Rodeo Carnival Food Arts and Crafts Parade Race “Over the Dam”
May 11, 12, 13, 2012 PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. Postage Paid Coulee Dam WA 99116 Permit #12 ECRWSS Postal Patron
2 - Colorama 2012
55th Colorama packs in features The 55th Colorama celebration is coming on fast. It begins May 10, with the opening of the Paradise Amusement Carnival and lasts through Sunday with the Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Riding event, May 13, at the Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds. The events: • The carnival kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday, opens Friday at 3 p.m. for two sessions and again Saturday at 11 a.m. for two sessions. There are discount tickets at various venues in the area through Thursday. Discount tickets go for $25 for each session (savings of about $10) and are available at The Star newspaper, Chamber of Commerce office, North Cascades National Bank, H&H Grocery and Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union. • Come to the traditional Arts & Crafts Fair at North Dam Park, opening at 10 a.m. both Friday and Saturday. Don’t worry about lunch because there are a lot of good food booths. • The Pro-West Rodeo lasts three days this year, with the added Sunday Cleatis Lacy Bull Riding event. The rodeo begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. • The Senior Center Cowboy Breakfast takes off at 7 a.m. Saturday and runs until 10:30 a.m. Better show up and get fed before the big parade. • The big parade, the highlight of the Colorama celebration, begins at 11 a.m. and travels from Les Schwab on Federal Avenue, then down Midway Avenue. • The Over the Dam Run, for 5K, 10K and half marathon takes off on the east side of Grand Coulee Dam and ends up at North Dam Park. • The popular “Walk Across the Dam” sponsored by the Rotary Club will again be offered as a new-school fund raiser.
You can see some of the darndest things at the Colorama Parade, like this snowmobile entry in 2011.
• Colorama Buttons are on sale throughout the community. Purchase one for $3 and you could be the winner of several prizes being offered.
KARAOKE Friday & Saturday Night
• More events: Check out the arm wrestling contest Saturday at Pepper Jack’s. And Curt Davis will play guitar and sing at North Dam Park at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Photo ID Required
ELECTRIC CITY BAR & GRILL “Where Friends Meet Friends” • 633-2221
Friday, May 4
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich $695 MUSIC TO FOLLOW - DJ Brandon George Saturday, May 5 7 p.m. 2nd Annual Gold Fish Blow LIVE MUSIC - “Uncle Mojo”
Visa, MC Accepted • ATM on Premises
Bar & Grill
Colorama 2012 - 3
Arm wresting comes to Colorama
An arm wrestling event during Colorama has attracted Mike Beggs of Spokane, a three-time world champion. Organizer Lacy Gustafson of Creston said Monday that there are a number of arm wrestlers from the Spokane and Moscow area that plan to participate. The event begins with a weigh-in from 12 noon until 2 p.m.; the arm wrestling begins at 4 p.m. You can witness the action in the banquet room of Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille in Grand Coulee. Local enthusiasts of arm wrestling stated Monday that a number of people from the coulee area plan to compete. Categories are from 0-176 pounds; 177-198 pounds; 199 - 220 pounds and 221 pounds and over. Right-arm and left-arm wrestling are separate. Gustafson said that the first three arm wrestlers in both right-arm and left-arm wrestling will receive medals. T-shirts are given to each arm wrestler. Lacy’s husband Dallas, the 2000 Idaho arm wrestling champion, will compete. A grand champion will be decided when winners in the various categories go arm to arm.
Old West to stage gunfight at parade The Old West Gun Fighters will get darned cranky just before the parade starts on Saturday and six-shooters will fire. In keeping with the western theme of Colorama, the chamber of commerce hired the Okanogan County troupe to put on the show just before the parade in the middle of the parade route, somewhere in the vicinity from city hall to Safeway. Expect about 10 hombres to take umbrage, said Jean Berney, whose husband Buzz has been gunfighting before parades for some 40 years. She said the skit, complete with sets and props, will take about 10 minutes and involves cards, a bar and an outhouse.
The King’s Court R.V. Park
Welcomes everyone to our 55th Colorama Festival! • Open Year Around • Propane • Public Coin-op Laundry • Daily, Weekly, Monthly Rates • Full Service Camping Spaces
1-800- 759-2608/633-3655 - Hwy 174, Grand Coulee • www.kingscourtrv.com
Moon will be grand marshal
Jeanne Moon, 2011 Volunteer of the Year, is this year’s grand marshal.
Jeanne Moon of Nespelem will be the grand marshal of the Colorama Parade. Moon was selected as the local “Volunteer of the Year” and honored as such last December. The popular Nespelem resident has distinguished herself on the Nespelem School District Board, where she has been active since 1968. One person who knows Moon stated of her: “Jeanne is a role model to Nespelem students as she exhibits lifelong learning.” Moon will ride in a convertible. Give her a wave as a tribute to all she has done and continues to do for young people. It is said of her that she is constantly learning, attending conferences, sharing ideas and information with others. She helps raise funds for powwows and then volunteers to cook for them. Jolene Marchand said of Moon, “Jeanne’s volunteerism insures the traditions and culture are not forgotten but continue to be taught, learned and practiced by future generations so they will remain essential to the members of the Colville Tribe.” Jeanne and her husband Roy have raised five children and two grandchildren. See her in the big parade on Saturday.
IT’S PIZZA TIME!!!!! Made From Scratch Dine In or Take Out Take-N-Bake Also Available Lunch & Dinner Specials
Hometown Pizza & Pasta
212 Bridgeport Hwy., Grand Coulee
509.633.3393
4 - Colorama 2012
Over the Dam events offered for runners, walkers A great opportunity awaits runners and walkers alike during the 55th Colorama celebration in the Grand Coulee Dam area. The Over the Dam Run/Walk is a featured Saturday, May 12, event which takes participants along the Columbia River, over Grand Coulee Dam and ending at North Dam Park near the carnival site. Over the Dam events include 5K Run/Walk; 10K Run/walk; Half Marathon Run; and the Rotarysponsored “Walking the Dam, Building a School” event to raise funds for a new school. Event organizers pointed out that the weatherman is cooperating this year with temperatures projected to be in the 60s or 70s. The Over the Dam Run is put on by Trifreaks, the same company that puts on the Grand Columbian Triathlon in September. All races start on the east side of the dam. The walk and 5K events go straight over the dam to the west side of the dam, with the 5K ending at North Dam Park. The 10K and half marathon go down the Columbia River trail out and back and then follow the same route as the 5K to North Dam Park. The half marathon begins Saturday at 7 a.m.; the 10K run begins at 7:15; the 5K run at 8 a.m. and the Walk the Dam crowd takes off at 8:15. Those walking on the Rotary “Walking the Dam, Building a School” will check in at Freedom Point Plaza in Coulee Dam Park at 7 a.m. race day. Those involved in the 5K, 10K and half marathon and walkers can pick up their race materials Friday evening at North Dam Park between the hours of 4-7 p.m. The event still needs volunteers to help with the run. A meeting of volunteers is set for 7 p.m. Friday at North Dam Park. You can volunteer at that time. Better yet, shoot an email to volunteer@TriFREAKS. com to let them know you’d like to help. Awards ceremonies are set beginning at 9 a.m. race day at North Dam Park. Awards will be given out in time for participants to catch the parade, which begins at 11.
Walkers stop to look over the dam during last year’s Over the Dam walk.
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Colorama 2012 - 5
Button drawing Saturday
prizes will be held at North Dam Park You can purchase that Colorama at 12:45 p.m. Saturday. Button at many community stores Your button is numbered so you for $3. have as much a chance as anyone to win Drawings for a number of valuable a prize. However, you must be present to win, so plan your time so you can be on hand for the drawing. There are about $1,000 worth of prizes to be given away including a 32-inch flat screen TV.
Welcome
You're Here — Now Visit us at any of our business locations INCHELUM COMMUNITY STORE 38 Shortcut Road, Inchelium
(509) 722-3305
On the cover
Francis Marchand, of Omak, rides his bull in the 2011 Colorama Rodeo. — Scott Hunter photo
RAINBOW BEACH RESORT
COLUMBIA RIVER DISTRIBUTING
Highway 155, Agency Campus, 23 Lakes St., Nespelem
(509) 634-2771
18 N. Twin Lakes Road, Inchelium
(509) 722-5901
BARNEY'S QWIK STOP 34291 S. Highway 20, Kettle Falls
(509) 738-2983
TRADING POST STORE Highway 155, Agency Campus, 23 Lakes St., Nespelem
(509) 634-2700
TRIBAL TRAILS
KELLER COMMUNITY STORE
29078 Highway 27, Omak
(509) 422-7459
116111 S. Highway 21, Keller
(509) 634-4632
MILL BAY SMOKE SHOP 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson
(509) 687-GOLD
FAMILY
is why you do it all. Protect what you value the most. Let me, your State Farm agent, help build a solid foundation for you.
Bruce Cheadle 308 Spokane Way Grand Coulee
(509) 633-0280
515 Birch St., Coulee Dam
(509) 633-3200
6 - Colorama 2012
Rodeo much bigger this year This year’s Colorama Rodeo will be bigger and better, Ridge Rider officials indicated late last week. Added purses, an extra day for the Cleatis Lacy Bull Riding event, and a lot of good publicity has attracted a large number of cowboy contestants. Already, as of Thursday last week, entries include six bareback riders, 14 saddle bronc riders, 29 steer wrestlers, 47 team ropers, 31 breakaway ropers, 26 tie-down ropers and 47 barrel racers. Club President George Kohout said there was an air of excitement about the three-day event. “Last year we didn’t have enough for one section of saddle bronc riders, and this year we already have two,” Kohout said. “The amount of hotel/motel tax monies given by Electric City, Grand Coulee and Coulee Dam has helped us promote the event and it allowed us to raise the event purses,” Kohout said. “We are really excited because in one day we have more entries than we did for the entire rodeo a year ago,” Kohout added. Advance tickets for the Colorama Rodeo are still available. An “event” ticket for $25 will get you in for all three days. The action begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, continues at 2 p.m. Saturday and the special Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Ride gets underway at 2 p.m. Sunday. Members of the Lacy family will be on hand Sunday to present the winning bull rider with a special belt buckle. The late Cleatis Lacy was well known throughout rodeo circles and died almost a year to the day of his special event. McMillan & Layton will again provide the rodeo stock and Bob Garrett from Stratford will be announcer. Rodeo Queen Caelan Pitts will reign over the 3-day event.
COLORAMA WEEKEND
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Saturday & Sunday 8:30 to 11 a.m. ARM WRESTLING TOURNEY begins at 4 p.m. Saturday
Spills and thrills await you at this year’s rode.
Sunday, May 13
Delicious Breakfast Buffet
8:30 to 11 a.m.
SPECIAL DINNER
Grand Coulee Physical Therapy
Starting at 4:00 p.m.
6 OZ. PRIME RIB w/SAUTEED SHRIMP SKEWERS or CHICKEN FETTUCCINE
Physical Therapy for treatment of:
OUT-PATIENT ORTHOPEDICS • SPORTS INJURIES NECK AND BACK PAIN • ORTHOTIC INTERVENTION INDUSTRIAL INJURIES • POST-SURGERY REHAB NEUROLOGICAL REHAB
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 8 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 321 Burdin Blvd., next to the hospital
633-3260
BAR & GRILLE
Rick King, P.T.
113 Midway Avenue Grand Coulee 633-8283
Colorama 2012 - 7
New bull riding event honors Lacy
he returned to Grand Coulee where he spent his final 65 years. He was 89 when he passed away. Lacy competed in steer wrestling and team roping and was a long-time member of the Ridge Riders Club. The popular cowboy worked with stock companies for years as a “flanker” and was well known throughout rodeo circles. Members of the Lacy family will present the winning bull rider a special belt buckle.
Cleatis Lacy
The late Cleatis Lacy will be honored and remembered by rodeo fans at a special Sunday Bull Riding event at the Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds. Lacy, a cowboy most of his life, passed away May 14, 2011. Lacy started his cowboy career when he was 10 years old, and competed in the Calgary Stampede when he was 16. Lacy was at Omaha Beach with the Navy Seabees during World War II, and shortly after being discharged
SATURDAY SPECIAL
Grand Coulee Dam Area Seniors Annual Colorama
Cowboy Breakfast
May 12 from 7:00 -10:30 a.m. Adults $7 Children (under 12) $400
Pancakes, Sausage, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, Coffee, Milk 203 Main Street, Grand Coulee Proceeds Help Keep The Doors Open At The Center!
SPRING SALE at
Small Slush Puppies
Coulee Playland Resort
Only $1.00
We will be open before and after the parade.
219 Main St. Grand Coulee (Next to the Siam.)
Rent a Pedal Boat for the Kids while you shop • TACKLE • HUNTING SUPPLIES • RODS & REELS
Yamamoto, Shimano, Okuma, Berkley, Danielson, Mann’s, Owner/Cultiva, Rapala Luhr-Jensen, Strike King, Pautzke, Bentz, Gamakatsu, Pucci, Shakespeare and MORE! Big Hawg Baits, Lew’s Speed Spin
• T-SHIRTS • SWEAT SHIRTS 55th Annual Colorama State & Colville Tribe Licenses & Permits Festival andRodeo!
Come See What We Got!!!!
The clinic will be closed Saturday for Colorama
401 Coulee Blvd. East, Just south on Hwy 155 in Electric City
509.633.2671
8 - Colorama 2012
Calf roping is one of the many events at this year’s rodeo.
Craft Booths at North Dam Park
Friday, May 11 ........ 10 a.m. - Dusk Saturday, May 12.... 10 a.m. - Dusk
Colorama Parade
Saturday, May 12.... 11 a.m. Downtown Grand Coulee
Cowboy Breakfast
Saturday, May 12.... 7:00 - 10:30 a.m. Senior Center in Grand Coulee
Over the Dam Run/Walk Saturday, May 12.... Begins 7 a.m. Mason City Park, Coulee Dam
Carnival
May 10-11-12.......... at North Dam Park
Arm Wrestling
Carnival by Paradise Amusements from Coeur d’Alene
Carnival Thursday - Saturday May 10-11-12 at North Dam Park Thursday opening ...... 5 p.m. Friday opening ....3 p.m. Saturday opening ......................11 a.m. - 4 p.m./4-9 p.m.
Buy your Colorama Button! Drawing Sat. 12:45 p.m. North Dam Park MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
Sponsored by The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce and the Coulee Dam Casino
Sat., May 12 .......................... 4 p.m. Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille
Pro-West Rodeo Friday, May 11 .................. 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12................... 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13 ..................... 2 p.m. At Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds
Pitts is the 2012 Colorama Rodeo queen
Colorama 2012 - 9
Couple of dozen booths at food and craft fair
Eat and browse. That’s what you can do at the Colorama Arts & Craft fair at North Dam Park this weekend. Four food booths will be on hand to provide the eats and a number of arts and crafts booths will be open Friday and Saturday. It’s a great place to purchase those gifts that you will need down through the year. The food booths include Marsalee’s Thai Foods; White’s Concession; M.W. Tropic Sno; and Taco-De-Sol. Crafts booths include Amy’s Beady Eyes, jewelry and embroidery; Bandles Footwear, sandals; Pampered Chef; Marvel Nichols Stuff, pet toys and supplies; Rice Jewelry, put your name on rice, key chains, etc.; Uniquely Yours, handbags, magnets, closet organizers; Wilk Leather from Leavenworth; PJ’s Art, popcorn blouses, yard ornaments; Victor Crafts, sweaters, dresses, blankets; Stocking Tree, aprons, towel holders; Sweet P’s Stores, sauces hot and spicy; Scentsy, candles; Crafty Hands, puppets, kids’ toys, caps; Elsner Wooden Things, bird houses, chairs and stools; Colors Origins, sheep & alpaca jackets; Sculptures Glass hand blown items; Sticker City, vinyl auto decals; Touch of Wonder, photo greeting cards, etc.; Liberating Style, jewelry, sunglasses; Crafts Galore, quilts, pillows, kids’ tents; and Name Trains, puzzles.
A Coulee City cowgirl has the honor and duties of the Colorama Rodeo queen for 2012. The Ridge Riders Saddle Club held royalty tryouts for the 2012 season Oct 1. Two contestants tried out for the title: Kayleen Oliver from Medical Lake and Caelan Pitts from Coulee City. Pitts won the honor last October in a competition that stressed horseman©2012 Nationwide Marketing Solutions, Redlands CA. All products ship, speech, perand designs displayed herein are protected by Copyright, and may sonal interviews and not be reproduced in any manner, except by express written consent of written tests. Nationwide Marketing Solutions. Any unauthorized use is prohibited by law. Horses and the sport of rodeo have Caelan Pitts is 2012 Colorama Rodeo Queen ph 800-530-3585 fx 800-530-3518 o.: 23939 Coulee Dam FCU played a role in Pitt s’ ” x 5.5” Display Ad) life by teaching her basic values, she said. Horses have taught her patience and responsibility, while Fresh the sport of rodeo has taught her determination and respect.
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SPRING OPENING Friday, May 11 SPRING OPENING
9Friday, a.m. toMay 6 p.m. 11 Stop byto and visit 9 a.m. 6 p.m.
Stop by and visit www.shawsfruit.com 3533A Hwy. 155, Coulee Dam, www.shawsfruit.com WA 99116 • 509-633-0133 3533A Hwy. 155, Coulee Dam, donna@shawsfruit.com WA 99116 • 509-633-0133 donna@shawsfruit.com
10 - Colorama 2012
The GCD marching band will be one of the entries in this years’s parade.
Lots of entries for the big parade Look for a lot of excitement at the big Colorama Parade. It begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, but if you want to get a good spot to watch the parade you better get there early. There will be music, floats, horses, rodeo royalty, lots of kids, and more, including a shootout on the parade route just before it begins. Both the Lake Roosevelt High School and Grand Coulee Dam Middle School bands will march and play. The Pasco band directed by Vicki Watson, who used to be music director here in this school district, will be on hand again.
The Brewster High School and ness of the year” and “Achiever of the Schwab Tires on Spokane Street and middle school bands are also scheduled Year” will ride in the parade. winds its way down Federal and MidThe parade, which generally runs way avenues. to be on hand. Wilbur will have its community well over an hour, forms near Les float in the parade, and Almira will have its “Distinguished Young Woman” in the parade. Look for plenty of fire engines and law enforcement vehicles making noise and keeping everyone alert. There are race cars, 4-H kids from Nespelem, the kids’ playhouse built by Fowler Construction will be in the parade and given away to some lucky child during a drawing at the rodeo. The Chamber of Commerce “Busi-
Welcome to Colorama! OUTDOOR BBQ in our parking lot Sat., May 12 • 11 a.m.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chips & Soda
MOOSE LODGE
216 Continental Hts., Grand Coulee • 633-0555
One-Of-A-Kind Home
209 Columbia Ave., Coulee Dam
Located in historic West Coulee Dam along the Columbia River. As you walk through the front door, the spaciousness and elegance are readily apparent. The 22 foot vaulted ceilings, the floorto- ceiling windows, the hardwood flooring, and the huge gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. The home has 3+ bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and over 3,600 square feet of finished living area, plus another 600+ square feet
downstairs. The home has two Central FA with HP systems, copper plumbing, 400 amp electrical service, gas fireplace with antique mantle and a 10 person hot tub. The property is just over 20,000 s.f. in size and the grounds have mature landscaping, a huge deck, as well as a gazebo overlooking Grand Coulee Dam. The home has been operated as a very successful B&B in the past. List price is just $395,000.
Foisy & Kennedy REALTY, INC. 633-0410
SEE PHOTOS OF ALL OF OUR LISTINGS AT
www.foisykennedy.com
Colorama 2012 - 11
Giddy up!
More fun than a barrel of broncos The annual stick horse races, and other kids’ events, always bring smiles and enthusiasm. Including mutton bustin’ and steer riding, they’ll take place early on both Friday and Saturday nights at the rodeo grounds.
EXCITING COLORAMA CARNIVAL May 10-11-12 • 3 Great Days! at North Dam Park!
Look for Some Thrilling New Rides You Can Get Your Day Tickets At The Gate HOURS
Thursday • 5 p.m - Closing Friday • 3 p.m. - Closing Saturday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Paradise Amusements from Coeur d’Alene Idaho
12 - Colorama 2012
Some lucky kid....
This playhouse, built by DWK Fowler Construction, will be raffled off during the kids’ activities Saturday afternoon during at the rodeo grounds. Raffle tickets are $1 each and are available at Loepp Furniture and at the rodeo grounds. You must be present to win.
It’s cotton candy time in the Coulee
The carnival is coming to town. Paradise Amusements is again providing the carnival rides and three days of exciting entertainment for kids of all ages, even adults. The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, carnival company is a Colorama veteran, having provided rides for local fans for a number of years. The carnival features food, refreshments, and a wide variety of rides. Special discount tickets will be available through Thursday at a variety of locations for $25. Tickets are also available at the carnival site. The carnival kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday. On Saturday the carnival opens at 3 p.m. for two ticket sessions and on Saturday the rides begin at 11 a.m. for two ticket sessions. The carnival will start setting up Wednesday below North Dam Park and will be ready on Thursday by the time school is out.
Get your cotton candy
The LRHS Track & Field Team will be selling cotton candy during the Colorama Parade as a fund raiser.
Fri. & Sat., May 11 & 12
COLORAMA WEEKEND 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
“BUCK SHOT”
EAGLES LODGE #2577 Grand Coulee • 633-0162
Banks Lake Pub Family Dining Take Out Orders Arcades for Kids!
Normal Hours: 5 p.m. Closing
This Saturday & Sunday Open for breakfast 8 a.m. Friday, May 11 Open Juke Box Music Sat, May 12 • 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. LIVE MUSIC - “ESP” Dine In and Take Out • Special Daily Dinners BRING THIS AD IN FOR $5 OFF ANY FOOD ORDER OVER $30 (Good for May 20120)
in Electric City
633-2000
Colorama 2012 - 13
Riders lower the hammer on fun at the carnival.
Ridge Riders Present
Trick Riding Jr Steer Riding Mutton Busting Chute Dogging
May 11-12-13
Mothers Day Sunday May 13
QUEEN
Caelan Pitts Playhouse Drawing SatDWK Fowler Construction
Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Ride
Grand Coulee, WA
Advance Tickets Sales Steer Riding & Mutton Busting Sign up at Loepp Furniture In Grand Coulee
Corporate Sponsors Jess Ford - Coulee Dam Casino - Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union
FRI 5:30 PM - SAT & SUN 2PM
Your Ticket to a great time!
14 - Colorama 2012
Looking back through the years … Ten Years Ago
fourth straight year, with her best time Cameron Cavandini rides to first- of 21.23. place with a long 82-point mutton bustin’ ride at Friday night’s Family Thirty Years Ago The flea market in Coulee Dam, Fun Night at the Ridge Riders Rodeo one of the many attractions during Grounds. GCD Lions Club awarded the Colorama weekend, attracted hordes Grand Sweepstakes for their parade of people. More cars were parked in Coulee Dam than most people had entry. Pro-West Rodeo: Bull Riding - 1st ever seen there, parked in and around Josh Brown, $504.17, 75, Geronimo 99 the immediate area. The stores in the and 2nd Justin Lisenbey, $417.124, 73, shopping center reported good sales all weekend. One of the most successful Gernonimo 99. Coulee Community Hospital and well patronized events was the beer Health Run - Overall: Male - Kevin tent in Coulee Dam. It apparently did a Sheehy, 15.49, Female - Lacelle Ives, land office business. Its patrons seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed it. Benefits 24.31 Wright Elementary students man- from it go to the firemen’s fund. Many rodeo fans came out Sataged to get more for their piggy banks than pennies from the crowd at the urday just to see a little something Colorama Parade. The banks collect different and were not disappointed. money for Adults Supporting Kids, Area fire departments a ”volunteered” to give the crowd something different, which funds projects at the school. and besides a few bruises certainly did their best to win a rather spectacular Twenty Years Ago Young Woman of the Year Jessica trophy given by the Colorama for the Hall and princesses Candi Kaupi, Beth Wild Cow Milking Contest. Parade Chairman Dave Portch, Warn and Amy Hart represent the area throughout the summer on the com- reported 100 entries this year in the Colorama Parade. munity float. CCH Health Run - In the 10th annual Coulee Community Hospital Forty Years Ago Most likely this week will be quiet Health Run on May 8, 123 runners competed. Finishing first overall for after a successful Colorama program the men was Gus Ripple with a time has started. This weekend will see of 18.06. Jeanne Boll was the first races featuring dune buggies, motorwoman across the finish line for the bikes and go-carts in Grand Coulee.
Generally, the weatherman was correct in forecast for one day, Friday. With a Fifty-Three prognostication of zero percent chance Years Ago of rain, immediately one got suspicious. Colorama Ad - Colorama Festival Sure enough, it clouded up a little Sat- of Lights, May 30-31, urday; sprinkled during the afternoon Carnival and rained to beat heck Saturday night. Wild West Dance However, Sunday proved to be cool Veterans Memorial and windy, minus the rain. And then Day Services it really poured down during Sunday Dedication Servcie night and Monday. Good crowds atGrand Colorama Parade tended all events, the parade was just RCA World’s about right and the rodeo crowd good Championship Rodeo and the action fast. Indian Ceremonials Commemorative Address Fifty Years Ago Queen of Colorama IllumiThe art exhibit held in conjunc- nates Grand Coulee Dam tion with the Colorama on May 26-27 Special Hour-Long Photogat Coulee Dam included paintings of rapher’s Lighting of Dam for Colored the students of the art class recently Pictures conducted by John Fassbinder, instructor of art, Central Washington State Bright and sunny skies greeted a College, Ellensburg. gay and friendly throng of people here WHEW - Colorama is over. Many last Saturday as the Colorama grand sighs of relief have been heard. The parade kicked off the Colorama Festival weather cooperated wonderfully and of Light. Approximately 6,000 spectacrowds appeared large and especially tors witnessed the hour and one half “enthusiastic” at the two dances. Ev- parade and showed their appreciation eryone who took so much of their by applauding continually the beautitime and gave so generously should ful entries. be congratulated. A capacity crowd at Coulee Dam SUSPICION - Maybe it was just watched the Indian dancers perform a coincidence, but why did the Lions their tribal ceremonials dressed in advertise hamburgers and other good- their splendid Indian regalia. Fairies and then plan to sell Tums at their sized throngs also took in the Meeker food concession stand at the rodeo. Just shows. catering to all the public we suppose.
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS Are Proud to Support
COLORAMA RODEO
Have A Safe Colorama!
GRAND COULEE
211 Spokane and Federal Way
509-633-3090
Colorama 2012 - 15
Visions of the past…
This poem by Hayden McKee along with photo clipping, were submitted by his daughter Karen Hemmer who remembers the dedication her father showed to the rodeo.
The President’s Farewell It was January in 1952 With a blanket of snow, and skies of blue, That President of Ridge Riders I became Which you all know is a well known name!
And we never took a rest. Horses slick and shiny, showing lots of gloss Taking in the scenery of the country we would cross.
In February, on our new grounds Some buildings were placed, And our meeting house rent bills were erased. Committees were picked and began to work Nary a one seemed to shirk.
July - we headed toward the northern border Along with the show, swimming was in order. A place where Ridge Riders swarmed like bees Getting a touch of that Canadian breeze.
March - we decided to have a horse show And give other clubs a place to go. Rocks were moved, and the grounds surveyed And leveled off where our arena is laid.
August - again we headed back north Toward the last of the month, I think the 29th The show went on till the moon shown light And the lights on the trailer shown up bright.
April first was the season’s first play day. We were all enthusied and rarin’ to play. The drill had tough luck, and didn’t ride, But the games went on and strutted their pride. May 25th on our own Ridge Rider ground Clubs came here for a return round. Committees were prepared for the big event, And we got the money the other clubs spent. Then came June, show season at its best. Horse shows every Sunday,
air.
September was slack, not much at all But we did go to Lincoln County And made quite a haul. We played under the lights after the fair. The evening grew brisk, and cool was the
In October came our Washington State Horse Show meet The place where all eligible came to compete. Our rating was high; and it sure was a chase But we got the state plaque in the trailer
Hayden McKee former president of the Ridge Riders
race.
The State convention came in November A big event we’ll all remember. Horsemen got together from all over the state, And thrashed things over from early till late.
December is the family month; horses are at ease, Kin folk get together and do just as they please. Having been your president, sincerely Was a pleasure. It put something in my heart, That I shall always treasure. Hayden McKee
Fifty-six Years Ago The Ridge Rider Club members and friends in approximately 1952 took this picture before they rode to McGinnis Lake. Those identified include: Karen McKee, Hayden McKee, Jakie Wilson, Wes Rinker, Fay Wilson, Barb Wilson, Donna Snyder, Donna Wilson, Dover Perry, Edith Rinker, Winton Craig, Beverly Teacher, Floyd Craig, Minnie Scott, Marge Redmond, Patsy Snyder, Florence Barret, Garnet Rinker, Cecilia Good, Clyde McClain, Matt Snyder, Joe Champaneze, Lealah McKee, Wayne Snyder, Cletis Lacy, Sam Rinker and Perry Boll.