Community Calendar: 6.23.10

Published 5:00 pm Monday, June 21, 2010

Wednesday, June 23Plein Air Painters

ILWACO – South Coast Plein Air Painters, a group of artists dedicated to the fine art of painting on location in natural light, meets at the Willapa Wildlife Refuge at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, June 23. Attendees should bring a sack lunch and meet at the dock. For directions or more information call Janeen at 503-298-9842.

Egg hunt & party

OCEAN PARK – Ocean Park Timberland Library presents an egg hunt and ice cream party from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., June 23 for children. Kick off your summer reading season with a search for out-of-season eggs and make your own ice cream in a bag. Sign up and participate in events all summer long. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ilwaco and Ocean Park Timberland Libraries. For more information call 665-4184.

Author Readings

ILWACO – Come to Olde Towne Trading Post, across from the heritage museum in Ilwaco, for the authors’ showcase on June 23. Writers are encouraged to come share works in progress or published writings, and everyone is welcome to come hear these original stories. Coffee and goodies are available at 6 p.m., and writers will sign up for reading slots beginning at 7 p.m. For more information call 642-4932.

Big Book meeting

OCEAN PARK – The Ocean Park Big Book meeting is at 6 p.m. each Wednesday at Ocean Park Methodist Church at 1202 262nd Place. All are welcome. For information call Jeannie at 665-3831.

Classic Movies at Neptune

LONG BEACH – The Neptune Twin Cinemas offers family and classic movies with no charge for admission, subject to capacity. All family and classic shows begin at 1 p.m. The movie on June 23 is “Jubal,” starring Glenn Ford and Ernest Borgnine. 1956. 101 min.

Thursday, June 24Poppies for sale

PENINSULA – Members of the Don R. Grable American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 48 in Ilwaco will be offering memorial poppies here on the Peninsula from June 24 to July 4. The poppy is a symbol to honor those whose lives were sacrificed for America’s freedom during wars, as well as to honor all veterans. Donations are used only to help veterans and their families. For information, please call Janet Easley at 665-5580.

Wacky day & discovery

ILWACO – Ilwaco Timberland Library is hosting a wacky day from noon to 3 p.m., June 24 for children. Find three wacky things at the library and win a small prize. Also from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., children are invited to visit the sink or float discovery center at the library where kids and families experiment to predict and discover which objects will sink and which will float. They may also create boats from aluminum foil, float them and drop chips in them to see how many chips it takes to sink various boat designs. For more information call 642-3908.

Friday, June 25Relay for Life

ILWACO – The 2010 Relay for Life of Long Beach is from Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m. to Saturday, June 26 at 1 p.m. at Ilwaco High School. At 7 p.m., on Friday is the survivor opening ceremony, then from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., there will be music performed by Steve Delzell, arts and crafts, a chili feed, dance routine, Naselle High School marimba band, luminaries ceremony, lighted kite flying and much more. On Saturday, the marimba band performs plus Greg Parke and Johnny provide music throughout the day at various times. Support local efforts to save lives and create more birthdays by finding cures and fighting back.

Smoky Water Follies

SKAMOKAWA – Step back in time to the third annual Smoky Water Follies to be held on Friday, June 25, Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, at the Skamokawa Grange hall with evening performances at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Set in the early 1900s, the show highlights music and comedy from the heyday of traveling vaudeville shows that brought lively entertainment to towns in rural America. Della, the vamp of Sheboygan, and her traveling troupe of vaudevillians present three shows only, including the Can Can-Can Cannery Girls, A Fishy Tale melodrama, scenes from Svenson’s Tavern, and the return of the erudite professor from Skamokawa University. Directed by Adele Baker-Swift with musical direction by Sunrise Fletcher, the Follies is a major fundraiser for the Skamokawa Grange. All tickets are $10 and are available from the cast and from The Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet and in Naselle. Doors will open one-half hour early. For further information contact Jessica Fletcher, 360-795-8770.

Singles game night

OCEAN PARK – Singles game night is Friday, June 25 starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Peninsula Baptist Church, 23802 Pacific Highway. Whether you have never married, are divorced or widowed, come have fun with others. Bring your favorite game and a snack to share. Call 665-0804 for information.

Farmers Market

PUGET ISLAND – The Puget Island Farmers Market is open Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 59 West Birnie Slough Road. You’ll find produce, Puget Island grown meat by the cut, farm eggs, bread and desserts fresh from the oven, not to mention floral bouquets and veggie starts for the garden. Plus don’t miss the Master Gardner booth, 4-H booth and much more. Call 849-4492 or 849-4145 or go to www.twoislandsfarmmarket.com.

AA meetings

OCEAN PARK and SEAVIEW – Alcoholics Anonymous has two group meetings on the Peninsula. The Ocean Park group meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Ocean Park Methodist Church at 1202 262nd Place on Mondays and Fridays. The second group meets seven days a week at 6:30 a.m., noon and 8 p.m., at 4603 Pacific Highway in Seaview. For more information you can call 642-2902 or go to http://area72aa.org.

Saturday, June 26Music in the Gardens

PENINSULA – The Water Music Festival offers its annual Music in the Gardens event on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy an opportunity to savor the scenery and lend an ear to fine music, as you visit nine private gardens – a lavender farm, several whimsical gardens and some with spectacular views. You’ll hear recordings by fine musicians who will perform at the upcoming Water Music Festival Oct. 15 through Oct. 17, as well as live performances at several of the gardens. Tickets are $15 and are available at: The English Nursery at the corner of Hwys 101 and 103 in Seaview; The Basket Case at 12106 Sandridge Road in Long Beach; and Adelaide’s at 1401 Bay Avenue in Ocean Park. For more information about Music in the Gardens and other similar programs, visit watermusicfestival.com or call 642-3254.

Waikiki Beach concert

ILWACO – At 2 p.m., on June 26, the public is invited to Cape Disappointment State Park’s Waikiki Beach for a concert by the band Retroactive Gamma Rays. This group is from Lincoln City and brings a galaxy of fun to every square inch of this planet. Combining the classic ’60s surf guitar with fun and fast ’90s California-style punk they blast pure joy from their ray guns (instruments)! Bring a lawn chair and other personal comforts and sit back and enjoy some great music at this free outdoor concert. For more information call 642-3029.

Doggie Olympic Games

LONG BEACH – The Doggie Olympic Games are Saturday, June 26 at the Bolstad beach approach, with a variety of events such as the ball toss, agility run, sleep off, shedding contest, musical sit, peanut butter lick, Frisbee throw and numerous other fun events. Day-of registration starts at 11 a.m., opening Olympic ceremonies are at noon, and events for registered participants kick off at 1 p.m. More fun than a barrel of monkeys! Participating dogs must be four months or older, and must be spayed or neutered.

Horseback ride

MENLO – The Willapa Hills Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington are sponsoring a fun ride on June 26 on Oxbow Road out of Menlo. Watch for the sign about a mile down Oxbow Road. The first rider out is at 10 a.m., last rider out at 11 a.m. The cost is $12 per person, $6 for those 18 years old and younger, and includes the ride, lunch and a chance at a great prize. Lunch only is $6 per person. For information or further directions call Roy at 360-934-5500 or Dennis at 360-942-5659. Overnight camping is permitted on Friday night only. No dogs please.

Golf scramble

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Elks is holding a golf scramble and lunch from 10 a.m. to noon, June 26 at Peninsula Golf Course. This is an Elks fundraiser and all proceeds go to charity. Call Peninsula Golf Course at 642-2828 for tee times and registration or the Elks at 642-8244. Four-person teams must have one Elk member.

Book signing

OYSTERVILLE – The public is invited to the Oysterville Church on Saturday, June 26 at 2 p.m., where Sydney Stevens will debut her latest book from the “Images of America Series,” featuring Oysterville. Sydney will show images and read passages from the book at the Oysterville Church. A reception with book signing will follow in the author’s garden across the street. This event is free. Books will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum.

GPS class

ASTORIA – A GPS (Global Positioning System) class will be taught Saturday, June 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room at Englund Marine and Industrial Supply located at 95 Hamburg in Astoria. The basic GPS class costs $30, which includes the class manual. Due to the extensive hands-on nature and content, the class will be limited to 20 participants. The class will be taught by knowledgeable instructors from Englund Marine and Industrial Supply and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 64. To register or pre-register for the class and pick-up the class manual, contact Steve Rich at 503-325-4341. For additional information about the content of the class, contact Gary Kobes at 360-770-8801.

SummerFest events

LONG BEACH – SummerFest events, hosted by the city of Long Beach, are happening on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. There will be free horse and wagon rides and face painting from noon to 4 p.m. Music by Rhythm Culture can be enjoyed at Lewis and Clark square in downtown Long Beach from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Come downtown and have some fun.

Sunday, June 27Vesper services

OYSTERVILLE – Vesper Services set for 3 p.m., June 27 in the historic Oysterville Church with Pastor Jim Tweedie of the Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview officiating. Music will be provided by Ocean Beach Presbyterian Choir under the direction of Bob Walters. Karen McNees will be the organist. This is a warm, wonderful, welcoming, casual, come as you are event and everyone is welcome.

Art auction

ILWACO – Peninsula Arts Association invites the public to the June 27 Marcia Rockwell Memorial Art Auction. The auction takes place at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, 115 Lake in Ilwaco. Preview is from noon to 1 p.m. Live and silent auctions start at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Rockwell’s family has generously donated over 70 original paintings to PAA. Proceeds from the auction benefit PAA’s Art Enrichment program which has been designed to bring art projects and material into local classrooms, help student artists prepare work for exhibition and provide community art appreciation programs. For more information call 665-6041 or visit www.beachartist.org.

Monday, June 28Veterans honored

SURFSIDE – Surfside will be honoring veterans with an entry in the Ocean Park Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade. This is an invitation to any veteran who would like to join (riding or walking). For details, please contact Valerie Harrison at vbearhome@yahoo.com or the Surfside office at 665-4171 or sara@surfsideonline.org no later than July 2.

Art Around Town

PENINSULA – The Peninsula Arts Association presents the winners from the spring art show at the Ocean Beach Hospital. Artwork from Marty Blount is being shown at the Ilwaco library. The following artists are presenting their artwork at the Pacific County Building – Andrea Traphagen, Carol Johnson, Marie Finley and Jean Nitzel. Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 29Communication board

LONG BEACH – The Pacific County Communications Administrative Board will meet June 29 at 10 a.m. in meeting room “C” at the South Pacific County Administration Facility at 7013 Sandridge Road in Long Beach, to consider revisions to the Pacific County Communications Interlocal Agreement. For more information call 642-9340, 484-7340 or 875-9340 or e-mail sfritts@co.pacific.wa.us.

All-Comers track meets

ILWACO – All ages are welcome to join the Ilwaco track team at Peterson Field at Ilwaco High School on June 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., for an all-comers’ track meet. Attendees participate with others in their age group in a variety of events such as 50-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, mile, long jump and many others plus the family 2×200 relay. The entry fee is $2. Call Sarah at 642-1244 if you need additional information.

Community potluck

NASELLE – From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on June 29, all ages are invited to Naselle Timberland Library for a community potluck. Join local friends and neighbors and enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and chips. Please bring a dish to share with others and a chair or blanket to sit on. Sponsored by the Friends of the Naselle Timberland Library and Okie’s Select. For more information call 484-3877.

Sea Monsters

RAYMOND – Raymond Timberland Library presents ‘Make a Sea Monster,’ from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 29 for teens. Stitch and glue your own sea monster: shark, jellyfish, sea turtle, or your own design. Supplies and instruction provided. Talk about other library events for teens, too. For more information call 942-2408.

Fish prints

SOUTH BEND – Fish prints is the theme from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., June 29 for all ages at South Bend Timberland Library. Bring a clean, washed T-shirt or top to paint on and make colorful prints of fish using realistic replicas. Learn about gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. Come dressed to work with paint! For more information call 875-5532.

Conservative Conversation

KLIPSAN – Political conservatives are invited to a Conservative Conversation Potluck (CCP) to be held at 6 p.m., the last Tuesday of the month. The next gathering is June 29 and provides an opportunity for conservatives to meet and enjoy lively conversation, yummy food and of course, solve the world’s problems. Bring an appetizer dish to share. Call Nansen at 642-2444 for meeting location.

Do Nothing Club

OCEAN PARK -The Do Nothing Club meets on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at 24002 “U” Street in Ocean Park. Get out of the house, meet and make some new friends, enjoy a good laugh, and enjoy lunch too. For more information, call Jack McBride at 665-2721 or Jim Wirth at 665-2420.

Wednesday, June 30Veterans’ services

LONG BEACH – The local Veterans office is located on the ground floor of the old county building at 318 NE 2nd Street in Long Beach. This is a full service office with a trained service officer available to assist veterans and their families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays. The phone number is 642-1228 or e-mail vfw3721@reachone.com.

Grief support

SEAVIEW – A Grief Support Group meets every Wednesday at 11 a.m., in the fireside room at Peninsula Church Center at 5000 “N” Place in Seaview. Call 800-772-1319 if you have questions, or just come to this support group.

Creatures of the Sea

NASELLE – Naselle Timberland Library is hosting a program called ‘Creatures of the Sea,’ from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., June 30 for children. Craft an ocean animal. Paint, ornament and beautify large wooden sea creatures. All materials provided. For more information call 484-3877.

Pirate Day

OCEAN PARK – Yo! Ho! Matey, it’s pirates day, ya sea at Ocean Park Timberland Library from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., June 30 for all ages. Visit the library to talk pirate talk and walk the pirate walk. Prepare for plunder as you hear pirate tales, make pirate crafts and play pirate games. Don’t be late or you might have to walk the plank! For more information call 665-4184.

Classic Movies at Neptune

LONG BEACH – The Neptune Twin Cinemas offers family and classic movies with no charge for admission, subject to capacity. All family and classic shows begin at 1 p.m. The movie on June 30 is “The Wrecking Crew,” starring Dean Martin and Elke Sommer. 1968. 105 min.

Future EventsSchwingfest

FRANCES – Lewis Pacific Swiss Society is hosting their 47th annual Schwingfest at the Swiss Park in Frances July 2 through July 4. After dinner on Friday night a cabaret-style concert, featuring Kapelle Unspunnen from Switzerland, will begin at approximately 8 p.m. This very talented group, consisting of Peter Delaquis, Erica Wild, Frances Wild and Dani Wild, perform regularly in Interlaken, Switzerland. Concertgoers can then kick up their heels at the dance following the concert. After breakfast on Saturday, junior and senior schwingers (wrestlers) will compete for the gold kranz (crown). Men and women contestants can compete in the steinstossen (stone throw). Prizes will be awarded to the contestants during the Saturday evening dance. On Sunday, breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. An outdoor mass begins at 11 a.m. followed by the Buebeschwingfest (boys wrestling) with awards and dance to follow. RV spaces and campsites are available on site. Three-day passes or daily rates are available. For information call 360-748-4887 or 360-934-5476 or visit www.lpss.info.

Fireworks!

ILWACO – Come to the Port of Ilwaco for a sky lit with brilliant colors and feel the thunder of fireworks at the port starting at dusk, or around 9 p.m. Enjoy a relaxed, safe, family-friendly environment where you can hang out on the lawn at the Port, enjoy a live band, port restaurants and merchants and the fireworks show. Call 642-3145 if you have questions.

OP Parade

OCEAN PARK – The annual old Fashioned Fourth of July parade starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 in downtown Ocean Park. Come celebrate Independence Day in Ocean Park. For more information on the parade call the chamber at 665-4448. That same day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you are sure to enjoy art in the park at Roy Sheldon Park on Vernon Avenue where you will experience the varied and unique qualities of local artists. For more information on the art event contact Colleen at 665-5385.

Lunch bunch gathering

SEASIDE – ENCORE is an association of retirement-age people who share a love of learning. Established in 2001 by a Steering Committee of retired adults, ENCORE is sponsored by Clatsop Community College. They meet for lunch the first Tuesday of every month. On Tuesday, July 6, they meet at 12:30 p.m., at Camp 18, 42362 Hwy 26 in Seaside. Lunch Bunch get-togethers are a wonderful venue for meeting classmates over lunch, as well as new friends. For further information, please call Madelione Gobel at 503-325-3330.

Writers’ Circle

OCEAN PARK – The Writers’ Circle meets July 7 at the Ocean Park Library. The meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The purpose of the meetings is to critique each other’s work in friendly, helpful ways. For more information call 642-6424 or 665-3835.

Chinook Food Bank

CHINOOK – Volunteers for the Chinook Food Bank, located at 70 Houchen Street in Chinook, are handing out food on the first and third Wednesdays. July dates are July 7 and July 21. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For questions or in an emergency, call 875-6670.

Art Walk

ILWACO – There will be an art walk at Ilwaco Harbour Village at the Port of Ilwaco from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on July 8. You’ll find a wide variety of art, plus refreshments, gifts and a free raffle. Call Bruce at 642-2291 if you have questions.

4-H Camp

ILWACO – Youth who just completed grades four through seven are invited to a 4-H summer slumber camp at Cape Disappointment State Park. This is a two-day camp that starts at 6 p.m., on Thursday, July 8 and ends at 9 a.m., on Saturday, July 10. The registration fee, which includes a T-shirt, is $55. You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend. Activities include tent camping, outdoor cooking, crafts, games, relay, campfires and more. Space is limited, so call 503-325-8573 today.

Transit Meeting

LONG BEACH – Pacific Transit System will hold its regular quarterly board meeting on Thursday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m., at 7013 Sandridge Road, Long Beach. The public is invited to come and be heard.

Motorcycle rally

LONG BEACH – The Pacific County Chapter of ABATE of Washington is holding their 2nd Annual Wildwood Rally from July 9 through July 11 at 5411 Sandridge Road in Long Beach benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Long Beach Peninsula. Gates open 10 a.m. on Friday and close at midnight on Sunday. The cost is $25 per single/$40 two per bike and includes tent camping, games, bike show and live music. A limited number of RV spaces are available with advanced reservation at 642-2131. No pets, fireworks or firearms allowed and you must be at least 21 years old. Contact Don or Tina McGuire at 642-8907 for more information or go to www.wildwoodrally.com for advanced ticket sale.

Aglow fellowship

CHINOOK – All are invited to an Aglow fellowship meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on July 10 at 2 Lingenfelter Road in Chinook. The gathering includes intercessory prayer, praise and worship. Aglow is an interdenominational organization for men and women. For more information contact Kathy at 777-8090.

Ham Radio

NASELLE – The Pacific County Amateur Radio Club meets July 10 at 9 a.m., at Hunter’s Inn in Naselle. Anyone interested in ham radio is encouraged to attend. For more information contact Dick Lemke at 665-2438 or Bob Cline at 665-4496.

Marine Biology camp

CHINOOK – Washington State Parks and Grays Harbor College are hosting an oceanography and marine biology day camp at Fort Columbia State Park for youth in grades six through eight. The camp is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, July 12 through Wednesday, July 14, and from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 16. Plus there will be a family potluck from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Attendees will explore the concepts of oceanography and marine biology through scientific investigations, hiking, drawing, journaling and games. The cost is $25 and includes snacks and a T-shirt. For information contact Linda at 360-538-4140 or via e-mail at lhass@ghc.edu. Camp size is limited to 25 campers per session. Registration can be taken at the front desk at Grays Harbor College Columbia Center at the Port of Ilwaco.

LB Lions

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Lions Club meets at noon the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Benson’s Restaurant in downtown Long Beach. Meetings in July are set for July 13 and July 27. Call 642-8322 for more information.

Writers’ Critique

LONG BEACH – Coastal Writers’ Critique meets July 13 and July 27 at 10 a.m. at the PUD building on Sandridge Road in Long Beach. All who wish to improve their writing skills are welcome. For more information you can call Jan at 642-4932.

Open house

KLIPSAN – Golden Sands Assisted Living celebrates their 10-year anniversary with an open house from10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 14. Come join the celebration, enjoy refreshments, tours and special guest pianist Barbara Bate. For information call 665-0190.

Americans for prosperity

LONG BEACH – Pacific County Chapter of Americans for Prosperity meet July 14 at the Seaview Transit Center at 2750 Highway 101 beginning at 6 p.m. All with an interest are welcome. For information call Edie Faylor, chair at 777-0557 or contact her via e-mail at pacific.cty.afp@gmail.com.

SandSations

LONG BEACH -The 2010 SandSations sand castle competition is coming July 14 through July 17. A new event this year is the master’s demonstration starting Wednesday, July 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Solo sand artists and a master team will build a Christmas sculpture. This process continues from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can have your picture taken with the display. The Sand Flea Pet Parade is at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday. Also construction for the main competition is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday – look for the designated family area. Judging of winners for each category (masters, intermediate, novice and family) is based on design, creativity, intricacy, suitability to sand, overall appearance, effort and teamwork. Go to www.funbeach.com for more information and registration forms.

Bald Eagle & Boat Festival

CATHLAMET – The 29th Annual Bald Eagle Day is Saturday, July 17 with a parade, which starts at 11 a.m. The theme this year is ‘Power of Community: Saluting Heroes and Volunteers.’ Scott Johnson from Naselle, a member of the Washington State Patrol, will be grand marshal. The street festival features many vendors, food, several bands, a kid’s area, the fire department water fight and a dunk tank. Then later that day there will be a beer garden at the Elochoman Marina, with musical entertainment and a fantastic fireworks show. Sunday’s Wooden Boat Festival begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. This day’s events include a barbeque, farmers market, Coast Guard rescue demonstration, free game for kids and lots more. Call the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce at 795-3294 for more information.

Issues forum

LONG BEACH – An issues forum, sponsored by AAUW, will be held on Friday, July 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Super 8 Motel in Long Beach. This forum will be an opportunity to hear from your candidates for local office. The format will include a question and answer period. AAUW (American Association of University Women) is a non-political organization dedicated to education. This is a non-partisan event. Natalie Hanson will be the moderator for the program. As of this printing, those accepting AAUW’s invitation to participate are: for the office of sheriff – John Didion and Scott Johnson; for Representative position two – Tim Sutinen and Brian Blake; for Representative position one – Kurt Swanson (tentative) and Dean Takko; for Pacific County Commissioner – Clay Harwood, Cathy Russ; and Boyd Keyser, superintendent, Ocean Beach School District.

FinnFest

NASELLE – The bi-annual Finnish-American Folk Festival is coming to Naselle July 23 through July 25 on the grounds of the Naselle-Grays River Valley School. The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Friday, various cultural programs including an amazing documentary on the history of Estonia. On Saturday there is the Paavo Nurmi Run at 8 a.m., then the official opening ceremonies and a variety of musical presentations, performers and dancers throughout the day. Plus you don’t want to miss the maypole dancers, the wife carry and the boot toss event, and all of the various booths with a wide variety of Finnish items. Mark your calendars now to attend this great event.

LB Rodeo

LONG BEACH – The 65th annual NPRA Long Beach Rodeo is coming July 24 and July 25 at the rodeo grounds on Sandridge Road. Events start off with a rodeo parade on Friday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m., in downtown Long Beach. There will be a cowboy breakfast both days at the clubhouse from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rodeo action starts at 1 p.m. both days. Saturday night after the rodeo, family night starts. Presale tickets may be purchased at the Long Beach Pharmacy. For more information call 800-451-2542.