September 25, 2008 in Voices

Cheneyfest growing

Festival now four days with lots of free family activities

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Mark Humphrey photo

Chesnutt
(Full-size photo)(All photos)

CHENEY – Three years ago, Lori Musgrave organized the first Cheneyfest, a two-day fundraiser for Duncan the dog, the black Russian terrier that was flown to Australia to be reunited with his owner. Now Cheneyfest has doubled in length – it will be four days of activities and fun for all ages.

“There’s a huge need for families, especially out here in the West Plains, for big multiday events,” says Musgrave. “So I just saw it evolving. I talked to people, and one of the things people on the street said was they wanted to have things they could do with their kids.”

Musgrave is proud that there is free admission and parking to the festival, and plenty of free activities. Friday’s evening concert featuring Singlewide, a band of Cheney residents, is free, as will be a climbing wall, children’s pedal tractor pull, karaoke, car show, military displays, and a visit from Otto, the Spokane Indians mascot.

As festival director and sole organizer, Musgrave needs to start planning early. She’s already planning next year’s fest. She needs to, as she has volunteers only on the day of the festival. She does all the planning herself. But she welcomes input from all participants.

“We’re still under construction,” smiles Musgrave. “So we welcome all ideas and constructive criticism. At the festival there will be a team of people asking, ‘What do you like? What do you not like? What would you like to see?’ The idea is to make it a fun community event.”

Every day there will be a children’s program. New this year will be the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Competition, and Mutton Bustin’ for children who weigh less than 60 pounds. In Mutton Bustin’, children ride a sheep until they get bucked off. Kids must wear a helmet, and are encouraged to dress as cowboys and cowgirls.

Also new this year will be a Poker Run, and a booth for SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service) with pets for adoption.

A fun family event will be the Parent, Child and Friends tournament, and for companies, the Battle of the Businesses, a timed relay course event. There will be more than 50 different vendor booths of arts and crafts, food, and much more. Musgrave has quadrupled her publicity this year so she’s hoping for a big turnout. One factor is beyond her control – the weather. Last year it rained every day of the festival. But she’s hopeful this year that rain or shine, Cheneyfest will be well attended.

“Of course the Mark Chesnutt concert is the highlight,” says Musgrave. “I’m just so ecstatic to bring someone of his caliber in. And honored.”

Her favorite time is when all the vendors begin rushing in to get their spaces, and when everything is settled, the music starts, and people start to arrive. During the fest Musgrave will be everywhere, at almost every event, overseeing vendors, helping with the poker run and car show and at the Battle of the Businesses.

“My job is making sure people have a good time and want to come back next year,” she said.

Reach correspondent Wendy Huber by e-mail at wendhuber@lycos.com.

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