Fishing, festivals, a circus, and more planned for the area

There should be plenty to do around town with 10 events planned for 2022 in the Coulee area, including a monthly market with beer and music, but the biggest event faces multiple challenges this year.

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce has a slew of events scheduled for the year.

The Triple Fish Challenge is scheduled for April 9-10; Colorama from May 6-8; the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on June 2; Koulee Kids Fest on June 18; the First Friday Night Market will run from June to October, the Festival of America on July 4; the Run the Dam Festival on Sept. 17; and the Vintners & Brewers Auction on Dec. 3.

“I am excited for all the fun things to come this year and hope the community is too!” Chamber Director Rachelle Baughman said. 

“Coming into 2022 after the pandemic we are seeing a new year of challenges,” she said. “Colorama, being our biggest concern, falls on Apple Blossom Weekend in Wenatchee, which means many of our regular food vendors can’t come due to the state’s staffing shortages. Many of our vendors who have been able to work both events in past years are having to choose one over the other this year.

“Carnival and entertainment vendors were hit hard through the pandemic, many going out of business, having staffing issues, and now the prices of fuel. They are choosing to only go to larger festivals, just not traveling far, or can’t find the staff needed. Past parade organizers and beer garden organizers have retired or moved away.”

“We are really hoping to get the volunteers we need to preserve traditions from our beloved Colorama,” she said.

Eight people, including Baughman, attended a meeting last night at the chamber office on Midway Avenue in Grand Coulee for a Colorama Committee. It was open to anyone who wanted to “help us network and share ideas of ways to make this Colorama a success,” as Baughman described it.

“I am so thankful to the volunteers that showed up tonight,” she said Tuesday. “With this team of ladies, I am hopeful we will come up with some fun entertainment for Colorama.”

Baughman explained the monthly First Friday Night Market events, which will take place on the first Friday of each month from June to October from 5-9 p.m. at North Dam Park. 

“Our First Friday Night Market is being coordinated by one of my board members, Morgan Tillman, owner of Apothecary Salon & Boutique,” Baughman said, adding that Tillman “was inspired by all of the outdoor flea markets and pop-up outdoor malls that were created during covid and thought this would be such a fun event this summer.”

“This Market will include shopping vendors, food vendors, drink vendors (including a locally featured beer/wine garden) and live music. The goal is to create a shopping experience that focuses on small businesses around us, gives the locals something fun to do this summer, gives opportunity to musicians in our area and gives exposure to all vendors during peak tourist season.”