Colorama a big hit despite weather

Colorama was a huge success!

That assessment came early this week from a variety of sources, not the least from the chamber of commerce and Ridge Rider officials, the two sponsoring groups.

Even Grand Coulee Police Chief John Tufts commented on how busy traffic was during the Colorama events.

"We didn't have any major problems, but the area was very busy," Tufts stated.

Chamber Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal was quick to point out that 123 turned out for the first-ever Color Run, and 68 entrants took part in the parade on Saturday. Nevsimal stated Tuesday that there were 28 winners in the Colorama button drawing on Saturday.

The vendor booth count at North Dam Park was 70, another record number, with food booths reporting record sales.

This was all in spite of dark, rain-filled clouds repeatedly moving through and threatening the area.

Parking was at a premium at all the downtown area events, all three days.

Nevsimal stated that visitors to Colorama were constantly looking up into the sky to watch the the Inland Helicopter from Spokane take people on rides; it was the fifth year that the firm has offered rides during Colorama. That Colorama feature also had a record for the number of rides that were offered.

Rainier Amusements Carnival manager Traci Newton stated Monday that the firm's first Colorama appearance was very successful, in spite of some "inclement weather."

Nevsimal said that pre-sale carnival tickets were at an all-time high. Both she and Rainier representatives were encouraged by the weekend's results and look forward to working together again in the future.