Fall Festival weather was "iffy" but mattered not to folks in Harrington

 
Series: Harrington News | Story 49

Last updated 10/9/2019 at 11:17am

Karen Robertson

Harrington mayor Justin Slack and his wife Heather Slack were selected as grand marshals for the Harrington Fall Festival parade last Saturday.

Harrington Fall Festival

On September 27, Harrington was a busy town from early morning throughout the day and into the evening. Students helped in the process of sprucing up the town. The Harrington Opera House rummage sale began at 10 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m., with stragglers and donors coming by for another hour or so. The customer appreciation barbecue was a success from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the grassy area between the US Bank and Harrington Food Mart.

Shortly after 2 p.m. the focus of attention was the vacant lot at the corner of Willis and Third, where the Chamber of Commerce had prepared for its promotion of the Town Square project. They had set up a tent for the food prepared by Julie Jacobson, which included pulled pork and street tacos. Well before 6 p.m., the music for the street dance was playing with DJ Kevin James at the controls. The trailer with the amplifiers was lodged across the street purposely cutting off the cold chill of the wind coming up the street. Lines began forming for food, and people found seats at four long tables with chairs staged along the edge of the street on the north side, leaving plenty of space for dancing in front of the trailer. A few junior high gals ventured out and a few grandparents entertained their grandchildren by helping them to dance.

The beer garden seemed to have a good turnover of patrons with many enjoying conversation while they drank. From 6 until shortly after 7 p.m. the Harrington Opera House provided tours. Although this writer did not endure until 10 p.m., it was learned that the affair continued to that hour and was viewed as a huge success. The purpose was to benefit the Harrington Town Square Project by calling attention to the sample brick pavers that are to be engraved as a fund-raiser effort. The architectural drawing is on location and was viewed by a host of alumni who came for the Festival. The Post & Office was crowded throughout the evening in spite of the people a block away watching a few children dancing.

Saturday brought temperamental weather conditions, and the town was pleased that we did not have a downpour, even though it did appear that a few white drops fell, trying to rain and snow on our parade. The FFA Pancake Feed opened at 7:30 a.m. and fed the hungry until 10 a.m. The Fun Run was a great success with 35 participants braving the winter-like weather to participate in the Harrington FBLA Huff 'N' Puff Fun Run this year. The race began at 9 a.m. Awards went to 5K first-place male and female winners Michael VanPevenage of Harrington and Kaci King of Odessa, respectively. Placing first in the one-mile race were Harrington seventh-grader Randy Mahrenholz in the men's race and Cassandra Pfaffle-Dick in the women's race.

Generous sponsors and participant fees helped the club to make a profit of around $1,300 to help send students to competitions. It was great seeing former classmates who had joined together for their class reunions trudging the trails of their hometown together again," said Sharon Kruger, advisor for FBLA. Entrants this year along with their times: Randy Mahrenholz, 8:53; Turner Slack, 9:06; Colby Kiser, 9:45; Lonny Soliday, 11:01; Cassandra Pfaffle-Dick, 12:03; Simon King, 14:45; Susan Larmer, 15:00; LaMarr Larmer, 15:01; Alexandria Soliday, 15:04; Kirsten Slane, 15:14; Laurie Wilson, 15:40; Kari Gossett, 18:16; Kathi Matthews, 18:32; Suzan Frank, 19:03; Juliann Janke, 19:04; Julie Teade, 20:36; Amy Philadelphia, 21:10; Steve Sanders, 21:10; John Sandygren, 22:08; Judy Trull, 22:08; Chris Kruger, 22:08; Michael VanPevenage, 21:57; Brayton Zeigler, 22:27; Matt Henry, 23:09; Kaci King, 24:53; Alexis Dechenne, 25:24; Jill Knittel, 31:11; Stacy Hirst, 52:32; Britney Wagner, 52:32; Becky Moeller, 52:37; Lexie Sainsbury, 52:43; Cindy Brondt, 62:27 and Kaylen Behrens, 62:27.

The Mud Bog racing began at 9 a.m. and was viewed as very successful with a good turnout.

The Harrington Opera House rummage sale was considered a wonderful success, "with a whirlwind of preparation, a misplaced ad and, despite the wind and rain, the two-day total was $1,150 and a three dollar bill. On behalf of the Opera House Society, thank you for contributing to the Rummage, donation coupled with donation, all toward the continuing expenses of the building," said Society member Carol. Closing at 3 p.m., sales continued Saturday until 6 p.m. Tours were given from 9 a.m. through 12 noon. Several isolated tours were given by staff from the rummage room during the afternoon hours.

Reporting on the Pinewood Derby at the Studebaker Garage, Jill Barth said, "We had a great competitive turnout. Twenty cars entered, more than last year. Fun had by all, but [age groups] 20-40 and 40 and-up were by far the most invested in winning; especially if it meant beating a family member. We raised just over $350 towards the Harrington High School Scholarship fund. If interested in applying, as a graduating senior, contact Ginny at the school."

Activity was seen in the Hotel Lincoln on Friday evening, but actual tours were given there from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Vendors were moved into the Memorial Hall, a plan which was developed as the weather became more threatening. The area seemed busy with a constant flow of patrons. Rumors filtered around the crowds that the Mattozzi pumpkin doughnuts were fantastic but that they sold out before some of the patrons could get to them. Evidence was seen among the people with new features on their faces, having met with the talents of Grace Daniels and her "face painting." Parents willingly paid $5 each for their children to be painted upon, something which not many years back, carried a heavy punishment from parents. The times, they have changed! Susie Harding sold knitted hats and was pleased with the activity that occurred. Dave Sprunger of Rural Resources brought literature and forms to inform and educate the public on resources for crime victims as well as protections. Kettle Corn was available at Memorial Hall. There were several jewelry vendors and several that were decorating nails. The Harrington Homemakers were prepared with their pies. Mama Celia's of Washington had some special vinegars that were being talked about around town. Word of mouth on site increased sales.

At noon, much of the crowd from downtown went up to the city park and made their way to the bus garage where the Lion's Club had the barbecued beef prepared, which fed the hungry until they ran out of meat before 3 p.m. The Beer Garden was also set up nearby and had a good flow of people to 4 p.m. No results were learned by this writer on the raffle drawings.

Parade

Karen Robertson

The Friday night Street Dance at the Harrington Fall Festival drew participants and spectators to the Hotel Lincoln, the large brick building at left, as the clouds that would bring winter-like temperatures the next day can be seen in the background as they began moving through the area.

The U.S. and Washington state flags were carried in the misting rain by Harrington FFA members, Zoe Niccolls and Kaitlyn Kiser. Grand Marshals for the 2019 parade are Mayor Justin Slack and his wife, Heather Slack. Sen. Judy Warnick and Rep. Tom Dent were in the parade reminding the community of their interest in it. A soldier, Ken Nash, regimental quartermaster, U.S. Cavalry 1872, member of the Washington State Civil War Association, rode his horse Munchy. Representatives of the classes of 1959, 1969 and 1979 were highlighted on trailers or in vehicles, all enduring the few drops that fell during the parade route. Davenport royalty included Princess Mariah Corrial, Princess Tessa Sweetland, Princess Malizza Hinkey and Queen Katie Fitzpatrick.

Harrington was so pleased that Davenport's High School marching band and Reardan's High School marching band turned out and performed while participating in our parade. The young and lovely Future Miss Harringtons were on a flatbed trailer, learning what parades are going to be. Scott McGowan appeared in the parade in the EMT vehicle. The Lincoln Co. Fair and Rodeo was represented by its Fair Queen, Whitney Bjornberg. At least one of the entrants from the Mud Bog appeared in the parade before its end.

The alumni dinner at the school began at 5:30 p.m. and at its closing signaled the end of another successful and busy festival.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Cheney Free Press
Ritzville Adams County Journal
Whitman County Gazette
Odessa Record
Franklin Connection
Davenport Times
Spokane Valley News Herald
Colfax Daily Bulletin

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/12/2024 02:29