Extended summer is OK with me
Not one to give up summer without a fight, I've genuinely enjoyed the balmy September, albeit the smoky skies took a bit of the joy out of the sunshine. I try to take a swim in the lake or river just about every day in July and August, carrying a beach towel and swimsuit in the trunk of my car always. Some days I just can't believe my good fortune to live in such a beautiful place.
As I looked at this week's forecast for highs in the 60s and low temps near freezing it was clear that Monday, Oct. 1, would likely be a last opportunity to enjoy a dip. So dip I did in the Spokane River at Q'emiln Park. Just me and a few dozen Canada geese enjoying the beach. The water was refreshing, still some afternoon sunshine and even fall colors on the trees in the park. Now I'm packing it in for the season and will swim indoors for the fall and winter. Sigh.
I attend quite a number of local events, accepting as many invitations to emcee, announce, photograph and judge as time permits. This past Saturday afternoon was a first for me, though, and an absolutely enjoyable experience. Classical Christian Academy invited me to officiate at their Family Fun Day Cow Pie Bingo. There were lots of families having fun, that's for sure and my new BFF, Strawberry the cow, was definitely the woman of the hour when she was turned loose on the school's soccer field to determine the winner. Not to be hurried, she took over an hour to do her business. Congratulations to Greg Braileanu who took home the $5,000 prize!
Just because it's October, don't think that there are any fewer worthwhile events to fill your weekend. Coming up on Friday is the annual Oktoberfest at the Lions Pavilion at Q'emiln Park with the Post Falls Historical Society, opening night of the Post Falls Lions Haunted House and the Trojan Tailgate party at the high school from 5-7 p.m., right before the big Homecoming game with Coeur d'Alene. On Saturday the Booster Club's Viking Country BBQ is at The Fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday there's the SIDS 5K Run for the Angels, 2 p.m. at Riverstone.
Today wish a happy birthday to Andy Stidham (40!), Dave Bobbitt, Dave Priano, Madison Morrow, Darcy Johnson, Shylo Deubner, Meilee Anderson, Jeff McLean and Anusha Roy. Tomorrow Michael Hillman, Teri Grubbs, Valerie Queen, Ami Manning, John Beebe, Mike Bryan, Tommy Lynn and Nicole Sobelman celebrate birthdays. On the fifth day of October Jan Lindquist, Pat Riley, Amber Butler, Margie Basaraba, Jonalyn Clayton, Debbie McEnespy and Tim Turrell (60!) will put on their party hats. On Saturday Brooke Miller shares a birthday with Gary Marian, Katrina Slater, Ricky Blaski, Rochelle Seher and Kate Bennett. Sunday is a special day for Midge Smock, Vicki Gehring, Mark Michalak, Nancy Harlocker, Katie Burke and Erin Paisley. On Monday Pat McGaughey and Dale Bennett turn 60, with Bev Finney, Craig Hampton, Suzanne DeTar and Josh Hissong enjoying another trip around the sun, too. Marking their birthdays on Tuesday, Oct. 9, are Randy Wells (60!), John Rook (75!), Ron Deering and Kathy Epstein.
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). Find her on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com.