Plenty of fun activities on fall agenda
We were experiencing hot, dry summer weather, then cool, crisp fall nights and warm, sunny days delighted us – and then, all of a sudden, it’s winter!
It seems far too early for freezes and talk of that dreaded four letter word – SNOW. It’s only October! I hope you all got to harvest those frost-sensitive delectables, like tomatoes and peppers.
Anyway, the weather may have cooled down, but there are still fun and interesting activities.
For the third year, the Elk VFW No. 5924 Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring patriotic contests for all schoolchildren, grades K-12 for possible cash prizes and scholarship funds.
For kindergarten through second grade, there is a coloring contest. For grades 3 through 5, the Youth Essay contest subject is “What Makes Our Country Great?” For students in grades 6 through 8, the Patriot’s Pen contest subject is “When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?” For students in grades 9 through 12, the Voice of Democracy subject is “Does America Still Have Heroes?”
There will be cash prizes in each grade level. The local Elk Ladies Auxiliary will judge the entries, and the winners are sent on to the District VFW Ladies Auxiliary. From there, all entries from the Eastern Washington District will be judged and winners will be sent on to state and hopefully nationals. Last year, a Medical Lake student won a $10,000 scholarship.
For more information, contact Tami Boone at (509) 292-8129. Entries are due by Oct. 30.
For the 20th year, the Missoula Children’s Theater will present a production starring kids ages 5 through grade 12 from the Newport area in the production of “The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.”
The musical will take the stage Oct. 17 at 3 and 7 p.m. at Sadie Halstead Middle School in Newport. For information, call Alice Booth of Pend Oreille Players at (208) 448-1087 or Janet Kiser Lambarth at the Extension Office at (509) 447-2401.
There are two safe Halloween activities planned in Elk – a Safe Halloween Party for kids at the Elk VFW and, for those who are a little more daring, a haunted house at the Grub and More Restaurant on Highway 2. The kids party will be on Halloween from 5 to 7 p.m. The Haunted House will be open Oct. 30 and 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The Safe Halloween Party is sponsored by the Elk VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the group is asking for local businesses, organizations or individuals to set up a game or trick-or-treat booth at the event. Please call (509) 292-8250 if you would like to help.
The haunted house is sponsored and produced by the Elk Music Association. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to a local animal shelter. The EMA is looking for actors, set builders and general help. High school volunteers can receive credit toward required community service hours. For information, call Ricki Belden at (509) 292-2996 or Chrissy Smith at (509) 292-9000.