Palouse show features 13 acts for scholarships

David Wold (left) and Claire Echanove (right) perform Wild Thing.

To a grange hall full of giggles, the girl in the green dress sung “Wild Thing” into the microphone, backed up by some silky bass.

Claire Echanove, star singer for a few moments Sunday, was accompanied by David Wold for one of 13 acts for the 14th annual PEO variety show held at the Palouse Grange Hall building.

A gaggle of little boys and girls performed a dance with colored scarves.

“There were three and four and five-year-olds doing scarf dancing- it was pretty sweet,” said Paula Echanove, member of the PEO.

The town’s 45-member PEO chapter presents the variety show every year as a fund-raiser. The group donates most of its proceeds for scholarships to Garfield/ Palouse high school graduates. Last year’s scholarship recipients were Emily Boone and Garrett Pfaff.

“People like to see the local talent we have around here,” said Paula Echanove. She noted the production is a variety show, not a talent show.

Farmer Dave Fulfs performed “Mariah.” Pianist Emily Bagott played “Ode to Joy” and “Little Johnny Jones.”

The performers were not judged.

PEO members also sell cookies to increase proceeds from the event.

“That’s always been the signature thing we did from the get-go,” Echanove added.

Palouse chapter of PEO meets twice a month with typically about 20 of the 45 members in attendance. Their funds also go for PEO women’s scholarships.