Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Tekoa’s Slippery Gulch Days will come alive for its 84th edition Friday and Saturday. Perennial events like the parade, egg toss and duck race will be mixed in with new features such as “Are you Smarter Than a 50-Year Grad?” and “Small-Town Idol.”
“It’s a fun day. There’s something for everyone to do,” said Co-Chair Melinda Wilkins.
“Number one: we would like to see nice weather,” said Mayor John Jaeger, the other co-chair. “But last year it rained and we were fine with it.”
Indoor events will begin this year at 2 p.m. Saturday with the second edition of “Are You Smarter Than a 50-Year Grad?” at the Empire. The question and answer face-off will showcase graduates of 1962 v. ’72 and ’82 v. ’85.
The mayor himself has drawn up the questions, which are both separate and inclusive. Questions include such tasks as naming the salutatorian of your class along with bonus questions which allow a contestant to consult classmates.
Bonus subjects cover areas such as class lore and old sports and league and county history.
Tekoa farmer and dessert auctioneer Jim Thompson will host.
Following will be “Small-Town Idol” with its adult and kids divisions, hosted by John Heaton.
Grand Marshals Linda and Bob Zehm will step off the annual celebration Friday night at the Headley Building, where trucks will be moved out for a dance with rock and roll by The Longnecks from Spokane. The family dance will run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“After 11 the kids are dismissed,” said Wilkins. The music will continue until 2 a.m.
On Saturday night, following the 10 p.m. fireworks, country-western music by Kelly Hughes will be in the Headley building.
Saturday, the chamber breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Tekoa High School followed by 5K and 3K fun runs and the dedication of a new veterans memorial at Goldenrod Cemetery.
At 11 a.m. the Kids Parade will start, followed by the Grand Parade at 11:30.
The tractor show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Following the parade will be the duck race in Hangman Creek and kids games at Lower Park, featuring new 50-cent pieces for prizes.
“Small Town Idol” for kids will be at 4 p.m. followed by the adult show at 6 p.m.
Most events are free except for $1 to get into Small-Town Idol and $10 per adult to get into the Headley Building dances (or $15 for both nights). For Friday night, the price is $5 for ages 10-20.
“If you brought a picnic lunch, a family can go almost all day and spend less than $10,” said Jaeger.
The origin of Slippery Gulch remains unclear, said Jaeger.
“That’s what happens when generations pass and you don’t get things answered.”
“There are several notions, but nobody really knows the exact reason,” said Wilkins.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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