The St. Maries Church of the Nazarene could use additional donations for this year’s school clothes giveaway.
The program is especially in need of winter coats.
Dillon Harold and Faithann Ebert show off a few items to be available the School Clothes Giveaway, organized by the Church of the Nazarene in St. Maries Saturday.
“As of right now we don’t have enough to hand out,” organizer Destrie Brown said. “But we have a week. A lot can happen in a week.”
This year’s giveaway is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 23) in the gym at the church. Gently used clothing, new underclothes, school supplies and backpacks will be available to area children. A table full of children’s books will be added to this year’s offerings. Children must be present to receive new items.
The church has sponsored the event for about the last 14 years.
“I was volunteering at the school when my children were little and I noticed that some kids had holey jeans and no snow boots or winter coats,” Mrs. Brown said. “I went to the pastor and asked if there was any way we could collect clothes to hand out and he told me to run with it.”
The program, which began with offering used clothing in the fellowship hall, has grown exponentially over the years. Last year the gymnasium was filled with tables of donations. About 130 families benefited from the program.
In addition to the event, the church organizes a clothing closet for those needing items throughout the year.
“There shouldn’t be any children running around in holey jeans, and without snowboots and/or coats in such a small close-knit community,” she said.
It takes a crew of volunteers and a community of donations to keep the event going each year. Ms. Brown handles collecting donations, while Faithann Ebert and her crew organize and set up the event. John and Mary Kistler wash and organize the donations that come in throughout the year.
“They keep it nice and organized so that all we have to do is pull the boxes out and unpack them,” Ms. Ebert said.
The crew will begin setting up the gym today (Wednesday). Volunteers are welcome to help with both setup and crowd control during the event. Call the church at (208) 245-4594 for additional information or to make a donation.
A Junior Olympian competes in the potato sack race.
All Day Visit St. Maries and have some fun. Spend some time and take a trip up the St. Joe River it’s a beautiful drive. You can go Swimming, fishing, or play a round of golf. Stop by the Hughes House on Main Ave. to learn more about our area’s past. Plan to shop St. Maries for great bargains during the sidewalk sales. The Information Booth located just past the playground in the City Park sells Paul Bunyan T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hoodies and other stuff for the weekend for a first come first serve basis. The hours are 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Stop by and say “Hi” to all the volunteers and get your questions answered. Be sure to purchase your tickets for the Hospice Wood Raffle while at the information booth! Camping available at AQUA PARK with permits only. Someone will be down there to collect your money and give you a permit.
Noon Community Booths and Blue Ox Tavern. Visit the many interesting booths in City Park and, if you’re 21 or older, check out the “Biggest Topless Bar” in Idaho. ID is required, regardless of age.
5:00 p.m. Pet and Doll Parade Check-In. Kid’s ages 3 to 12 come join the fun. Check in at Grub Box parking lot, 8th and Center AVE.
5:00 p.m. Carnival Opens. Come on down and check it out. Davis Shows Northwest is ready and waiting for the fun to begin!
5:30 p.m. Pet and Doll Parade. Kids dress up your favorite doll. stuffed animal, or living pet and yourself and join the parade. First, Second and Third place prizes! Plan to meet your parents at the Football field, City Park, where winners will be announced and all participants will receive a snack. Parade route will be from 7th and Main to 13th and Main. No parking on either side of Main Street from 8th through 10th. STRICTLY ENFORCED!
6:00-10:00 p.m. Karaoke on stage in the City Park.
8:00-12:00 p.m. Four on the Floor at the Blue Ox. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
Saturday, August 30, 2014
8:00 a.m. Paul Bunyan Days Karen Ebert Memorial 5K Fun Run/ Walk registration. The 5K race has returned to the Paul Bunyan Days line-up. Pick up races packet at St. Maries High School gym parking lot and get ready for a 3.2 mile walk/run along the beautiful St. Joe River Road. Late registration accepted until race time.
9:00 a.m. Fun Run/Walk begins. The 5k race begins with a bang. Whether you’re an experienced runner, an avid walker or just wanting to get out for good walk, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
9:30 a.m. Junior Olympics Registration. Free and Fun – All kids to age 12 welcome. Football Field, City Park.
10:00 a.m. Helicopter Rides. Come on down to the West End of the City Park and check out the prices for a ride.
10:00 a.m. Junior Olympics. Come on down and cheer these kids on as they compete for awards to be presented in each age group.
10:00 a.m. Blue Ox Opens. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
11:00 a.m. Register for Water Events at the City Pool. 13-17 years old, parents must be present for sign-up and competition.
All Day Carnival, Food Booths, Blue Ox, and Shopping. The Merchant’s Sidewalk Sales continue and all the fun continues at City Park. Don’t miss it!
11:00- 2:00 p.m. Games – Come on in & sign up to play in the Blue OX. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
Noon Water Events. Come join the fun. Be part of it or cheer on the others. Loggers water competition is old fashioned fun with Log Birling, Canoe Jousting, Tight Rope Walking, and more. Please bring your own towel. Register to participate – Amateurs only
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. St. Maries Community Band & Choir – on the main stage in the City Park.
2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kevin Gardner on stage at the City Park.
6:00 p.m. Weigh In- Tug Of War. 1500 lbs maximum co-ed teams. On the Football Field pending entries.
6:00-10:00 p.m. Mainstream Square Dance at the Eagles Lodge.
6:00-10:00 p.m. American Bonfire on stage in the City Park.
7:00 p.m. Tug of War. Don’t miss the action as you watch groups compete. Co-ed teams 1500 lb limit. Must have one female on team.
8:00-12:00 p.m. Four on the Floor at the Blue Ox.
9:00 p.m. Low Aerial Fireworks Rose’s Fireworks Show Music provided before the show.
9:00 p.m. St. Joe Valley Car Club Dance. Everyone 21 years or older is invited to the Cormana Building,City Park, to have some fun and dance the night away.Music provided by the King Pins. Tickets $5 at the door. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
A crowd lines the streets of Main Avenue in anticipation of the annual Paul Bunyan Days parade.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
7:00-12:30p.m. Community Breakfast. This is a Humane Society fundraiser and committee personnel will be doing the cooking and serving. Proceeds to benefit the Benewah County Humane Society. Come on down to the Eagles on Main Street and enjoy a great meal. Serving Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, milk, juice and coffee.
All Day Carnival, booths, Blue Ox. All the fun continues at City Park, don’t miss out!
10:00 a.m. Helicopter Rides. Come on down to the West End of the City Park and check out the prices for a ride.
10:00 a.m. Blue Ox opens. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
10 – 6:00 p.m. Valley Peacemakers Quilt Show Annual quilt show sponsored by the Valley Peacemakers Quilt & Craft Club will be at the Heyburn Elementary School gym 1404 Main Street, just one block from City Park.
11:00-2:00 p.m. Games – Come sign up & play at the Blue Ox. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
12:00 p.m. Paul Bunyan Auction. If you want a bargain, and like auctions you will love this one. Great items donated by local merchants. Also loads of logs were donated and will be auctioned. Come and get your number and participate. Football Field, City Park.
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Spare Parts Band on stage at the City Park.
Noon Registration for Kids Pool Events. Ages 6-12. Parents must be present for sign-up and competition.
1:00 p.m. Kids Pool Events. Ages 6-12. Inner Tube races and Parent-child raft races. Parents must be present for sign-up and competition.
4:00 – 8:00 Earl Wear & Haywire on the main stage in the City Park.
6:00 p.m. Joy Night Celebration. Joy Night at the 2nd Street Baptist Church, Come join in the worship – everyone welcome.
6:00 p.m. Fireworks pre show.
9:00 p.m. Fireworks Display. “Circus Circus” is this year’s theme for this spectacular event. Join us for the fireworks display and find out what thousands already know, St. Maries’ fireworks are the best around!! On the soccer field at City Park.
A packed crowd is treated to brilliant fireworks shows, year after year.
After Fireworks. Earl Wear & Haywire on stage at the City Park.
10 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Four on the Floor after the fireworks in the Blue Ox. ID REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE
Monday, September 1, 2014
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Register for the Parade. Sign up at Ken’s Body Shop, west end of town. Registration accepted until 9:30 only!
Hurry to get a spot in line for the Parade.
10:00–4:00p.m. Valley Peacemakers Quilt Show The quilt show is sponsored by the Valley Peacemakers Quilt & Craft Club will be at the Heyburn Elementary School gym, just one block from City Park.
10:00 a.m. Helicopter Rides at the West end of the City Park. Come on down and check out the prices.
10:00 a.m. Here Comes the Parade!! Grab a folding chair and line up on Main Ave. Give a hearty welcome to all parade participants. No Parking on either side of Main Avenue from 7th through 11th Street. STRICTLYENFORCED!
12:00 to Close Carnival, Booths, Blue Ox. The fun continues until this evening. Last chance to have fun – grab some lunch, the food is great!
Noon Registration for Logging Events. Sign up at the Football field. Amateurs only.
12:00 p.m. Kids Events meet by main stage at City Park. 2-5 yrs. old.
1:00 p.m. Logging Events. It’s show-down time. Come cheer these loggers and loggerettes on as they compete in various activities. Amateurs only.
2:00 p.m. Duck Races at the river.
This year’s Mid-Summer Family Fun Festival will boast more activities, games, contests and food than previous years.
The St. Maries Rotary Club’s annual event, which caters to families, will coincide with the Benewah County Fair this weekend.
“We really hope by combining the two events it will increase attendance for both and encourage those who may not attend the fair to come check it out,” Carol Humphrey said.
Children line up to take a turn on the water slide at last year’s Family Fun Festival. The water attraction was easily one of the most popular attractions at the festival.
The majority of the events will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17. However, the Rotary Club will be at the fairgrounds selling lunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 14 and 15.
“We will be serving homemade Sloppy Joes Thursday and then Hawaiian ham sandwiches on Friday,” Mrs. Humphrey said. “They are both really good.”
Mrs. Humphrey encourages families to come down for lunch and then spend time checking out what the rest of the fair has to offer.
Those who grew a pumpkin for the Heaviest Pumpkin Contest can check-in for the contest at 4 p.m. Thursday. The winner will be announced Sunday and there is a $200 prize on the line.
Events will start at 11 a.m. Saturday. There will be bouncy houses for children, a mechanical bull, craft table, a magician will perform at 3 p.m., there will be hot dogs and chili dogs served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and more. A professional face painter will be available beginning at noon.
A petting zoo will be on site this year from noon to 3 p.m. Children will be able to pet animals, feed them and have their photos take.
Enter the watermelon eating contest ($2). It will be held at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The water balloon launch contest, also $2, will take place at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The new elk bugling contest will be at 5 p.m. with finals Sunday. Register at the fairgrounds. Hunters, and others, who think they have the ability to call in an elk, should plan to enter. The cost to enter is as follows: under 14 is $5; over 14 is $10. The winner of each category will win the pot. Only vocal or sounds produced by handheld instruments may be used. One cow-calf call and one elk sound per contestant.
There will be demonstrations throughout the day Saturday. Times and places will be posted. Anyone who is a grilling master will also be able to register for the Barbecue Challenge. The challenge boasts a $100 prize for the winner, a champion T-shirt, 10 percent off a pellet grill at Idaho Rigging, bragging rights and name engraved on the traveling trophy.
Cooks will also be able to register at 8:30 a.m. Sunday for the Barbecue Challenge with the winner announced at 2:15 p.m.
St. Maries’ resident John Connell won it last year with his recipe for baby back ribs. He does not know whether or not he will return to defend his title, but encourages others to compete.
“There were only three of us last year,” he said. “I would love to see it get bigger.”
Mr. Connell said he’s been grilling for quite a few years and was not surprised he won the contest.
“There are quite a few people in town who can attest to my quality when it comes to grilling,” he said. “If you can create good food at home come down and give it a go. Find out how good you really are.”
This will be the third year for the Barbecue Challenge.
Other events for Sunday include finals for the elk bugling, water balloon launch and watermelon eating contests. The heaviest pumpkin winner will be announced at 2:15 p.m.
There will also be several grand-prize drawings again this year. Potlatch has donated a load of firewood. Tickets are $10.
There will also be drawings for a two-minute $200 shopping spree at Archie’s IGA; two Silverwood tickets; a children’s bicycle from Hughes Ace Hardware; and a 50/50 drawing. Tickets for these prizes are $1 each or six for $5.
Those who purchase a family pass ($35), all day pass ($13) or individual event tickets ($2) will automatically receive a ticket for the drawings. The family pass is good for a family of four. Additional passes for a family larger than four cost $10 each.
The drawings will take place at 2:30 p.m.
The Kiss the Donkey Competition wraps-up at 3 p.m. Sunday. The contestants and their charities include Dale Hill, Wounded Warriors; Ginny Oakes, Hospice; Harry Grubham, CASA; Karen Gibson, St. Maries Volunteer Community Clinic; Margaret Lehmbecker, Community Outdoor Amphitheatre; and Jim Broyles, STRIVE Scholarships.
The person who raises the most will get to donate half their earnings to the charity of their choice. The loser(s) will have to kiss Lizzy, the donkey. The crowd will decide which end the loser (s) kiss.
The money raised from this year’s Mid-Summer Family Fun Festival will benefit the St. Maries Rotary Club’s Strive scholarship. If the scholarship is fully funded, any additional money will support the amphitheatre.
“We just hope everyone will come down to support and participate not only us, but also all those who have projects in the fair,” Mrs. Humphrey said. “It’s going to be a great weekend for families to come and have fun.”
A new category has been added to this year’s open class exhibits in an effort to create more interest and participation in the Benewah County Fair.
The category, titled Pinterest Inspired, is based on a popular website where people share ideas in the form of pictures. The idea is for local people to enter items they’ve created that have been inspired by projects shared on the website.
Organizers hope the new class will inspire more people to become involved in the fair. A few years ago an antler shed class and last year an archery competition was added for the same purpose. Those activities along with all the traditional open class categories will be available again this year.
RJ Schwanz gets his steer, King, ready for the Benewah County Fair this week. The Junior Show and Sale is Saturday morning.
“Our 4-H participation continues to hold steady,” said Nancy Malensky, the Junior Show and Sale Chairman. “It is our open class participation attendance that continues to dwindle.”
In their effort to bring in a bigger crowd, Rotary’s Family Fun Day events will be also be held at the fairgrounds over the weekend.
“We want to encourage the public to attend and maybe inspire them without our open classes to participate next year.”
Ms. Malensky said she expects the Junior Show and Sale, one of the best attended events at the fair, to do well again this year.
More than 126 animals will be shown in the barn this year, including 70 pigs, 11 steers, seven sheep, four goats, two pens of chickens and turkeys, 13 rabbits and 21 pet chickens.
“I cannot see any reason why it won’t be at least as good as last year,” Ms. Malensky said. “We are prepared and so are the children. We have a very enthusiastic group of volunteers and everybody’s in it for the children. When you have a good group of people it just seems to flow well.”
The junior show market animal sale begins Saturday morning shortly followed by the family fun day events.
“We never know until Saturday about how many buyers are going to show up at the sale,” she said. “With the price of meat so high right now we are encouraging people to come buy our animals.”
Other popular events include the animal dress up contest at 6 p.m. Saturday and the Cow Patty Bingo at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
All open class exhibits had to be entered between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 12) and will be judged today (Wednesday). All livestock are to be entered between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. today. All exhibits are released between 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday.
Registration forms and additional information is available in the fair book, which can be found at Triple X.
As usual, it’s another big weekend here in St. Maries. And – also as usual – this weekend’s events offers a variety of options for people looking for something to do.
The grand opening for The Gallery on Main is Friday, Aug. 8.
The St. Maries Council for the Arts will host an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. at the local art gallery located within The Paperhouse at 822 Main Avenue.
Art Council President Cathy Britschgi and Alex Barta (co-owner of The Paperhouse) display local artwork at the new Gallery on Main in St. Maries. The gallery’s grand opening is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Artists will be available to speak with the public about their work. Some will provide demonstrations and creative activities for children will also be available. Refreshments will be provided.
“The council hopes that the return of a gallery will add to the St. Maries downtown a destination for locals and visitors,” President Cathy Britschgi said. “It is a showcase of the areas talented residents.”
Those who attend may also participate in a fifty-fifty raffle. The winner will be drawn at the close of the evening and, contestants do not need to be present to win.
The co-op style gallery features the work of more than 15 different local artists including woodwork, metalwork, photography, paintings, handmade cards, jewelry and other interesting items.
“Besides offering a chance to purchase a product produced here it gives residents and tourists a chance to experience a connection to the St. Joe region via a photograph or painting,” Ms. Britschgi said. “There is something for everyone as well as room for others to display their artistic talent. Creativity is best shared.”
The gallery has reopened after being closed for a year due to lack of participation and support. Space is available for additional artists to display/sell their work. The art council hopes to rebuild interest in the gallery and support for the arts in the local community.
At this time the council has about 40 members and about 10 board members. This year’s officers include Ms. Britschgi, president, Ann Reed, vice-president, Nancy Heim, treasurer, and Jeanne Johnson, secretary.
The council meets at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Four Season’s Realty office on 7th Street in St. Maries.
Call The Paperhouse at (208) 245-2064 for additional information.
The Rhythm & Brews at the Bend festival returns to St. Maries this weekend.
This will be the second year that Laci St. John, along with her husband Brian, have worked to organize the festival, which features live music, brews and wine.
Mrs. St. John said she and her husband enjoyed other festivals in the area when they started considering the idea of hosting one in St. Maries.
Laci St. John displays the poster for the second Rhythm & Brews at the Bend festival, which will feature live music, brews and wine. She has organized the festival as an extension of her business and hopes it will become a much-anticipated event every year.
“Microbrews are part of our business here and so it was a way that we could grow our business in that area,” she said.
The owners of Benewah Beverage and the BrickWAL.L. sponsored the first Rhythm & Brews festival in 2012.
“Our goal was just to get it going and get it established in the community,” Mrs. St. John said. “We ended up having around 200 people come through.”
Though they were unable to organize the festival last year, plans are complete for this year’s event, which is from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Cherry Bend Boat Park. Three hundred tickets will be sold for the event.
“We’ve already passed the halfway mark,” Mrs. St. John said.
Tickets cost $25 for a single pass (mug and three drink tickets) or $45 for a couple (two mugs and six drink tickets. The Fat Tones will perform from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and then Bill Bozly will take the stage from 6 to 8 p.m.
Gourmet sandwiches will be available from Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese of Coeur d’Alene. Seasonal wines and brews will also be available.
“Some of our top seasonal flavors include huckleberry, grape fruit and blood orange. We will have dark beers as well and a wine table,” Mrs. St. John said.
Mrs. St. John encouraged those who attend to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
“I just want people to come and enjoy themselves,” she said. “When we held it two years ago, it was a very relaxed atmosphere and people were dancing and just enjoying themselves.”
She added she believes the event is a good way to showcase the area and the St. Joe River, which is one of the area’s greatest assets.
“We really want to grow it to the point where it becomes another community event,” Mrs. St. John said, “that will showcase our area. I just want to invite people to come our and what it is.”
Tickets are available for purchase at the BrickWAL.L. during regular business hours, which are Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 245-3560.
Carol Humphrey, from Rotary of St. Maries, and Nancy Malensky, of the Benewah County Junior Show and Sale, discuss their combined events, the Family Fun Day and the Benewah County Fair, August 14 – 17.
1. How did the idea to combine the Benewah County Fair and the St. Maries Rotary Club’s Family Fun Day come about?
Just in conversation with Rotary members and Junior Show and Sale members. Both events are beneficial to the community, so it seemed like it would be good to combine the two into the same weekend.
2. What are the dates for this year’s fair and Family Fun Day?
August 14-August 17.
3. What activities will the fair and Family Fun Day offer families this year?
The Junior Show is Thursday, Aug. 14, and Friday, Aug. 15. Projects will also be on display. The animal dress-up contest is Friday and the Round Robin is Friday at 6 p.m. We would like to encourage the public to enter their exhibits. There is a new category called, “Pinterest Inspired,” and the antler shed contest is always popular. Look through the fair book and we are sure you can find something to enter.
Enter your pumpkin into Rotary’s heaviest pumpkin contest to be eligible to win $200. Saturday is “Family Fun Day” with mechanical bull rides, 22’ water slide, bouncies, kids’ crafts, watermelon eating contest, balloon launch contest, petting zoo, professional face painter, vendor booths, the Benewah County Pie Contest at 3 p.m., and a professional magician.
Kiwanis will serve a buyer’s appreciation breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, prior to the Junior Show and Sale Market Animal Sale, which starts at 10 a.m. This is your chance to fill your freezer.
Kiwanis serves breakfast at 7 a.m. Sunday followed by finals for the water balloon launch contest, watermelon eating finals, cow patty bingo at 1:30 p.m., elk bugling contest and be there at 2:30 p.m. to see who will Kiss The Donkey Lizzy. Don’t forget to enter the BBQ Challenge. There will be drawings for the Potlatch-donated load of firewood, the 50/50 drawing and IGA’s $200 shopping marathon, Silverwood Pass, and Hughes Ace Hardware’s donated bicycle.
4. Who has helped put the events together?
Local business sponsors, Kiwanis, Hopes Haven, Benewah County 4-H, Benewah County Fair Board, Benewah County commissioners, and the St. Maries Rotary Club. There will be signage with the names of these people who have contributed so much to make the fair and Family Fun Day possible. The Distinguished Young Women participants, Boy Scouts and youth volunteers are so generous in giving their time and help wherever needed. The Junior Show & Sale kids for all their hard work to show the results of their labor in raising good animals for the market sale. The market is supported by local businesses, industries and individuals.
5. Are there plans to combine the two events next year?
If this works, you bet.
6. Are there any new events happening this year in regards to either the fair or Family Fun Day?
The petting zoo. This is an animal rescue and education non-profit out of Otis Orchards that that offers a petting zoo with up to 15 different types of farm animals. Animals can be petted and pictures will be posed for a Kodak moment. The elk bugling contest should be fun and the heaviest pumpkin contest. Avista will do a educational demonstration on electricity. This is something everyone should see as it could save your life.
7. What is the goal in combining the two events?
We would like to see Family Fun Day and the Benewah County Fair be events that everyone can enjoy.
8. Are there any costs to participate in any of the events at either the fair or Family Fun Day?
There is no charge to attend the fair, but the Family Fun Day family tickets (for a family of four) is $35 for a pass for all events, which includes an entry into the grand prize drawings. Individual day pass is $10. Single event tickets cost $2 for each activity. There also give you an entry into the grand prize drawings. It is $25 to enter the BBQ Challenge, $2 to enter the watermelon eating contest and water balloon launch. Firewood raffle tickets are $10, 50/50 drawing tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
9. What makes the fair and Family Fun Day a great place for families?
A time for people to join together as a family and enjoy wholesome activities, good food and applaud the Junior Show & Sale kids who have put a lot of time, effort and expense into raising their animals and working on their projects. Be sure to walk through the buildings and check out all of the other displays, too.
10. What do you ladies think is the best part of the fair and what is your favorite Family Fun Day activity?
The Saturday night dance we sponsor for the 4-H Youth. After a stressful week of showing and taking care of their animals, the kids are ready for a break. BBQ Challenge and the Kiss the Donkey Lizzy (there is still time to donate to your favorite contestant). Just seeing families having fun.
More than 150 people participated in the 2013 5K Karen Ebert Memorial Fun Run-Walk. Organizer Paul Ebert hopes to see another great turnout the race set for Aug. 30, 2014.
The race is a longtime tradition of Paul Bunyan Days and was organized by Mr. Ebert and his wife, Karen, for several years. After she lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007, the race was renamed in her honor.
All proceeds from the race go to the Karen Ebert Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is funded mostly through private donations. Mr. Ebert said the race generates around $1,000 each year for the fund. Mr. Ebert said the fund has awarded approximately $20,000 in scholarships, nearly 50 percent came from money generated at this race.
Racers at the start of the 2013 Karen Ebert Memorial Fun Run during Paul Bunyan Days.
Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors and to participants of the St. Maries Junior Miss program. A list of those scholarships is available upon request.
Entry forms for the race are available at The Paperhouse, BrickWA.L.L., Big River Designs, the Gazette Record and from Sabrina Powell at Inspiration. Participants in last year’s race will receive a form in the mail.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. the day of the race and the race starts at 9 a.m. Racers begin at the high school gym and travel 1.5 miles down St. Joe River Road before returning to the gym.
The entry fee is $16 for those who register before Aug. 21. There is a $5 late fee for applications received after Aug. 22. Those who enter after Aug. 22 may not receive a T-shirt at the race, but may be mailed a shirt.
Mr. Ebert said people may contact him if they have questions about the race at 582-0385.
The abundance of purple in downtown St. Maries is a visual reminder of an upcoming event.
The second annual St. Maries Relay for Life, the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is Aug. 1 and 2.
With more than $26,000 raised, the group is on track to exceed last year’s earnings of $30,000. This year’s goal is $50,000.
Judd Wilson, the manager of the St. Maries Wells Fargo branch, was instrumental in convincing the company to make a donation to the St. Maries Relay for Life event. Wells Fargo is the first Platinum Sponsor donating $1,000. Organizers Starla Thompson and Crystal Houck said they are encouraged by the increased support that the community has offered the event this year.
“Last year at this time we only had $14,000,” organizer Starla Thompson said. “And we raised over half of our donations at the event itself. So I am certain we will make our goal.”
The addition of a platinum donation by a corporate sponsor last week was a big boost for the fundraising campaign. Wells Fargo donated $1,000 and is the event’s main sponsor. Other event sponsors include Valley Vista and Benewah Community Hospital with donations of $500.
“I’m pleased that I was able to get my corporate leadership on board with the idea and that they fully support this first-ever platinum sponsorship,” Branch Manager Judd Wilson said.
Ms. Thompson said she and her co-chair Crystal Houck were shocked when they heard about the platinum sponsorship.
“To have all these people and businesses stand behind us is encouraging,” Ms. Thompson said.
The group is selling luminaries for the memorial. The names submitted for the luminaries will also be featured on a slideshow during the event. The names need to be submitted by July 29 in order to be included on the slideshow.
Volunteers for the day of the event are also needed mostly for set-up and cleanup. Anyone who needs community service hours, or who would just like to help are encouraged to participate. Call the committee chairs Ms. Thompson at 659-7423 or Crystal Houck at 582-2338.
Riders of all ages will compete in the St. Maries Saddle Club Horse Show and O-Mok-See July 26 and 27 at the Benewah County Fairgrounds.
More than 75 riders are expected to participate. The riders will be competing in various games that will test the riders and their horse’s abilities.
There will be different class competitions that will start at 9 a.m. Saturday and will carry over onto Sunday. Show classes will include halter, showmanship, English and western pleasure, reining, trail and much more.
There will also be speed classes where riders will compete to get the best overall time in competitions like barrel racing, pole bending and flag racing.
A jackpot pair sack competition with an entry fee of five dollars will also be open to riders who have registered for the event.
The 2014 saddle club royalty will also compete in the games as well as the horse show. This year’s royalty are: Queen Hailey Crawford, Senior Princess Beth Lindberg, and Junior Princess Mandy Cabral.
The 2014 St. Maries Saddle Club royalty (From left to right) Junior Princess Mandy Cabral, Senior Princess Beth Lindberg, and Queen Hailey Crawford will participate in this year’s O-Mok-See and horse show. This year’s summer O-Mok-See marks the saddle club’s 60th anniversary.
There’s a combined two-day buckle, performance and O-Mok-See high point awards for each age group. Two day overall high point will be awarded to fifth place and awards are given to fifth in each event as well.
A shaded seating area will be available for spectators as well as concessions.
The St. Maries Saddle Club started in 1950. The annual horse show and O-Mok-See was organized shortly after the club’s beginning. It now has more than 40 members.
For additional information on the games and registration contact Staci Crawford at (208) 245-4163. Registration forms are still available online at http//www.stmariessaddleclub.com/Show_O-Mok-See_Event.html.
The St. Maries Rotary Club has released a drawing of the community amphitheatre proposed to be built in city park next year.
Several copies of the sketch will be placed throughout town including the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and several of the banks.
Chris Renaldo, a member of the St. Maries Rotary Club, holds a drawing of the proposed St. Maries Community Amphitheatre that the club is helping to fundraise for the construction of. The club is hoping to get other community groups involved in the project this year.
With a request from the Paul Bunyan Days Committee and $4,500 in seed money, local Rotarians took on the task of fundraising for a community building to be built in the upper portion of city park.
The 50′ wide by 40′ deep structure will include a stage, multipurpose room, handicap access ramp and be wired for sound.
The project is estimated to cost $130,000, but the fundraising goal is $150,000. Including cash and in-kind donations of labor and materials.
“We have about $75,000,” Rotarian Chris Renaldo said. “If we are able to reach our goal we will be able to put a sound system in the building and purchase 100 chairs to stow underneath the stage, which would be nice for people who wish to use the amphitheatre not to have to transport a ton of chairs to the park.”
Planning for the project began in 2011, and fundraising started the following year. The group took a hiatus from fundraising last year in order to allow the community to give their full attention to fundraising for the new Benewah County Veteranís Memorial. Since the memorial has been completed, fundraising has resumed.
Timber Plus is working on obtaining grant money for the project.
“We are expecting to receive a $5,000 grant from Avista and something from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, who helped us with the playground,” Mr. Renaldo said.
The club’s next goal is to involve more community groups in the project.
“We don’t think people really have any idea what this is going to look like or what it is for,” Mr. Renaldo said.
Rotarians have approached several community groups looking for those willing to organize a fundraiser to support the project.
“It makes our grant applications better when grantees see multiple groups working together,” he explained. “It’s just a matter of getting other groups on board. At this point we haven’t approached any businesses or people for individual donations. We are trying to do this without going door to door. Our local businesses already give a lot to this community.”
The building will be a multi-functional facility that will provide a place for various events, especially for performing arts.
The club expects construction on the building to begin just after baseball season next year and be ready by Paul Bunyan Days.
“It is a community project, not a Rotary project,” Mr. Renaldo said. “We want to involve the entire community in helping to raise money to support the construction of the building. Just like the playground, the city will construct and own the building. The Rotary Club is just organizing the fundraising.”
