In Our Opinion
It’s that time a year when we map out our summer getaways.
But as you plan to visit destinations that are maybe far away, or even foreign, think about ratcheting things back a little and remember what might just be in or near your backyard.
The West Plains has events that both need your patronage, and maybe even some help, too.
If you missed Cheney’s third-annual Mayfest, staged May 29-30, an opportunity passed you by to connect with businesses and neighbors. The event, one of a number that showcases Cheney, was well attended and bigger than the previous years.
The Cheney Free Press editorial board will take this opportunity to remind you to go to the wall calendar or the smartphone app and put these activities on your to-do list in the next few weeks.
• Medical Lake’s Founder’s Day, June 20
• The Cheney Rodeo, July 10-12
• Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 7-9
• Airway Heights Festival, Aug. 21-22
The cities and organizations hosting these events would like your support of the events and would probably love your volunteer involvement as well.
Medical Lake honors its heritage at Founder’s Day and presents a day of activities such as a parade, car show and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, among numerous other things to entertain the entire family.
Among those helping promote the event is new Medical Lake Superintendent of Schools, Tim Ames, who wants the school district out front and engaging the community, not just when they need support for bonds and levies.
For nearly a half century, the Cheney Rodeo has brought some of the top cowboys in the country to the West Plains. They compete at Bi Mart Arena the second weekend in July and try to grab their share of the money at what has come to be known as “Cowboy Christmas.”
Who would have thought that back in 2002 the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival would have grown to the stature it enjoys today, booking some of the top acts in the country?
Bluegrass is truly an infectious style of music, but it’s an ambitious band of volunteers behind the curtains who make it all happen on the stage, and under the lights.
Airway Heights is in its 32nd year of producing its massively popular Ford Show. When asked if they’re going to the Ford Show, most people reply is more often than not, “Oh you mean the one in Airway Heights?”
Each of these events provides their respective communities with a unique way to showcase themselves to people from outside their towns who might never before have had a reason to visit.
These events thrive on the energy of the many volunteers who work long hours behind the scenes. They also die when that wanes.
The Cheney Jubilee had a run of just three years and seemed to be a fine companion to the rodeo down the road. But the volunteer seed to keep this fun event alive, although planted, never germinated and grew roots.
It wasn’t but a couple of years ago that the future of Founder’s Day was also in doubt. The old guard, who saw to it that the event took place, experienced burnout and needed new people to step up. With some apparent pushing and shoving a new group of organizers are steering Founder’s Day forward.
Whatever magic potion the Cheney Rodeo has used to keep it successful and vital, many others might like the recipe. Perhaps it was the reputed party atmosphere that kept organizers engaged.
By drawing people from outside each of the West Plains communities and giving them reason to stay a while, everyone wins, the businesses, the community, the city itself.
Take a small piece of your summer and catch some of the fun, and if you have more time get in and volunteer.
Event contact info
For more information regarding the events listed in the editorial contact the following:
Airway Heights Festival
Email: [email protected]
(509) 244-4845
Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival
Email: [email protected]
Cheney Rodeo
Email: [email protected]
(509) 235-4848
Founders Day
509-565-5007
Email: [email protected]
Mayfest
Email: [email protected]
(509) 235-8441
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