Spirit Lake ready for Centennial celebration
Organizers have been gearing up for it for a whole year and it’s finally here – Spirit Lake’s Centennial Celebration over Labor Day weekend. The four-day extravaganza, in recognition of the town’s first 100 years, promises extraordinary activities, exciting action, and plenty of adventure from the little town that likes to party – and yes, they will have a parade.
Spirit Lake will be rockin’, according to Centennial organizer Marc Kroetch, with a promise of “something for everybody.” For those seeking adventure, the city’s Centennial Mountain Bike Ride might be just what you are looking for. Those seeking less strenuous late-summer activities might enjoy the new downtown walking tour, sampling some Dutch-oven cooking, tasting a little wine, watching a blacksmith swing his hammer, or just enjoying some great music. Kid’s activities will include storytelling, foot races, and the chance to help decorate a teepee.
The long weekend will kick off with a wine tasting event and auction on Thursday evening. There will be nonstop fun through the Grand Finale on Monday. Visitors will enjoy watching the action in the Mountain Men Encampment, or the nearby Indian Encampment; listening to the chug of the old engines at the Antique Gas Engine Exhibition; sharing the excitement of the Lawn Mower Drag Racing Exhibition; or participating in the fun of the Corn on the Cob Eating Contest. Dozens of food and craft vendors will be open for business and daily exhibits and demonstrations are planned throughout the celebration.
According to Kroetch, there’s still time to sign up for the most energetic event during the celebration – the mountain bike ride on Aug. 30. He says the ride is exceptional and participants will be greeted with panoramic views of area lakes and beautiful valleys as they pedal through the easy terrain of logging roads above Spirit Lake. With two entry areas, the course offers riders of all skill levels the choice of either a 30- or 15-mile ride down into Spirit Lake.
“Riders and their bikes will be bused to the starting locations,” said Kroetch. Those interested in the long run will begin at Larch Mountain in Washington state; those interested in the shorter ride will be dropped off at a point just above Blanchard Valley.
The entry fee of $30 includes the bus ride, a day permit to ride across Inland Empire land, a souvenir T-shirt, and a carbo-loading breakfast at Calvary Christian Fellowhship. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. The bus leaves for the long ride at 8:30 and at 9 for the short ride. Members of Spirit Lake Fire and Rescue will be on hand to offer assistance, and water stations and cookie stops will be strategically placed along the route. Kroetch expects up to 100 riders to participate in the ride that will end in Spirit Lake’s city park, where the centennial celebration will be in full swing.
And speaking of swing, the music line-up for the four-day event will be exceptional with live music from 10 a.m. until dusk each day. Kroetch says, “Bring your lawn chair and dancing shoes.” There will be old-time music from George Bruner and Friends, country rock from Shayne Edwards and Band, bluegrass from Prairie Flyer, and classic rock from Wyzer. Some surprises will likely be in store for the audience from Ernest and the Successful Hobos, with their eclectic acoustic music, and the Naydia Dancers, a folk and belly dancing group. Other groups performing throughout the weekend include, Virgil and Michele, folk guitar and native flute; George and Jeanne, jazz, rags and blues; Steve Schennum, guitar and vocals; Aaron and Tonio Castilla and Afterthoughts, blue grass; Larry James and Band, honky-tonk country; the Jimmy Brown Band, with their “old-time” country crossover sound, and the music of Brad Sondahl.