Mid-month packed with Midsummer Fest, Car Show and Fly-in

NORTH COUNTY – You might call it ‘Planes, (no) trains and automobiles,’ because June 15 and 16 have at least two of the three in their events, although the third takes place in one of the first towns to have train service in Okanogan County.

Molson Midsummer Festival

MOLSON – Molson, site of that early day train stop, plans its annual “summer fun day,” the Molson Midsummer Festival, on Saturday June 15 and this historical Okanogan Highlands community is inviting everyone to come and do just that, have fun.

The day starts out at 8 a.m. with an all-you-can-eat pancake feed at the grange hall for $8. While your there you can sign up for the “run, walk or shuffle race” which begins at 9 a.m. and takes you along the lakes. The traditional May Pole (bring in the summer) Dance takes place at 10:30 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to sing and dance around the May Pole in front of the Schoolhouse Museum.

Meanwhile you can park your classic car next to the school house and get geared up for a parade through town at 11 a.m. A lunch concession will also be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’d like to remind you that almost anything that walks or rolls is encouraged to participate in the parade; classic cars, tractors, you name it said, Elva (Rise) Helm, one of this year’s Grand Marshals.

She’ll be sharing the place of honor in the parade with Floyd and Pat Rise and Ken and Karen (Rise) Cockle.

The family games, horseshoe tournament and scavenger hunt starts right after the parade. Frisbee golf is from around 12:30 to 3 p.m. and the favorite car awards will be a 2 p.m. There are also a variety of all day activities going on including arts and crafts, vendors and prize drawings in the hall and viewing of the Schoolhouse and Old Molson Museums.

For more information call Mary Louise Loe at (509) 485-3292. To arrange an arts an crafts table call Jeanette LaMonte at (509) 485-2035. Willy Penner is in charge of the door prizes.

Money raised from the event will go toward the two Molson Museum and the fund to put a new roof on the grange hall.

North Country Car Show

TONASKET – The 24th annual North Country Car Club Car show and Cruise-in will be held Saturday, June 15, at the Tonasket Rodeo Grounds south of Tonasket.

Trophies will be awarded for first place in 17 categories as well as special trophies for Best Engine sponsored by Allen’s Auto Parts, Best Upholstery sponsored by Bob Raymer Machine Works, Best Paint sponsored by Hickman’s Body Shop and the Best of Show sponsored by OK Chevrolet.

New this year is a category of “Rat Rod.”

Gates open at 9 a.m. Vehicles may be judged with an entry fee of $15. Additional entry cost is $5 each. Anyone with a paid entry will receive a dash plaque as a souvenir. Voting begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

“Only 100 voting tickets will be available so come early to have the opportunity to choose your favorite. Winners are selected by voting from the general public and awards to be presented at 1:30 p.m.,” said North Country Car Club member Patti Hill.

A silent auction will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations are welcome. The Tonasket Comancheros, Inc., is providing lunch. Vendor booths are available for $15.

For further information you may contact (509) 486-1858 or (509) 486-2251.

“Thank you to the community members and businesses who help support the show,” said Hill.

Father’s Day Fly-in

TONASKET – The 23rd Annual Tonasket Father’s Day Fly-in will be Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16.

On Saturday there is the steak barbecue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday starts off with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. and lunch is served starting at 11 a.m.

The Father’s Day Fly-in is popular with both local pilots and spectators alike. The City of Tonasket and the Tonasket Airport Improvement Club encourages everyone to come out and see the airport and have a look at the planes.

There’s free camping on the field in the park. For more information call (509) 486-4502.