The heat has been pretty brutal and promises to skyrocket again over the 4th. Burn Bans are in effect earlier than usual and my weather guy reports that rainfall is about 20 inches below normal for the year. The ½" in early June is probably the last we'll see until fall.
New 5000 BTU air conditioners may be available at no charge for MS patients in Oregon and SW Washington. Contact the MS Society of Portland (MSSP) at (503) 297-9544 or at programs@msoregon.org.
"Hot time in the summertime" means grandchildren are visiting. Please remind them to be cautious and courteous. Young children require adult supervision - safety around the lake property is of greatest concern.
Everything is focused on Saturday's 4th of July festivities. Note: There will be no dinner at the Café on Friday and no Town Breakfast on Saturday.
Ryderwood's Parade leaves at 10:30 a.m. from the corner of Morse and Second Sts. (Red Barn). Participants can line up east of there or join in at any time. Old cars, cool cars, bikes, golf carts, floats, horses, etc. all are welcome and there may be a mower or golf cart "drill team". Many bring lawn chairs and watch the Parade from the Café, while others sit out in front of their homes.
The Parade ends at the Park where the Veterans serve their delicious grilled burgers, jumbo dogs, drinks, etc. and the Women's Club hosts the Potluck of side dishes, salads and desserts. (This is where Ryderwood's great cooks excel!)
After the Picnic (or instead of waiting in line), please pay a visit to the Open House at Ryderwood's Fire Hall. Learn about the essential protection that Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District #20 provides to our community and register to vote in Cowlitz County. There is a very important EMS Levy on the November Ballot that needs Ryderwood's support.
Live music will be performed in the Gazebo before, during and after the Parade and a Pie Walk (no cream pies, please) will follow the Picnic. There are also horseshoes, bocce ball and croquet games available.
Vader is the place to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening especially if grandkids are visiting. Their Parade starts at 2 p.m. and activities include vendors, horse rides, water ball and other kid-friendly fun. Live music from 5-9 p.m. will be followed by Fireworks at 10 p.m.! Bring lawn chairs and enjoy a fantastic display! (Fireworks are discouraged in Ryderwood since they tend to upset our population of dogs and war veterans.) Donations for Vader's fireworks are accepted at the Café and the RISA Office.