Chili-chowder cook-off offers hot time, dishes
Hopefully, the worst of all this shoveling, plowing and snowblowing is behind us; now it’s time to get out and have some fun. There are plenty of things to do in our little northeast corner of Washington.
On Saturday, the Elk Community Park Association will host its 10th Annual Chili-Chowder Cook-Off and Bonfire. Due to electrical problems at Elk Park (and a tremendous amount of snow!), the Cook-Off will be held at the Elk VFW Post, in the downstairs Veterans’ Activity Room. (Open to everyone) The Bonfire will be out back.
Vintage snowmobiles will be on display and give rides to the kids. Bring your favorite prepared chili or chowder to the Post between 2 and4 p.m. (Crock pots or electric burners). Tasting starts at 4 and prizes will be awarded about 5. Kids are invited to bring desserts for the Youth Dessert Contest. Ballots and bowls are $2 for adults and $1 for kids 8 and under. Dessert ballots are $1.
Enjoy some great eats, visit with neighbors or meet some new friends and stay warm around a roaring bonfire. Following the cook-off, there will be an open acoustic jam downstairs and J & J Karaoke upstairs in the Post Canteen (members and signed in guests upstairs). Information: Cheryl at 292-0577, Becky at 292-0706 or www.elkcommunitypark.com.
The Elk Community Park Association is planning lawn mower races on Sunday of this year’s Elk Pioneer Days. (June 21) If you or your group are interested in competing, please call Cheryl Joy at 292-0577 or Gary Dechenne at 276-8828. The next Park meeting is Tuesday, Feb.10 at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Elk VFW Post. All Elk and Chattaroy residents are welcome; Elk Pioneer Days plans are under way!
Elk Music Association, which endorses entertainment, music and arts in the region, meets on Sunday at 3 p.m. downstairs at the Elk VFW Post. Everyone is welcome. Info: Ricki – 292-2996. (Elk Music Association is a subcommittee of the nonprofit Elk Park Association.)
Newport, our northern neighbor, offers ongoing entertainment and interesting events. Yesteryear Productions, in concert with the Create Arts Center, has presented Howard’s Follies each February since 2004.
The heart of Yesteryear Productions is Howard Wildin, director, writer, historian, announcer and occasional pianist/singer. Howard’s vaudeville style productions are great entertainment that will keep you laughing.
This year’s presentation, “The Last Laugh,” takes place in 1953, when television reigns and vaudeville is dead. but the performers aren’t. Frick, Frack & Freda are back, along with Profundo The Majestic, Drucinda the Diva, those dancing delights, Danny & Fanny, the noted film actor, Douglas Anchorage and the incomparable, Sophie Pucker!
Can they make a comeback? Go to the Follies and find out. The Follies start on Saturday and continue each Saturday and Sunday through March 8; Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.at the Create Arts Center. (4th & Fea in Newport) Tickets: adults, $10; seniors over 65 and juniors under 16 are $8. (At the door - $10, if available) Also available at the Create Arts Center (447-9277) or charge tickets with PayPal at the Web site: www.createarts.org. Reservations strongly recommended as tickets are going fast.
Yesteryear Productions is dedicated to the fostering and preservation of the entertainment arts and music of yesteryear. They encourage new talent, of any age, in art music and entertainment. Yesteryear is committed to the compilation and maintenance of a repository of original sheet music for use by schools, churches, performers and performing arts groups in the Pend Oreille Valley area. They do not accept monetary donations, but will gratefully accept donations of any old sheet music. (Howard Wildin 447-0959)
The Create Arts Center presents monthly art exhibits of various media and subject matter. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.year-round. February’s exhibit subject is Northwest Landscapes, all media. March, Photographic Arts and April, Jewelry of the Northwest (handmade). All area artists are welcome to exhibit.
Create also offers many classes such as violin and fiddle, watercolors, photography, fabric arts, yoga and jewelry making to name a few. For information, call 477-9277 or go to the Web site at www.createarts.org.
The Elk Community Park Association, EMA (Elk Music Association), Yesteryear Productions and the Create Arts Center are a few of the members of Pend Oreille River Arts Alliance.)