Bevvies, bites, and bops: First Friday vendor fair returns

Temps may be heading right back into the 100s, but you can have it made in the shade this Friday under North Dam Park's ponderosa pine trees as the First Friday summer pop-up market returns this week.

The fair is set for Aug. 2 after taking July off in order to focus on Festival of America at the dam. From 4 to 9 p.m. folks can hear live music, relax in a 21+ beer garden, chow at Charro Birrieria, and browse booths of local and regional artists, craftsfolk, and community organizations, including Coulee Medical Center and The Star.

"We are definitely looking forward to a laid-back music-filled event, with people having a nice chill evening in the shade," said Krystal Marchelle, one of volunteer organizers who helps the local chamber of commerce put on First Fridays in the Coulee.

The Star staff will have a booth with free giveaways for readers (and future readers) of all ages.

"We want to hear your thoughts and questions about what's going on in the community," said Scott Hunter, editor and publisher. "Pitch us your stories. Who's doing something unique around here? What should we be covering more? Come grab a paper and tell us what matters."

The stage will showcase a couple of familiar local musicians plus one performer playing her first Grand Coulee show.

Randy Spotts will open at 4 p.m. with classical guitar solos and improvs, followed by Whitley Rushton of Coulee City, who will perform her pop and rock covers at 5:30. Creature Society, the one-guy psychedelic space rock show, will close out the set with originals and covers starting at 7:30 p.m. 

Vendors will be selling jewelry, fresh flowers, reclaimed wood products, leather goods and all kinds of crafts and services.

They include: Bliss Infusions (cleaning products and essential oil sprays), Coulee Medical Center (hospital/healthcare outreach), Coulee Pet Care (pet sitting and doggy daycare), Cute & Stylin Graphics (3D printed and sublimation printed items), Haunted Beauty Boutique (macabre-inspired jewelry), Jazzie Beads (lampworked glass pendants, barrettes, wine stoppers and more), Jennings Handcrafted (birdhouses made of reclaimed wood), Kritten's Kreations (handmade crafts and puzzles), Mary's Crafty Creations (fresh flowers and gifts), Roy's Custom Leatherwork & Repair (handcrafted traditional accessories), Scented Memories with Bethany (Scentsy), The Star (local news/advertising, community survey) and Wavy Petal Designs (home goods and art).

Tacos, quesadillas and more will be served up at El Charro Birierria food truck, coming up from Moses Lake. The beer garden will also sell non-alcoholic beer, though you still must be at least 21 to enter and purchase drinks. 

"We are excited for it!" said Jillian Fillis of Wavy Petals, who helps organize the chamber's vendor fairs throughout the year. "Hopefully people will stick around for a bit since it's shady at the park."

And if you're looking for more Friday Fun, head down to the Spring Canyon upper parking lot on the boat launch side, for a tour of the constellations hosted by Lake Roosevelt park rangers, followed by a telescope viewing. The free family-friendly astronomy program starts at 9:30 p.m. unless smoke or weather force cancellation.

Rangers suggest bringing red flashlights or headlamps if you have them (white light impacts night vision) and a camp chair if you prefer to sit down.