By Chris Hendrickson, Contributing Writer
Between the Miss Gold Dust pageant, the pinup contest, the car races, live music and the children's activities, Gold Dust Days had something for everyone.
The three-day event took place over the weekend in Gold Bar under sunny skies. From the pageant to the parade to the different vendors, Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Copple was happy with the way the festival turned out.
"It's definitely been the best one ever,GÇ¥ said Copple. "The quality of our vendors was just really top-notch.GÇ¥
Vendors included hand-crafted items made by many local artists including GROW Washington vendors and silversmith Karin Martin of Dove Designs who creates jewelry out of different semi-precious gemstones. Food vendors included Greek food, fresh popcorn from the Sky Valley Lions club, hand-dipped ice cream bars, hot dogs from local hot dog vendor Hot Diggity Dogs and freshly made, hand-popped kettle corn by Cascade Kettle Corn.
The Rat Bastards Car Club hosted a car show, a 1950s pinup competition and also featured a
new event called the slow drags.
"The car show was great,Gǥ said Copple. "The Rat Bastards have done a fabulous jobGǪThey constantly bring new color to the event.Gǥ
Gold Bar residents Ron and Marcia Foreman, who head up the Rat Bastards Car Club, have featured their slow drag racing event at other car shows but this was the first year of including it at Gold Dust Days. Vehicles lined up as if drag racing, but instead of speeding towards the finish line, competitors had to coast, after giving their cars an initial burst of gas. The last car to cross the finish line won.
Too much gas and the cars crossed the finish line too quickly. Not enough gas and they didn't make it all the way down the track.
"The slow drags were really funny,GÇ¥ said Copple.
Awards and trophies were given to car show participants in such categories as Flashy 40s Modifed, Fabulous 50s Modified, Work in Progress, Most Likely to get a Ticket, Rat Rod and many more.
The trophies given for the Rat Rod award, as well as to the winner of the slow drags, were hand-made by local Gold Bar resident and Rat Bastard Car Club member John Beaston.
"The parts are donated by the club,GÇ¥ said Ron. "At our show in Kenmore all the trophies are built by the Rat Bastards.GÇ¥
The Rat Bastards Kenmore car show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 17 at Kenmore Lanes. The event will benefit U.S. veterans.
Copple couldn't have been happier with Snohomish County Fire District 26 volunteers who helped to facilitate the children's activities such as gunny-sack races, fire hose races, a bouncy house, the art wall and much more.
"The weather's been perfect and I've had great volunteers,GÇ¥ added Copple.
The Gold Dust Days festival was also an opportunity to show off the new Sky Valley Parade float which was constructed entirely by local Sky Valley volunteers primarily from the city of Gold Bar. The Miss Gold Dust Royalty rode on the float in both the Shindig parade and the Gold Dust Days parade and plan on using it often throughout the year.
"Everybody is so proud of the float,GÇ¥ said Copple.
The float was conceptualized in part by Gold Bar resident Jay Prueher, and constructed by Gold Bar residents Patrick and Patricia Tolman along with Dick King. Copple and ex-Gold Bar Mayor Joe Beavers had a hand in the acquisition of the trailer.
Miss Gold Dust pageant Directors Patty and Katelyn Baller were extremely grateful for all the work that volunteers have put into the float.
"Katelyn and I were in awe when Debbie called us and said the community wanted to create a float for the girls; so they would have something more official to ride in,GÇ¥ said Patty.
The community is currently seeking a protective home for the float, so that it can be kept out of the weather. If anyone wants to volunteer space to house the float, please contact Patty Baller at pattyballer@hotmail.com.
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