The Slice: What to say when asked about Spokane

Readers were asked to answer a few questions sometimes put to Spokane area residents during their travels.

Here’s a sampling of responses.

Can you make a living there? “It’s all about managing one’s expectations.” – Wade Griffith

So do people there root for the University of Washington? “The smart ones do,” said Ted Redman, a Husky.

What are the big events there? “Any event that has free admission.” – Tomas Lynch

What’s the favorite cuisine of most people there? “Really good hamburgers, really good sushi, and really, really good beer. And nachos. Really good nachos.” – Sandy Compton

What sort of wildlife would one encounter in Spokane? “Depends on what watering hole one visits.” – Herb Postlewait

I have a cousin in Walla Walla. Do you you know him? “Maybe. You talking prison or town?” – Chuck Booth

What do people do for fun there? “The most fun for people in Spokane is driving somewhere else to have fun.” – Walt Lindgren

Are people friendly there? “I hear some are.” – John McTear

How big is it? “Big enough to know better.” – Georgie Ann Weatherby

Do people get dressed up before going out? “Surely you jest.” – Kathy Hansen

So Spokane is a Seattle suburb, right? – “There are 300 miles, a major mountain range and a desert between the two cities. So, no.” – Kevin Decker

My grandfather went to Expo ’74. Is that still going on? “I may have met your grandfather at Expo ’74. I was there almost every day.” – Pat Cadagan

What’s it like up there? “We are still folks who don’t aspire to be anyone’s famous starlet or business tycoon.” – Bernie Radecki

How diverse is it? “We had a white woman in charge of our NAACP chapter.” – Wade Griffith

So are marmots like little grizzly bears? “Like cuddly little grizzly bears with sharp teeth that can take your finger off.” – Chuck Booth

Any tall buildings? “Sort of.” – Martha Calvert

What’s the weather like? “We have four seasons and most of us enjoy them all.” – Bill Witthuhn

What’s a good trick to learn how to pronounce it? “Live here for six months.” – Sandy Compton

Why do you live there? “I live in Spokane because I love this city! I grew up here and moved away. I couldn’t wait to move back. I have so many memories here.” – Sherri Hyams

Today’s Slice question: Ham, lamb or vegetarian option?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. A reader who is weary of The Slice’s Idaho “Deliverance” references asked if I’ve ever been to northeastern Washington.