Westside Stories

What began as a playful Facebook comment has quickly grown into Rosburg's premier New Year's Day event.

The second annual Grinch Parade stretched from Rosburg Hall to the Burkhalter dairy and back, filling the route with laughter and holiday cheer. The event was sparked by an offhand Facebook post last year by Susan Burkhalter. After placing a stuffed Grinch at the corner of Barr Road and Altoona Pillar Rock Road, Burkhalter joked that the Grinch was "waiting for a parade." Friends took her at her word and, within an hour, a new tradition was born.

This year's parade, sponsored by Wahkiakum Fire District #3, expanded well beyond its humble beginnings. A total of 17 floats took part, featuring tractors, side-by-sides, motorcycles, classic cars, a monster truck, a semitruck, fire vehicles, and a variety of creatively decorated entries. Candy flew through the air, silly string coated spectators, and Mark Letham, fully suited in fire gear, drew smiles as he zipped down the road on a scooter.

Susan Burkhalter brought the festivities to an even-wider audience by hosting a Facebook Live broadcast, offering lively commentary for those who couldn't attend in person and awarding parade prizes to participants. The honors included Most Candy Thrown, Karl and Shana Smith; Biggest Tractor, Tony Zhao; Best Group Entry, The Car Club; and Most Creative Entry, The Bloom/Wirkkala family for their "Flood Uber" float

Burkhalter also shared a poem written by Stephanie Sotka in tribute to the parade: "The Grinch sits, his job is done, Christmas is finished....But wait! Not for everyone! His legs are crossed, he wants to rest, but his head is spinning. A parade will go past. A fire truck, a four-wheeler, a spreader, and a bike. Can you imagine? What's not to like? He'll be the judge and jury, too. Waving and "grinching" as all pass through. He's heard there are plans afoot, for next years' time, as his steed still stands tall by his side.

"Neither rain nor flood can stop their ride."

After the parade, everyone headed to the Grays River Fire Hall for a community potluck and chili feed. Fire department volunteers kept the large pots of chili coming, as the meeting room quickly filled with neighbors, friends, and families. The turnout was so high that conversations and tables spilled into the vehicle bays, showing how many people came to participate.

During the gathering, Assistant Fire Chief Austin Burkhalter recognized former volunteer members of the department by presenting a handcrafted wooden plaque with their names, along with personalized vests for the department's top responders. The projects were made possible through the behind-the-scenes efforts of Andrea Vincent.

The event also provided a chance to remind the community about the $15,000 in matching funds allocated to Wahkiakum Fire District #3. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar and used to upgrade vital turnout gear. Contributions can be donated directly to the district.

Support for the event was provided, in part, by the Grays River Fire & Ambulance Foundation, which supports fundraising efforts and families in need within the community. The Foundation's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Grays River Fire Hall. Interim President Kimberly DeJesus encourages current and former fire and EMS volunteers interested in serving on the Foundation board to attend. Donations can be mailed to the Grays River Fire & Ambulance Foundation at P.O. Box 12, Rosburg, WA 98643. Thanks to the many organizers, participants, and spectators, the second annual Grinch Parade and community potluck became another memorable community celebration, and plans are already underway for next year's floats.

Westside Happenings

January

12 – Grays River Fire & Ambulance Foundation meeting at Grays River Fire Hall, 6pm

14 – Grays River Flood Control District meeting at Grays River Fire Hall, 5:30pm

20 – NGRV School Board meeting in the Naselle School library, 6:30pm

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 Archive 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.