RV Journal Out & About Utah Events and RV Camping

WASHINGTON

UNIONTOWN – Artisans at the Dahmen Barn. Creativity in action is what visitors see at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown, a community in the southeast corner of Washington State located in the center of the beautiful farming area called the Palouse. This unique destination is only 16 miles north of Lewiston, Idaho, where one of the five national RV Life on Wheels Conferences will be held July 6-11.
800-569-4646
www.rvlifeonwheels.com

The barn was used for a dairy
operation until 1953, and then sat vacant for half a century, slowly deteriorating. Owner Steve Dahmen began building a surrounding fence of iron wheels which grew to more than 1000 before his death in 2006. In 2004, Steve and his artist wife Junette donated the property to the community.

A major renovation was undertaken, and the structure was stabilized with a unique interior timber frame skeleton, a work of art in itself. Now, visitors will find artisans of many different mediums at work in their studios and are invited to step in and watch the creative process.

The Shop at the Barn sells art and fine craft items made by nearly 100 talented regional people along with gifts made from Palouse products.
Throughout the summer exhibits and classes are offered; some special events include: Hog Heaven Big Band, Jul 26, Aug 23 and Sep 27. Swing tunes for dancing or listening from 7:30pm-9:30pm.
Bluegrass Concert, Aug 9. Outdoor concert by Will Williams and Gravel Road. Time: 7:30pm.

The Harvest Festival, Sep 13. This
special event features a pie baking contest and pies for sale, as well as restored antique farm equipment, demonstrations of broom making, bee keeping, soap making and more. Fresh local produce is available too. A bagpipe concert kicks off the festival Friday evening, and a barn dance closes the event Saturday evening. Hours: 11am to 6pm. For information on Artisans at the Dahmen Barn:
509-229-3414
www.artisanbarn.org

SPOKANE – Events:
100 Years of Motorcycles Rally and Concert Series, Jul 25-27. More than 40 of the country’s premier custom bike builders are featured along with live entertainment, national celebrities, food, drink, vendors and more. Location: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.
509-892-2111
www.100yearsofmotorcycles.com

Pig Out in the Park, Aug 27-Sep 1. Spokane’s biggest food festival plus free entertainment. Location: Riverfront Park.
509-921-5579
www.spokanepigout.com

Spokane County Interstate Fair,
Sep 5-14. Come for the concerts, carnival, rodeo, livestock, produce, flowers, food and more! Location: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.
509-477-1766
www.fairandexpo.org

GIG HARBOR – Events:
24th Annual Summer Art Festival,
Jul 19-20. Arts and crafts from more than 150 artists as well as food vendors, music and entertainment are part of the fun. Free shuttle buses from the “park and ride” on Kimball Drive.

50th Anniversary of the Thunderbird Sailboat, Aug 1-3. This exciting gathering of Thunderbird enthusiasts will include opening festivities, boating activities, a banquet, a Thunderbird exhibit and more, all commemorating this classic 26-foot plywood vessel. Designed by Ben Seaborn, the first Thunderbird was built by Ed Hoppen, at Gig Harbor’s Eddon Boat Company, and launched in 1958. Constructed of plywood, Hoppen engineered a building method that would enable sailing enthusiasts to purchase plans for $2, put in sweat equity of 2,000 hours in their own garage and come away with their own boat.
888-VIEWGIG (843-9444)

LONG BEACH PENINSULA – Events: Waikiki Beach Concert Days, Jul 12 and 26, Aug 9 and 23. Free concert at the Confluence Project Amphitheater overlooking Waikiki Beach. Bring blankets and umbrellas. One-hour performances start at 2pm.
800-451-2542
360-642-3029

Clamshell Railroad Days, Jul 19-20. Celebrate the history of the IR & N Railroad that ran on the Long Beach Peninsula from 1898-1930. Displays, vendors and tours. Location: Ilwaco.
800-451-2542
360-642-3446
www.funbeach.com

SandStations Sculpture Competition, Jul 25-26. From kids to masters, everyone can enter for big prize money and loads of fun. Contests, pet parade, free hot dogs and more. Location: Bolstad Avenue Beach Approach.
800-451-2542
360-642-8034

Washington State International Kite Festival, Aug 18-24. Famous kite fliers from around the world create skies ablaze with color, highflying action and choreographed movement to the awe of tens of thousands of spectators. Kite flying for amateurs, too. Location: Bolstad Avenue Beach Approach.
800-451-2542
360-642-2246

Cranberrian Fair, Oct 10-12. This is a unique opportunity to see what cranberries are all about. The Fair offers vendors for shopping, many tasty treats featuring cranberries and a Cranberry harvest hoedown dinner and dance. A bus tour takes you to the bogs, the Cranberry Museum and the Port of Ilwaco. Location: 115 SE Lake St, Ilwaco.
800-451-2542
360-642-3446
www.funbeach.com

OCEAN PARK – Beach Baron Rod Run to the End of the World, Sep 6-7. More than 900
classic cars, only pre-1973 autos, are on display along with vendors, food, crafts and more. Location: Beach Barons Club House, Sandridge Road. Admission: $5.
360-665-3565
www.beachbarons.com

OLYMPIA – Events:
Capital Lakefair, Jul 16-20. Entertain-ment, fireworks, arts and crafts, food, boat races and car show, all at Heritage Park and Percival Landing Park, downtown.
360-943-7344
www.lakefair.org

Sand in the City, Aug 22-24. The largest sand sculpting contest festival in Washington, includes live music, entertainment and kids activities. Location: Port Plaza, downtown.
360-956-0818
www.hocm.org

Harbor Days, Aug 29-31. Celebrate maritime heritage with tugboat races, tall ships, dragon boat rides, entertainment, music and more. Location: Percival Landing and Port Plaza.
800-788-8847
www.harbordays.com