August 22 marks the start of the fall semester here at WSU. It also marks the changing from Summer activities to Fall activities. There are many places that cut back during the summer because the students make up a bulk of Pullman and Moscow's populations. This means that businesses have longer hours, some are now open but for those looking for things to do it means an increase of free and inexpensive events in the community. I'll be posting events as I find them. There are a number of cultural events that are certainly worth the expense as well as a plethora of free activities.
Unfortunately, parking is always a problem on campus but after 5 many of the parking lots open up to the public for free and many of the parking structures offer reduced rates. If you can, take the bus and save the parking for others.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Lentil Festival, Pullman Wa Part Two
If you're in the area, come to Pullman tonight and get your free lentil chili. Tomorrow promises to be an even better day (but no chili). We're planning to attend the Lentil Pancake Breakfast in the Cougar Plaza starting at 8 am. The cost is $7 for those over 12 and $5 for those under (with those real young ones getting in free but I can't remember the age cut off). This is the first year we've gone to the breakfast so I can't tell you how it's going to be. Sounds like they have a great menu.
After breakfast, the parade on main street starts at 11 am. This is really some of the real fun of the festival. The entries are silly and amazing.
The parade is long and there is some waiting for slow participants but there's plenty to keep you entertained.
Follow the parade to Reaney park for the rest of the days festivities.
There's booths set up to sell you lentil inspired wares (not all booths have lentils but a number of them will). Set the kids free at the kids activities and sit back and watch the entertainment from the stage. If you're looking for more activity try the 3 on 3 basketball tournament, the skate competition or the softball tournament at the playfields. At 2 there's the lentil cook-off tasting. Get a free sample of the top entries and help choose this year's winner. There's a microbrew tent for those who want to cool off with a beer. Lots of things for everyone to do.
Check out their website for more information.
I want to close with my favorite picture from last year's fun. This little girl had just finished the parade and walked with the Health Department and their Healthy Veggies.
After breakfast, the parade on main street starts at 11 am. This is really some of the real fun of the festival. The entries are silly and amazing.
The parade is long and there is some waiting for slow participants but there's plenty to keep you entertained.
Follow the parade to Reaney park for the rest of the days festivities.
There's booths set up to sell you lentil inspired wares (not all booths have lentils but a number of them will). Set the kids free at the kids activities and sit back and watch the entertainment from the stage. If you're looking for more activity try the 3 on 3 basketball tournament, the skate competition or the softball tournament at the playfields. At 2 there's the lentil cook-off tasting. Get a free sample of the top entries and help choose this year's winner. There's a microbrew tent for those who want to cool off with a beer. Lots of things for everyone to do.
Check out their website for more information.
I want to close with my favorite picture from last year's fun. This little girl had just finished the parade and walked with the Health Department and their Healthy Veggies.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Lentil Festival - Pullman Washington
The Palouse region is one of the few areas in the US that grows dry peas and lentils. We are also the home of the US Dry Pea and Lentil Council. Every year people gather in Pullman to celebrate this little legume with a fun weekend festival.
Today I will share friday activities and on Friday, I'll share Saturday's fun with you. There's a golf tournament on Sunday but since I don't play golf I don't have any fun pictures.
Most of the activities are free to the public so come and enjoy.
Friday - come downtown for the world's largest bowl of lentil chili. The chili is free (except you could be in line for a little bit) but many groups sell cornbread along the street. There are tons of activities as various organizations share their information. There will be additional food for sale. There have been bouncy castles and the like and some years they have been free. I can't say they'll be free this year and the lentil festival site is not sharing that information.
The Mayor helps serve the chili. Here, he's taken a moment to talk with the media about the event. If you haven't meet Glenn Johnson - he's a really nice guy and does a lot of great service to the community.
Bouncy Castle
View from the Red Cross booth - check them out. I'll be there at 8:30 Friday to share information.
Today I will share friday activities and on Friday, I'll share Saturday's fun with you. There's a golf tournament on Sunday but since I don't play golf I don't have any fun pictures.
Most of the activities are free to the public so come and enjoy.
Friday - come downtown for the world's largest bowl of lentil chili. The chili is free (except you could be in line for a little bit) but many groups sell cornbread along the street. There are tons of activities as various organizations share their information. There will be additional food for sale. There have been bouncy castles and the like and some years they have been free. I can't say they'll be free this year and the lentil festival site is not sharing that information.
The Mayor helps serve the chili. Here, he's taken a moment to talk with the media about the event. If you haven't meet Glenn Johnson - he's a really nice guy and does a lot of great service to the community.
Bouncy Castle
View from the Red Cross booth - check them out. I'll be there at 8:30 Friday to share information.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wawawai park
Just south of Pullman is Wawawai County Park. This is a wonderful little park that has so much to offer.
There is some camping at the park but we haven't taken advantage of it. We go down to forage for blackberries and attempt to catch some fish in the little inlet from the Snake River.
The fishings not great in the park but it's pretty and it's fun. There's better fishing on the river and great swimming.
The park has a few amenities - picnic areas, bathrooms, and running water.
Getting there is easy, Go south on Wawawai rd (turn right when the road ends) and it goes right to the park and the river.
There's plenty of free parking and free camping along the river.
For more information, check out their website.
There is some camping at the park but we haven't taken advantage of it. We go down to forage for blackberries and attempt to catch some fish in the little inlet from the Snake River.
The fishings not great in the park but it's pretty and it's fun. There's better fishing on the river and great swimming.
The park has a few amenities - picnic areas, bathrooms, and running water.
Getting there is easy, Go south on Wawawai rd (turn right when the road ends) and it goes right to the park and the river.
There's plenty of free parking and free camping along the river.
For more information, check out their website.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center - Moscow, ID
Every August we make a trip over the border to spend a day that the "Waterpark". It confuses most people because they can't think of where there's a waterpark in the area but if I said we were going to the Aquatic Center, my family thinks of the one up on Military Hill. It's a never ending cycle.
Needless to say, this is a big deal in our family. I don't know why we only do it once a year because the price is really reasonable ($4-5 a person). We started going once a year because we lived so far away but now that we live in Pullman, it's a really short trip.
I can't tell you enough good things about this place except that I forgot my camera and it made me start my day out frustrated. So I'm going to borrow some pics from their site to share.
This is really a place for everyone. It does get crowded but not that bad (we went to Silverwood the next day and I tell you crowded has a whole new meaning).
So what make's Hamilton Lowe so perfect - They have two slides (one that takes innertubes) for the bigger kids, a lazy river and a play structure for the smaller kids. The lap pool offers diving, basketball and the occasional blow-up obstacle course. There are shaded areas for sitting, a picnic area and even a BBQ grill. For the price, you can't do better. For more info, visit their site.
Needless to say, this is a big deal in our family. I don't know why we only do it once a year because the price is really reasonable ($4-5 a person). We started going once a year because we lived so far away but now that we live in Pullman, it's a really short trip.
I can't tell you enough good things about this place except that I forgot my camera and it made me start my day out frustrated. So I'm going to borrow some pics from their site to share.
This is really a place for everyone. It does get crowded but not that bad (we went to Silverwood the next day and I tell you crowded has a whole new meaning).
So what make's Hamilton Lowe so perfect - They have two slides (one that takes innertubes) for the bigger kids, a lazy river and a play structure for the smaller kids. The lap pool offers diving, basketball and the occasional blow-up obstacle course. There are shaded areas for sitting, a picnic area and even a BBQ grill. For the price, you can't do better. For more info, visit their site.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Cowgirl Chocolates - Moscow, ID
Around here local chocolate has a different sort of kick. Cowgirl Chocolates are amazingly smooth candies with a hint or a punch of spice. What makes them different is that Cowgirl Chocolates have pepper in them. You can get them in mild or hot (we're weeny and always get mild) but they are absolutely fun.
You can buy Cowgirl Chocolates at some of the local stores but you need to stop in to the actual shop on third to get the full effect. They offer free samples and fun little cards that explain the flavors. I had never expected chocolate to have so many flavors. The spice adds to the fun.
If chocolate is not your thing or you want to try something more- try the caramels. They don't come in mild - just Habanaro or Chipotle. They have caramel sauces and so much more than they have listed on their website. It's really an adventure. Buy some daisies for your candy dish and sit back and watch hilarity ensue.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Atom Heart - Pullman WA
A music store might not be everyone's idea of a great place to visit but I guarantee there will be something for everyone at Atom Heart. My son begs to go to Atom Heart - the place where all his music dreams are fueled.
Not only do they have the basic - instruments and sheet music, Atom Heart offers consignments and some fairly strange instruments - the walls are lined in guitars but if you look closely you'll find Ukeleles, accordians, and other fun stuff.
They do offer music lessons for a reasonable price and the guy who teaches some of the classes is so amazingly bubbly and talented that it makes me want to take classes.
Take your time in the store and look over the amazing artwork. It's really worth the time.
Atom Heart is on the corner of Olsen St and Kamiaken St in downtown Pullman. Currently there's some road construction there but don't let that stop, park at the library and make your way across the street. Visit their website for more information or to contact them.
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