Timber Days is here

PRIEST RIVER — Coming up this week, it’s the annual Timber Days in Priest River, a two-day celebration Friday–Saturday, July 24–25, complete with all the activities that have become time-honored traditions in the Pend Oreille River Valley – logging competitions, a parade, fun run, pancake feed, classic car show, vendors and much more.

Sam Wylie, a lifetime Priest River resident is this year’s Bull of The Woods, an honorary position that presides over Timber Day festivities, namely the parade. Qualifications for nominations are listed as the following on the chamber’s website: Someone who has shown extraordinary character within the community and worked in the timber industry. It could be logging, forestry, truck-driving or working in one of the area’s lumber mills for a good share of their career.

Wylie has worked in the timber industry for nearly 52 years. He was nominated for Bull of The Woods by Priest Community Forest Connection (PCFC) and Mike Reynolds Logging (MRL).

The fun starts Friday, July 24, with the Asphalt Angels car cruise, taking place from 7–10 p.m. in the downtown area. Anyone with a classic car and/or decorated vehicle is welcome to join. Registration starts at 6 p.m. at the Priest River Post Office.

The Run for the Berries kickstarts Saturday’s Timber Days events. The run features two distances, a 5K and 10K that start at 8 a.m. and kids’ race at 8:15 a.m. Kids times will not be posted. Awards will be presented approximately an hour after the race.

Proceeds for the event will go toward the Priest River Lamanna Junior/Senior High School track and field team. The cost is $35 and includes a breakfast ticket to the pancake breakfast.

The event starts and ends at Memorial Park, 616 High St.

The pancake feed goes from 7-10 a.m. in downtown Priest River between AJ’s Café and Popeyes on High and Main Streets.

There will also be huckleberry pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Cost is $10 per plate and cash or card is accepted. All funds go to the Spartan Booster Club.

From 8–9 a.m., registration for the annual Timber Days parade will be held at Pillar Financial Group, Nine 10th St., next to the junior high school.

Groups and individuals are encouraged to participate.

There is no charge for chamber members; the fee for non-chamber members is $5. Award categories include logging truck, logging equipment, nonprofit organization, classic car, business and open. All vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver.

Judging begins at 9 a.m. and the parade itself will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Horse entries must include proof of insurance with every form and candy must be handed out instead of thrown once entries reach the city park.

The Timber Days competition will start at high noon at Bonner Park West, with awards slated for 4 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be open at the park. As a reminder, due to Timber Days activity, the boat launch at Bonner Park West will be closed.

Boat launches at Albeni Cove and Riley Creek will be open.

The Timber Days Show and Shine Car Show is 9 a.m. Saturday at the Priest River Junior High School.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. For more information, call Chris Simpkins at 208290-3274.

According to the chamber’s website, past Bulls of the Woods include: Cliff Ackerman, Norm Peterson, Earl Fiedler, Ivan Rock, Gene Robinson, Ted Monk, Barney Stone, Kenny Bretthauer, Teddy Naccarato, Jim Bews, Don Pettit, Jack Fuher, Jim Linton, Floyd Wylie, Lloyd and Laurence Reynolds, Reuben Akre, Cecil Wylie, Ron Nelson, Buck Merritt, Jim Lake, Roy Cliff, Clint Hutchins, Billy Follmer, Ray Harold, Darrel Wear, Mike Reynolds, current Priest River Mayor Jeff Connolly, Mike Naccarato, Shorty Graham, Doug Cook, Curly Davaz and Bobby Bombino, Rick Pettit, Steve Gregory and Todd and Dean Douglas.

For more information on Timber Days, contact the Priest River Chamber of Commerce office at 208448-2721 or priestriver-coc@ gmail.com.

SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT THE NEWPORT MINER AND RANGE MEDIA THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.