The second year of Hootstock took place at the old School House on Bradley Creek Rd. Aug. 26, 27, and 28. The one room school house was built in 1930 and closed in 1948.
Over the years it fell into disrepair but in 1975 the Bradley Creek Stumpranchers came together to raise money to restore the building.
They hosted many Christmas parties, corn roasts, Easter Egg hunts, sleigh and hay rides and Hootenanny Cafe fund raisers.
After all the repairs, including a new roof, having logs replaced, and a variety of other projects the schoolhouse was ready for it’s new venue.
A stage was built at the back of the school for this years Hootstock.
From Friday evening at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. there was a fabulous line up of talent.
There was singing, storytelling, dance and instrumentals of all descriptions. The setting was very peaceful with dragonflys and birds on bug patrol, a light breeze blowing and the sun shining brightly. All there was to do was sit, listen, watch and enjoy.
Marg Huber, who, if you recall recently turned 80, performed with The Old Time Band. Sage Birchwater sang a song called
Before the Deluge, a reference to the sensitive topic of the new Prosperity Mine. Dennis Bowen did a song called Ghost of Walachine which was about his old dog.
Go to www.hootstock.com to see write ups of the various performers.
Charles Jones was also on hand videotaping the various performers and those can be viewed http://huncity.wix.com/huncityproductions.
Astrid and Steve Roy, two of the people who created this event, should be very proud of the work they did. If you missed this years Hootstock then promise yourself to go to the 2014 event.
Bald Faced Hornets
Hornets are just part of summer, but this summer, it seems the population of The Bald Faced Hornet is unusually large.
The Bald Faced Hornet is the largest hornet in it’s family and is common in most of North America.
This insect is almost 3/4 of an inch long with white marks on it’s head and three white stripes on it’s abdomen. They are carnivorous hunters and eat lots of flies, spiders and caterpillars. Even though they do us a service by eating so many bugs it’s a little unnerving to be in close proximity to them.
They build papery, football shaped nests which they are very protective of.
In the spring the queen lays the first batch of eggs which will be workers that concentrate on expanding and guarding the nest.
Then in the early fall the queen lays a new batch of eggs which will become drones and new queens.
These fertile males and females fly off to mate and start new colonies. As winter approaches the hornets die, except the queens, and because they do not reuse their nests they hibernate underground until spring.
When spring arrives a new queen emerges and the cycle starts again.
Don’t despair, this hornets season is almost over.
It’s thought that their numbers this year are attributed to a cycle they go through similar to rabbits and grouse.
Redneck Regatta and Olympics
Aug. 10 and 11 will be very busy in Forest Grove and at Ruth Lake Park. The Red Neck Olympics will be taking place Aug. 10 at the Forest Grove Legion for all to enjoy.
There will be lots of crazy games to participate in and of course there will be lots of prizes and food. It’s an all day event so come and have fun.
The Red Neck Regatta on Aug. 11 at Ruth Lake Park is not something you’ll want to miss.
Boats made of various recycled items will be competing for prizes and there will be lots of other activities on shore for every member of the family to enjoy.
Boat building starts at 8 a.m. sharp. Judging for the best boat starts at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. the races start.
Come and cheer for your favourite boat.