Last, best chance at pre-snow fun

Whether you’re lamenting the end of summer or so glad it’s finally fall (which officially starts Sept. 23), events this week offer great seasonal transitioners.

The Harvest Festival and Run the Dam now mark a place on the calendar for many that signals us to take a deep breath, appreciate the weekend, then dive into what’s ahead through December.

The beer garden has become a great place to meet friends and feels great to those finishing the only race that takes you across the Grand Coulee Dam. (Many like to get a beer at 11 a.m. on Saturday after finishing.)

The barbecue competion between top competitors in the Pacific Northwest is fascinating, smells great, and you really should try to snag a sample or two on Sunday if teams are offering.

There are kids activities on Saturday at Banks Lake Park, plus a human foosball tournament (get up a team!), bikers can join a 227-mile motorcycle poker run, and don’t forget the vendor fair at North Dam Park, where you can catch breakfast by the Senior Center on Saturday.

Whatever your tastes, take a breather before those fall chores grab your weekends and take advantage of the Harvest Festival, organized by the Grand Coulee Dam Chamber of Commerce, and Run the Dam.

Scott Hunter

editor and publisher