Stevenson, WA

July 24-27, 2008 Columbia River Gorge Bluegrass Festival will be held in Stevenson, Washington

This will be a full weekend of music. Here are some of the bands on the schedule:

• The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
• Bryan Bowers
• Tony Furtado
• Dan Crary
• Jophn Reishman and The Jaybirds
• Molly Adkins & Martin Stevens
• Ida Viper
• Prairie Flyer
• The Buckles
• Rural Delivery
• Dinner Break
• Dr Corn
• Foghorn
• Runaway Train

Weekend event passes are $50.00 per person. Walk in Day passes are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday & $15 Sunday. Camping is $10 per night without electricity and $15 per night with an electric hook-up.

Skamania County is located in southwestern Washington. It spans a distance of 1672 sq. miles on the north shore of the Columbia River. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest covers more than 80% of Skamania County. Portions of the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are located in Skamania County. Skamania County is bisected north and south by the Cascade Mountain Range. To get to Skamania County you can take State Route 14 east from Vancouver, WA or Interstate 84 east from Portland, OR to Cascade Locks and cross into Washington on the Bridge of the Gods.

Here are the annual rainfall amounts in Skamania County:

• Carson/Home Valley- 80"
• Mill A/Cook/Willard- 55"
• North Bonneville- 70"
• Skamania/Prindle- 70"
• Stabler- 99"
• Stevenson- 80"
• Underwood- 47"
• Upper Washougal/Cape Horn/Skye/Mt. Pleasant- 56"

I lived in Stevenson from 1985-1991. It was a sleepy little timber town back then. Today Stevenson has turned into a popular spot with new shops, art galleries, antique shops, good restaurants-(Joe's El Rio, Big River Grill, The Crab Shack, and more) Bahma Coffee shop, a local brewery (Walking Man), and even fastfood-Subway Sandwiches. The Skamania County Lodge has brought a golf course and destination resort facilities to Stevenson. The Interpretive Museum has interesting and beautiful displays. The Stevenson Library has always been a favorite spot. There's also the luxury of having a Public year round indoor pool in a small town. Stevenson is located about 45 minutes from Troutdale. An easy drive to PDX.

If you are interested in moving to Stevenson, I would be happy to help you find the home or property you are looking for.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The 15th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecues will be held on June 21, 2008 at the Waterfront Park in Stevenson, WA. There will be microbrews and wines from the Pacific Northwest, food and music. All this on the banks of the Columbia with the backdrop of the beautiful gorge mountains. For more information you can call 1-800-989-9178 or go to www.cityofstevenson.com/brews

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

New in Stevenson WA. The Golden Garter Theatre will open it's summer shows on Friday May 23, 2008 and will run Friday and Saturday nights until Sept. 20, 2008. The Golden Garter Theater is a wild west, family-friendly show which combines amazing magical illusions with comedy entertainment style of 100 years ago. The address of The Golden Garter is 710 SW Rock Creek Dr. Stevenson, WA. It is on the right side of the road, across from the church.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. The entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Here are some events and activities happening in Skamania County this May.

Saturday, May 10, 2008-Martin's Hike and Bike is now offering a wildflower discovery hike at Columbia Hills/Horse Thief Lake State Park. Transportation, snack, beverage and trailhead fees are all included in the $40 per person price. The tour bus leaves the front entrance of Skamania Lodge at 9:00 am and returns around 1:00 pm. Space is limited to 20 people per trip so register in advance at Skamania Lodge's front desk. For more information visit http://www.martinshikeandbike.com/ .

Sunday, May 11, 2008-2nd Annual Carson to Stevenson Ridge Trail Run The race begins at 8:00 am (registration is at 7:30 am) at the Legion Building parking lot in Carson. Cost is $15 including a t-shirt or $10 without a t-shirt. Call 509-427-3980 to register or for more information. You can also register online at http://www.skamaniacountyparks.com/. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a t-shirt. T-shirts will be available while supplies last the day of the race.

Saturday, May 17, 2008-Columbia Gorge Health Expo & Fitness Fair 2008 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Skamania County Fairgrounds There will be demonstrations of Turbo Kick and Tae Kwon Do classes, an exercise circuit, Red Cross Blood Drive, blood pressure check ups, and you can enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast courtesy of Curves. Many health and wellness vendors who will be here to share knowledge and answer questions. For more information, call 509-427-3979. If you wish to donate blood call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appt. time.

Saturday, May 17, 2008-Free Admission as The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum will be celebrating their 13^th Anniversary. Visit the museum between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm There will be demonstrations of traditional handcrafts, new exhibits, and live music. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a presentation on David Douglas's botanical explorations in the Pacific Northwest. Check http://www.columbiagorge.org/ for the Interpretive Center’s full schedule of events and exhibits.

Sunday, May 18 , 2008- 3^rd Annual Pop Golf Scramble hosted by the Skamania Lodge. Starts at 8:00 a.m. This 4 person scramble benefits the Bridge of the Gods Little League. $50 per player if you register before May 16 or $60 per player after May 16. The price includes 18 holes with cart, sleeve of golf balls, one raffle entry and chances to win some great prizes.

Sunday, May 18, 2008-The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum At 2:00 p.m. there will be presentation by the US Geological Survey scientists with dramatic pictures of the Mt. St. Helens eruption which happened May, 18, 1980 taken by Ed McLarney. This event is free with paid admission.

Sunday, May 18, 2008- Skamania Performing Arts Foundation welcomes Grammy Award winning Tingstad and Rumbel to Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available for $24 per adult and $10 per student. Discounts are offered on subscriptions as well as for seniors, AAA, SPAF and Chamber members. Visit http://www.skamaniaarts.org/ to purchase tickets or to find out more about the Guest Artist Series and the performers.

Saturday, May 24, 2008-Martin's Hike and Bike is offering a guided tours to Tom McCall Point. Transportation, snack, beverage and trailhead fees are all included in the $40 per person price. The tour bus leaves the front entrance of Skamania Lodge at 9:00 am and returns around 1:00 pm. Space is limited to 20 people per trip so register in advance at Skamania Lodge's front desk. For more information visit http://www.martinshikeandbike.com/ .