Colorama 2013 in the books

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. Here is a recap of how the weekend went for this homegrown Colorama combative. For me, like many of the chamber members, it started months ago, but I will spare you the boring setup and jump to the steak and potatoes.

Heat was the story of the weekend. I would have to say this was the hottest festival I can remember and I think it brought out the masses. I think we should schedule Mr. Sunshine to perform every year for Mother’s Day weekend. Everywhere was full with visitors and locals.

During the parade I had three partners that were awesome to spend the morning with. My wife took care of me and made sure I did not get too hot and at the same time pedaled the giveaway. My Bro, Jeremy (Jamie to me) helped me set up and was always ready to grab anything we needed. Taylor Holman was my assistant this year, taking the place of the retired Susan Miller, (I did see her in all her Tiger Glory though). Taylor did a great job giving me names of the younger crowd and spotting numbers for me. Thanks to all three of you.

We had floats this year. Wilbur’s and Kelowna’s were the highlight for me. The Dragon was the best part of our friends from BC’s float, and the girl with the Red Dress was Wilbur’s (Levi promises not to sleep through the next parade, Shelbie). Also, thank you to Kanie, who had a tee shirt delivered to me in honor of his wife whom he lost this last year to cancer. Let’s beat this disease, everyone.

Fast Freddie Womack was back with his red AMC and I think this was like his 75th year of being in the parade. After the parade it was the slow hot transition to the Gazebo at North Dam Park. It felt like a 40-year trek through the desert.

Button drawing was a success with a combination of winners who were local and visitors. I do have good news for one local young man. He now has no more excuses for not catching fish. Gary Haven won a fishing pole and tackle box and did not roll down the hill to retrieve it. Although I did hear he rolled up it later in the evening but that’s for the Beer Tent portion of the Colorama. Thanks to all the businesses that donated this year and to all the button buyers out there. I promise to call your number next year. Except for Buzzy Canady’s. Maybe MOMs not yours. Also thanks to the two little girls who volunteered to pass out tee shirts, they were very cute and we appreciate that. The cuteness and the help.

From there many people went to last year’s Washington State Rodeo of the Year, some stayed at the park and bought moms a gift and food. Lots of kids stayed out of mom’s hair and went to the carnival. We went to the second annual arm wrestling tournament at Pepper Jack’s to watch a beautiful young lady defend her title from last year. Nicollette got second this year, but she was the best dressed arm wrestler this year. She still has it in her though, ’cause she beat a person that had only lost once before, (that’s what the buzz was any way) and she will be back next her. Shawn Snyder, Brice Billups and Bro Shane where also back this year but were hit head on by the pros (well, not in the head but the wrist). We got to visit with Kelly again this year and Bill Dice. Bill challenged me to an exhibition of poor arm wrestling. We were to show them how not to do it but we both chickened out when Boo said she had the winner.

We then decided that a helicopter ride would be an awesome thing to do. There was a waiting list and it would be an hour and a half before our flight. At first we were like, aw man we got to wait that long. But it turned out great. We got to visit with old friends and made some new ones. We visited with Cousin Richie and his little tigers. We ran into Kelly again and Ellen. We met Ivan and Chris, two new folks to the area and they both love it here and plan on staying awhile. Deano and Flintstone and I reminisced about getting choked up and banana chips. Happy retirement, Dean. Rick Paris refused us entry to the beer tent ( we were too young). Thanks Ricky. An LRHS Class of ’92 alumn flew me, Karrie and Ivan on a tour of the area. IT WAS AWESOME! Thanks, Tim. We highly recommend this to you all next year. They will be back. We then went and got some very healthy vendor food. We caught up with Zoe and the Williams sisters. (not Serrena and Venus -- Abby and Libby) We went home and I snored in my Lazy Boy.

Our tradition on Mother’s Day is breakfast at the Eagles. We ran into more friends and family there. We ended the weekend with a BBQ with family. It was a great weekend.

Get well soon, Peggy, and to a special woman in Wild Rose … Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy.