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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2008)
vernonia’s voice outdoors & recreation july 2008 “The Vault” Set for Grand Opening Linear Trail Update For over a year now many have heard or seen the makings of a rock climbing facility in Old Downtown Saint Helens. Named “The Vault Climbing Gym & Fit- ness Center,” the facility was primed to open its doors at the end of June - just in time for summer. The Vault grew out of the idea that St. Helens needed a place for kids and adults to get active and have fun! Inside you will find a mix of climbing walls & struc- tures, weights and cardio equipment, and open floor for classes such as yoga, pilates or dynamic training. The Vault also houses a party room for kids’ birth- One of the climbing walls at “The days or group parties, a pro shop and a Vault” a new facility in St.Helens. smoothie bar. Registration for The Vault’s Youth Summer Camps has already begun. Kids 5-15 years old can participate in week-long climbing camps throughout the summer starting July 14th. Sign-up is online at www.sainthelensvault.com. The Vault is located at 200 South First Street in a former bank building next to the movie theatre in Old Downtown St. Helens. For more information, check out: www.sainthelensvault.com. Columbia County Fair and Rodeo: Pirates of the County! The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo is back for its 93rd year July 16-20 at the Columbia County Event Complex in St. Helens. This year’s theme is “Pirates of the County”, so break out your eye patch- es, bandannas and puffy shirts, and join in the fun! Krusty Mud Bowl - A Muddy Success! By Jill Holt On Saturday, June 14, 2008, Aaron Dabbs made his dreams come true with the help of his friends and supporting sponsors when he presented the first mud bog race held at Tom Lee’s U-Catch just outside of Vernonia on Highway 47. Aaron has always dreamed of having his own mud track. “Ever since I can remember, I was watching my grandfather and father race on all different kind of tracks and in all dif- ferent kinds of races.” Recently, while doing contracting work for Tom’s U-Catch, Aaron started talking about his dream with Tom, and they struck a deal to use ten acres at the U-Catch for track events. Aaron contacted his good friends at KMD Racing and The Freewheelers of Vernonia for their help and support in building the track. It took three weeks of sixteen hour days to pre- pare the 540 foot track along with soliciting sponsors, advertising, and obtaining prizes. Aaron Hedley of Vernonia won in the four and six cylinder class; Andrew Johnson of Ver- nonia won in the V8 class; and Kevin Lay of Warrenton won in the Big Dog class. Wednesday, July 16, kicks off the Fair with the My Fair Lady Pageant and Stock Car Races. Wednesday is also Senior Citizen Day with free admission for anyone 60 and older. Thursday’s highlights include the Baby Gala, Preschool party and the Ju- Current Rodeo Princess Mackenzie nior Rodeo. On Friday and Saturday you Carr. A New Princess will be cho- can enjoy the NPRA Rodeo and the “Dan- sen at this years Columbia County cin’ in the Dirt” concert with the Concrete Fair. Cowboys. Saturday will feature the Talent Show finals, the Columbia Emergency Planning Expo and the Market Auction. The Fair closes Sunday with an ATV Rodeo and the Chili Cook-off. All during the Fair you can check out the Master Gardeners Summer Garden, the Grange Museum, 4-H and animal exhibits, and the Exhibitor Hall where your friends and neighbors from throughout the county will be dis- playing their crafts, handiwork, bak- ing, and other talents. Don’t forget the Kids Carnival. Discounted advance tickets are avail- able at Wauna Federal Credit Union, St. Helens Credit Union, West Oregon Electric Co-op, Today’s Mail, the South County Spotlight, and the Co- lumbia County Event Complex. The Banks-Vernonia Linear Trail is re-opening slowly but surely. According to Oregon State Parks Manager Dan Lucas, the trail is now open from Vernonia south as far as McDonald Road and north from Banks all the way through Stub Stewart State Park to Top Hill. The stretch of trail between McDonald and Top Hill remains closed due to serious damage that occurred this past winter. “We are putting together temporary fixes and hope to have the entire trail open by the end of July,” said Lucas. “We have some in-stream permanent work we will need to do but wanted to get the trail open for summer use.” The Banks-Vernonia Linear Trail runs for twenty-three miles from Banks to Vernonia. It is a mostly paved, multi-use trail that was the first rails-to-trails state park built in Oregon. The event showcased three class divisions – four and six cylinders, V8’s, and Big Dogs (which are trucks with 39” or bigger tires). Three judges picked showmanship finalists for each class; final winners were selected by cheers of the crowd. Daily tickets at the door are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for youth and Senior Citi- zens. Season passes are also available. Other featured entertainment will include the Boom Pirate Show (AARGH! Yo, Ho, Ho!), Brandon Cash with a tribute to Johnny Cash, Jeff the Magician, the Silver Lining Band, the Cool Conspiracy Band, and the High Pilots Band. 11 Now Open! Bridle s, Bits, Saddle s, Blanke ts, Helme ts - English and We stern 503-702-0081 Located Inside Creatures 736 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064 There was also an exhibition event with a bulldozer and a Suburban tug of war, a kids’ race through the mud, and all participants received a t-shirt! The winners graciously agreed to donate their $100 winnings to Columbia County Flood Relief. The Freewheelers and KMD Racing are also donating part of the proceeds of the next event to the Vernonia Fire Department to help them buy some needed equipment. Joe Hammonds of the Freewheelers said they “...were founded in memory of Eric C. Kes- terson who dedicated his life to helping others and gave his life defending his country.” Part of all proceeds from each mud bog event will find their way back into the community by helping others in need. Aaron and his partners plan on making the track bigger as well as creating new events such as quad racing, a rock crawl, uphill mud drags, and even RC boat races in the pond for the kids. The event was a great success with approximately 160 people in attendance, but they would love to see more sponsors, spectators and racers. The next event is scheduled for July 19, 2008. The entry fee for drivers will be $30.00 and gate fees are $5.00 per person with 12 and younger free. All Krusty Mud Bowl events are family friendly and alcohol free. Banks Christian Academy I nsurance for all your precious possessions. Now Enrolling Preschool through High School Students Affordable Tuition Excellent Education Shuttle from Vernonia Available 22785 NW Fisher Road Buxton, OR 97109 503-324-4500 James Dias Insurance Agency 2504 Sykes Road, P.O. Box 1077 St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-4259 Fax: 503-397-5557