I love these crisp, cool mornings when the sky is blue and the sun is shining so brightly that it warms up to the 70s. If it holds on a couple more days, it will be perfect for the Eloika Lake Association’s fourth annual Kayak and Canoe Poker Paddle on Saturday morning.

The event will launch from Jerry’s Landing Resort on Eloika Lake at 10 a.m., and participants will paddle to five points around the lake, covering about 6 miles in about 2 ½ hours. Donated prizes will be raffled off after the best hand winner is announced.

Preregistration is $20 through Spokane Parks and Recreation by calling (509) 625-6200, online at www.spokaneparks.org or at www.eloikalake.com and includes a T-shirt. Late registration is $25 and begins at 9 a.m. Those preregistered sign in at 9:30 a.m. A liability waiver and life jackets are required for all participants. You provide your own kayaks and canoes or arrange to rent one from parks and recreation for $10. Paddlers 8 and older are welcome; younger children may ride with a parent or guardian. Funds raised support education, outreach and enhancement projects on Eloika Lake.

Eloika Lake is 22 miles northeast of Spokane, west of U.S. Highway 2 via Oregon Road. Look for bright kayak banners on Highway 2 indicating route to the resort.

The Eloika Lake Association is a nonprofit organization working to protect and enhance the lake’s natural beauty, wetlands, fisheries and wildlife habitat. The group works in collaboration with Spokane Parks and Recreation, Mountain Gear and other local businesses on this event. Camping, fishing and swimming are available at Jerry’s Landing Resort. Contact the resort at (509) 292-2337 for more details.

There is another fun outdoor family event on Sept. 25. The Inland Grange in Elk is holding its fourth annual horseback trail ride with registration starting at 9 a.m.; cost is $15 per rider. The ride starts at 10 a.m., and there will be a barbecue afterward. There are some beautiful new trails this year. Inland Grange is on the corner of Conklin and Nelson roads in Elk, just east of Elk-Chattaroy Road and north of Blanchard Road. For information, call Carol at (509) 220-3069.

At the Pend Oreille Playhouse in Newport, Wash., there will be two belly dance workshops at 11 a.m. and noon this Saturday for $10 each or $15 for both. That evening, Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing will perform at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at the playhouse at 240 N. Union Ave. in Newport, Spokane’s Ruby Salon at 176 S. Howard St. or online at www.pendoreilleplayers.org.

On Sept. 25, the playhouse will present the community family variety show “Fallapalooza” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Also on Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a community flea market on the lawn of the Elk Veterans of Foreign Wars. Spaces are free and everyone is welcome. Call (509) 292-5258 to reserve a spot.

That evening, Elk’s own honky-tonk band, the Crystal Mules, will play from 8:30 to midnight at Diamond Lake’s Burro Inn, Highway 2 at Green Road. So, let’s keep enjoying some summer fun.