Westside Stories

Westside Stories

By Lisa Yeager

This past Sunday was filled with Christmas events throughout the West End and Naselle, and while it was impossible to be everywhere at once, the holiday spirit was hard to miss.

I spent the afternoon manning a table at the Christmas Bazaar at Naselle School, but by all accounts, the concert at Deep River Church was packed. Festive music filled the church, with performances by Carl Wirkkala, along with Wren Hendriks and Erik Friend of Skamokawa Swamp Opera. A donated painting was also dedicated during the concert. Since I was unable to attend, I didn't hear many details regarding the donation. After the concert, many folks spent the afternoon touring four homes in Rosburg and Naselle that were graciously opened for public viewing of holiday décor.

Back at the school, the Commons buzzed with activity as vendors sacrificing a precious Sunday to sell handmade goods to eager shoppers, filled the space. The Soup Supper and Potato Bar were a major draw, with Travis Boggs scraping the pots clean to serve every last bowl.

Bingo proved equally popular. With additional games added to meet the growing demand, Sylvia Hoagland kept everything running smoothly while distributing prizes. These included hams and gift cards to local businesses. At the end of the evening, leftover food and a few hams were donated to the Westend Food Pantry, marking a fitting conclusion to a community-centered day.

Santa Claus also made an appearance at the Appelo Archive Center, posing for photos with kids and adding yet another stop on an already busy day of holiday fun.

Looking ahead, the fourth annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 21. Participants will gather at the See farm at 3 p.m., with the parade beginning at 4 p.m. The route will go from the See farm down Knappton Road, to the clinic, and then back again. Fingers crossed for cooperative weather.

Another growing tradition, which started as a spontaneous event last year, returns on New Year's Day in Rosburg, sponsored by Wahkiakum County Fire District #3. Participants can line up at the Rosburg Store at 11 a.m. for a parade along Altoona–Pillar Rock Road to the Burkhalter farm. At noon, the day continues with a Potato Bar and Chili Potluck at the Grays River Fire Hall, located at 8 N. Hull Creek Rd. The event will offer a laid-back, community-centered way to ring in the new year. Anyone is welcome to bring a dish to share, donate, or to just come by.

Westside Happenings

December

21 – Fourth Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 4pm. Register at nasellefinnfest.com.

January

1 – New Year's Day Parade starting at the

Rosburg Store at 11am. Potluck at

Grays River Fire Hall at noon.

24 –Exhibition by Darbury Novoselic at the

Grays River Grange, 11am–3pm.

25 –Exhibition by Darbury Novoselic at the Grays River Grange, 11am–5pm.

25 –FAFF Meeting at Appelo Archives

Center, 4pm.

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar. To add an event to the calendar or to share a story idea, please contact me at lisa@waheagle.com.