A Palouse tradition returns this weekend

Online communication is a modern marvel. It allows near- instant connection to people around the world. Although efficiency has its value, sometimes simpler is better. Take, for example, the humble community bulletin board. It provides an opportunity to intentionally stop, read, and connect with "what's going on" close to home. Having spent most of my life "back east" as an anonymous city dweller, I make it a point to examine these announcements of upcoming events.

It was just such a bulletin board that informed me that the city of Palouse's Ice Cream Social is taking place this very weekend. An annual event, it will be held from noon to 3 PM this Sunday, July 14 at the Palouse City Park.

"Annual events" evolve, and this one is no different. Its seeds were actually sown in the early 1970s, soon after Chuck St. John was elected to the presidency of Palouse High School's Associated Student Body. That particular school year is memorable for two "firsts:" girls were permitted to take "shop" and boys were able to sign-up for "Home Ec."

The year's Home Ec curriculum may have included cooking and sewing but Chuck crossing paths with Home-Ec teacher, Joanne Stewart, had a greater impact: It changed not only his world view but the city he continues to call "home." As he related, "She planted seeds that the school has a stake in the community." His eyes opened, Chuck could no longer see the disappearance of events long-included on the city's calendar as coincidences but as evidence that Palouse was, in his words, "languishing." Armed with a young person's zeal and a mission to reinvigorate the community, he began to garner support for his vision by visiting all of Palouse's service clubs. The first Ice Cream Social's success was gratifying. As Chuck remembers, it changed Palouse's trajectory: "It pulled the community together, and this is what community celebration is about." This weekend's annual Ice Cream Social is, fifty-one years later, a testimony to his vision, dedication, and drive.

Among the service organizations Chuck visited was the Palouse Lions' Club, which continues to support the event. This year, they will be selling burgers, fries, and beverages. The dessert course-HOMEMADE pie–– will be provided by two long-time community groups, the Xenodican and Round Table Clubs. The Distinguished Young Women will top the pie slices with ice cream donated by Palouse Slots and Hobbies.

The Annual Palouse Ice Cream Social will take place this Sunday, July 14 from noon until 3 PM at the Palouse City Park.