Cathlamet Holiday Traditions come to Pioneer Center

The Pioneer Community Association (PCA) is committed to honoring our mission of preserving the historic Cathlamet Pioneer Center (Pioneer Church) for use as a cultural and performing arts center and public meeting venue. That commitment has paid off as the Pioneer Center has seen tremendous growth in utilization over the past two years; from dozens of great concerts and Summer Theater Camps for kids, to hosting our local community choir, The CathlameTones, for weekly practices, and a steadily increasing number of activities connected to the Cathlamet Library. The doors are open to our community, and we want to keep them that way.

Fundraising for most small non-profit organizations is an ongoing fact of life. The PCA held its second annual major fundraising event, Silent Auction with a Twist, on Oct. 25 at the Norse Hall. More than 50 Auction items were donated by our amazing and generous business community and friends of the PCA.

Pulling off an event of this scale can only happen with lots of helping hands. We want to extend a special “Thank You” to volunteer extraordinaire Robin Westphal and the Cathlamet Woman’s Club for their generous support and participation. Your service truly makes a difference in our community.

Measuring success is more than just dollars raised. People new to our community visited the Norse Hall for the first time. Five new memberships were turned in. The number, quality, and variety of donated items for the auction was heartwarming and deeply appreciated. Those that braved the weather and ventured out into the storm ate well, heard great music, and enjoyed an evening together that raised $4,500 for the Pioneer Community Association. Together, we will keep the lights on and the doors open.

Speaking of open doors, there are some upcoming Cathlamet Holiday Traditions. Don’t miss these events, starting with the very popular Skamokawa Swamp Opera Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 5. Doors open at 6 p.m and the concert starts at 6:30. Saturday, Dec. 13 is FA LA LA, our wonderfully entertaining Variety Show and Community Sing-Along. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the festivities begin at 4. Together, we can pack the house and celebrate a very good year for the Cathlamet Pioneer Center.