 – 11:30am.

December

14 – FAFF Christmas Events: Tour of Homes, Deep River Church Concert, Soup Supper, Bingo, and Christmas Bazaar

21 – 4th Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 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.