Old Mill Days: Event builds in fourth year of return

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | Jul 13, 20160

The expanded Old Mill Days more than delivered July 8-9 in Oakesdale.

Extra tables had to be brought down Friday night for patrons at the bingo-and-pulled-pork-sandwiches event at the museum.

Then, organizers ran out of pulled pork.

They took out hamburger and hot dogs reserved for the next day, which then ran out Saturday evening.

“Then we raided Crossett's (Market),” said Jake Dingman, Old Mill Days chairman.

Saturday's added supply was gone toward the end of the night as the band Blue Highway performed – following the Intentions.

The bands were moved further back in the street this year to allow for less volume inside the beer garden.

“We got good feedback from the changes,” Dingman said.

The parade Saturday morning featured another star turn by Ken Lindgren as the antithesis to what “fit” is for Fit Farm, as well as three members of the class of '66 as grand marshals. In the afternoon, the egg toss stretched down Steptoe Avenue, with brothers Corey and Mike Doneen winning once again.

“I think they win every year,” Dingman said.

A softball game followed later in the day.

Other winners from Saturday included Terry Boxleinter in the men's triathlon and Heidi Perry in the women's.

On Sunday, volunteers returned chairs from the beer garden to the Presbyterian church.

Old Mill Days was brought back in 2013 after a 10-year hiatus.

“We had great community support again. We appreciate that,” Dingman said. “It's gaining momentum.”