Harrington news

May 21, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., was the sixth annual Classic Car Show promoted by Allen Barth of the Studebaker Garage. Although the chicken ordinance for the city of Harrington has not been resolved, everyone associated with a successful Cruizin' Harrington was up with the roosters. Intermittent rain dampened spirits in the morning and deterred some entries, while an incident at the Studebaker Garage posed its own threat and sent the main promoter to a Spokane hospital for a quick check-up. Well-organized crews kept the show on schedule with a reported 67 cars registered, a phenomenal turnout considering the erratic predictions for rain and ultimately some actual moisture escaping from the clouds.

To provide them shelter from the rain, vendors were set up in the Memorial Hall instead of on the closed Main Street area east of Third. The 16 vendors displayed a wide selection of wares, including baked goods, candles, clothes, flowers, vintage collectibles, furniture and more. When the weather improved, several moved out to the street. Heather Slack, who organized the vendors' participation, was very happy with the turnout saying, "it was a great event."

A total of six "mapped" yard sales and two large rummage sales prompted the crowd to spend their money and support the causes of the PTA and the Harrington Opera House. Both reported great success and the opera house, with its vintage jewelry and hats, had its greatest income yet. The Opera House Society appreciates all who donated items for the sale and reminds everyone that the next rummage sale at the opera house will be June 10 during the Clouse Memorial event.

The quilt show at the opera house was a grand success, with a most unique collection of diverse patterns and styles. Approximately 50 quilts were on display, along with a nice selection of wall hangings. Some quilts were traditional pioneer quilts, several were salvaged quilt tops and one was recently acquired and in great need of repairs after having been found in a trunk in a barn this year. Vintage quilts belonging to great-grandmother were on display. Elegant modern quilts were breathtaking in color, pattern and design. Many comments were heard regarding the Harrington Centennial Quilt with its farm scenes and names in each section. Harrington's Stitchin' Chicks also had items on display.

Lise Ott and JoEllen Wollman of Experience Quilts in Odessa were kept busy selling patterns and fabric and sharing their extensive knowledge. Laura Estes of Laura's Sage Country Quilts, also of Odessa, demonstrated her 'ruched' flower technique. She has been in business since 1994 and is recognized for pattern designing.

The gorgeous quilt made by Paula Pike for the PTA fundraising raffle for the school multipurpose room stage drapes was won by Jo Gooley. Other doors prizes were also given out. Organizers were pleased with the loan of so many heirlooms and the great assistance provided in making the event so worthwhile. Background music was furnished from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Linda Wagner, Linda Zellmer and Billie Herron. The music was so well enjoyed that some people spontaneously joined in song.

Tim Tipton of the Harrington Chamber of Commerce stated that the tallies are not in yet from the beer garden, but there was a good outcome overall for the whole event in spite of the morning's weather conditions. He went on to applaud, "all the people involved – volunteers, vendors, organizations, car show people, the school, the city and the city work crew. It was a community-driven event, and without all of that it just wouldn't be possible."

Customers coming from the sales at the school were pleased with plants they had purchased. It was heard that the Harrington Homemakers had sold their last pie, as that customer went home without a pie. Harrington FFA enjoyed a steady stream of customers at the school greenhouse for their annual plant sale. Receipts had not been tallied.

The Harrington Golf and Country Club was able to take advantage of the returning sunshine in the afternoon, as some were using free golf coupons to play a round of golf. Many Harrington residents, car show participants and others in town for the day enjoyed a sumptuous prime rib dinner there in the evening.

The Lincoln Hotel, at the corner of Sherlock and Third, was open for tours, showcasing the progress made over the previous year and emphasizing the continuation of their window project. Starting Place, the former Landmark Apartments, was open for viewing. Owned by the Harrington Community Church, it is a 501(c3) entity established for veteran housing.

The students of Heather Safe presented their spring piano recital at the Harrington Opera House on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. Safe explained her rationale for having students play duets as a way to teach them to keep the correct tempo. The performance opened as a young man in costume introduced himself with his iconic electronic voice, "My name is Darth Vader and I will play the Imperial March by John Williams." This was followed by Steven Lutes relating some of the history of John Williams and playing a duet of Williams' "Theme from 'E.T.'" with his mother Loi Lutes. Steven Lutes continued with the introductions, and Katelyn Vaughn played "City Sounds" by Kevin Costley. Stacy Oehlwein played "The Audience" by Diane Hidy. Justin Vaugh played "Victory March" by Dennis Alexander. Justin was joined at the piano by Heather Safe, and they played "Theme from Trumpet Concerto" by F.J. Haydn, arranged by Helen Marlais. Lidia Mattozzi played two solos, "Alouette" (a French folk song) and "Bike Ride" by Dennis Alexander, et al. Lidia was joined at the piano by her older sister Bella Mattozzi, and they played "The Alligator Blues" by Jane Smisor Bastien. Lidia left the stage and Bella played "Gigue" by Samuel Arnold and "Lean on Me" by Will Withers, arranged by Mona Rejina. Each of these younger students performed very well. Bowing when their performance was complete reaped heart-warming applause.

"Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin and "Waltz" by Frederic Chopin, arranged by Faber, were played by Kiery Michael with her instructor, Heather Safe. Austin Vaughn played "Come Thou Fount" (Nettleton) by John Wyeth. Brenna Kiefer and Safe played "Dance of the June Bugs" by Geo. L. Spaulding.

Brenna Kiefer then played "Waltz in A Minor" by Chopin and "Bright Orange" by Robert Starer. Cody Zeller played "Prelude in C minor, BWV 999" by J.S. Bach, followed by "East Bound and Down" by Jerry Reed. This brought great applause and whistling from the audience. Lake Edwards played "Melody" by Robert Schumann and "Joshua Fit the Battle," arranged by Phillip Keveren. Again, the audience was generous with their applause. The final number was "All Things Bright and Beautiful," an English folk song arranged by Catherine McMichael and played by Lake Edwards on piano, Gloria Edwards on Violin 1 and Heather Safe on Violin 2. Each of these students bowed which elicited more applause. Safe gave out awards and asked each of her students to stand at the base of the stage and repeat an oath that they would continue to play piano during the summer so that they would not lose all the progress they had made this year. She then had each student select a red rose to give to their primary transporter to and from lessons. A reception followed.

A photo would have been worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, but alas, no camera was turned on the audience during the last number of Lake Edwards accompanied by the two violins. Safe's young daughter sitting two-thirds of the way back in the audience was on her father's lap. She sat entranced with wholesome awe staring intently toward the stage. Sheer delight covered her face, and those who viewed could only wonder if the charm of the violin was always so effective at mesmerizing her into such perfect behavior.

The art students also received awards from their instructor Connie King, and attendees to the recital were invited to view the special art projects on display in the art room. The students were Scout Sewall, Isaak Brown, Kaydence Brown, Lidia Mattozzi and Bella Mattozzi.

Conagsco choice: Tom and Bettejo Carlton, Moses Lake, 1937 Ford sedan delivery.

Roger Krug choice: John Wagner, Harrington, 1934 Ford sedan.

Duck Lake Farms, Inc. choice: Kathy Wilcox, Harrington, 1926 Studebaker sedan.

H. Earl Clack choice: Monica Hubbard, 1972 Chevy pickup.

Wagner Financial Strategies choice: Austin Fries, 1960 Ford pickup.

Harrington Hideaway RV Park choice: John Gillis, Grand Forks, B.C., 1926 Ford Model T.

Harrington choice: Bob Salstrom, 1948 Ford pickup.

Emmitt's Used Cars choice: Charley Colbert, 1948 Ford Pilot Saloon.

Gerald W. Hardy choice: Brian Lauranie, 1959 Buick Electra.

Harrington Food Mart choice: Dennis Harrington, 1966 Chevy Malibu.

Rising Hearts Ranch choice: Gavin Riley, Harrington, 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon.

Circle-H Ranch choice: Dennis Tjoellker, Quincy, 1951 Studebaker.

Crop Production Services choice: Tom Smith, Kennewick, 1963 Studebaker GT Hawk.

Harrington Lions Club choice: Dennis Marchent, Moses Lake, 1934 Ford sedan.

The Electric Hotel choice: Margie Wagenins, 1955 Ford pickup.

Scott and Celeste Miller choice, Pat Gies, Odessa, 1958 Chevy Impala.

People's choice sponsored by the Wild Hair Salon, Gavin Riley, 1956 Ford Ranch wagon.

Best in Show sponsored by the Studebaker Garage, Kathy Wilcox, 1926 Studebaker.

Longest distance traveled, U.S., sponsored by Davenport Auto Parts, '59 Buick from Olympia.

Longest distance traveled, Canada, sponsored by Harrington Truck and Auto, Gary Koo, Chase, B.C.

Brian Curtis submitted this report on the car show:

After a long, wet winter and spring, we were looking forward to a nice day, but the rains came and the day began under the downpour. By midday the weather warmed and dryer conditions prevailed. Regardless, the folks came and brought their cool cars and trucks from all over Washington state and British Columbia. The Jet Age group from Olympia and the Puyallup area brought half a dozen cool '50s cars, and the Canadians came from as far away as the Shuswap Lake area and East Kootenays.

There were 68 registrants and spectators enjoying the local events at Cruizin' Harrington. The entries were diverse as well, with rods, customs and muscle cars mixed in with pickups and early classics. The local sponsors chose their favorites for the trophies, lunch was served and live music was on the schedule again this year.

This small town event is a fun time! Come enjoy the day and see how the folks in Harrington put out the red carpet for everyone to enjoy the cars, the vendors and the local history! See you for number seven in 2018!

1. Bob Salstrom, 1950 Ford F-1, full custom, two-tone paint, 514 cu. in. under the hood

2. Brian Lauranie, 1959 Buick Electra. Jet Age car club folks from the coast!

3. Charley Colbert, 1948 Ford Pilot Salon. Hydraulic front brakes, mechanical rears. 221 cu. in. 85 hp. Built-in hydraulic jacks for all four wheels.

4. Dana Whitlow, Spokane Valley, 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire. Great for carrying your giraffe on trips!

5. Dennis Harrington, 1966 Chevelle, 2016 Cadillac CTS-V LT-4 power. 640 HP, 8L90 8-speed automatic, Baer brakes all round. A very unique and challenging installation.

6. Dennis Marchetti, Moses Lake, 1934 Ford sedan, SBC, TPI, 'Rusty Red' cruiser, 50k cruisin' miles and smiles.

7. Dennis McGillis, Tri-Cities, 1965 Corvair. Second generation for the air-cooled GM product. All coil spring suspension.

8. Dennis Tjoelker, Quincy, 1951 Studebaker "amino", built in Bellingham, SBC powered hauler.

9. Gary Koo, Chase, B.C., 1978 Avanti II. These cars were now powered by GM small blocks and had comfortable bucket seats for long haul cruising.

10. Gavin Riley, Harrington, 1956 Ford Ranch wagon.

11. John Gillis, Grand Forks, B.C., 1926 Ford T-Bucket – Chevy 6, dual carbs, headers, cool features that are all home-built and interesting.

12. John Hunt, Ritzville, 1963 Chevy II, 194 cu. in., 6 cylinder.

13. John Wagner, Harrington, 1934 Ford sedan. This car has been in the family since new.

14. Kathy Wilcox, Harrington, 1926 Studebaker ER Dictator Coach.

15. Ken Dickson, Medical Lake, 1953 Ford Victoria. Sweet ride; last year for Ford's vulnerable flathead V-8.

16. Margie Wagenius, 1955 Ford pickup, 351 Ford power, two-toned copper and cream.

17. Merle McKee, Medical Lake, 1967 Dodge Charger, 5.2 Magnum.

18. Mike and Karen Ebert, Washtucna, 1970 Chevelle SS, 396 beautifully detailed.

19. Ray Kafton, Spokane, 1957 Ford Fairlane 427 Ford, A/C.

20. Richard Horton, 1969 Chevy Malibu, 454 cu. in.

21. Shane Gillis, Grand Forks, B.C., 1969 Dodge Super Bee, meticulous resto.

22. Ted Schlund, 1953 Ford F-100.

23. Tim and Monica Hubbard, Ephrata, 1972 Chevy pickup, 350/700R4, purchased new by Monica's grandfather, frame-off restoration completed.

24. Tom and Bettejo Carlton, M oses Lake, 1937 Ford sedan delivery. "Loco Express," shaved, clean, cool graphics.