SAVE the DATE: 4th of July at Elk River, ID

[JeffDubya]

Just helping Keith "Arkie" Lunders gauge interest for a potential 4th of July event in beautiful Elk River, ID. He will post additional details below, but for now, let's see who might be interested in making this event a reality!

Need some feedback from anyone interested in putting together a patriotic rally (speeches, readings, singing, etc.) and taking in the fireworks in Elk River on the 4th.
I have reserved the gazebo out by the lake for that day. It's 24X36 with a roof, elevated wood deck, firepit, electricity, water, latrine, some playground equipment, set under the trees, etc. The lake is across the road for swimming, boating, fishing, etc. There's lots of camping spots but most are taken early as it's not unusual for 2 to 3000 people (est) to show up for the show and many stay overnight.

The fireworks show is usually superb with the added attraction of 2 or 3 hours of private displays being shot off all over the area before and after the main event. if there's any interest so I can keep our name in for the gazebo, otherwise I'm going to release it for someone else to use.

I have seen the fireworks show in Elk River once in my lifetime, and I have to say, there is something about the report of the mortars echoing across the forested wilderness up there that makes for a pretty neat event.

[gemstatemom]

Keith,
Thanks for starting the ball on this and providing what sounds like a great Fourth of July experience!

I'm afraid our family already has plans, but I hope you will get a good response from people letting you know one way or another.

Paula B.

[Arkie]

Thanks Jeff;

Mainly want to let people know what's available well in advance (5 weeks) to try to see how much interest there is in another 9/12 get-together celebration on the birthday of our nation.

First of all, I have reserved the gazebo by the lake for the day. There is no cost when reserved by Elk River residents. It's a covered (rainproof!) 24 X 36 open-sided building with an elevated wooden deck and picnic tables, set in among large trees (shade - my first trip to Elk River was July 4, 1964, and it was 100*!), complete with fire pit, latrine, water, electricity (sound system - music, speeches, readings, etc.?), swimming, fishing, 4 wheeling, etc. It would also be a great opportunity to distribute information about our group along with civic literature, i.e., jury rights, the Constitution, etc.

The fireworks display is one of the best in the region and usually attracts between 2000 - 3000 people with some pretty spectacular private displays going on for several hours after the main event. As you can imagine it can take a while to get out of town when it's over.

Soooo, anyone interested in camping for the weekend SHOULD get up here at least a week early and set up their tent or camper (a group area would be nice and I'd be willing to scout the prospects if there's any interest - either in the established campgrounds or up along Elk Creek, which is very beautiful and much quieter than the ones by the lake).

For those with misgivings about leaving their tent or camper unattended about all I can assure you is that to date there's never been a problem with vandalism, probably because there's usually people coming and going and not many options to get out of here once you're here. By that weekend there'll be dozens of them all along the creek, which means the more there are to choose from the less likely yours will be targeted!

Another attraction up the creek is the cedar grove with the biggest known tree East of the Cascades, a 3000 year old Wester Red Cedar that's 38' in circumference.

Rather than put any burden on anyone to organize this thing my thoughts were to simply spread the word about the gazebo so eveyone knows that rain is a non-issue, and make this a potluck affair where eveyone brings enough food for their family or group with a little extra for unexpected guests, about like a church potluck. I've yet to see one run short of food.

Understanding that plans can be changed by circumstances no one needs to feel any obligation to attend if things just don't work out, but I would appreciate either a phone call to get some idea how much interest there is and a rough count of those who'd like to attend, the reason being that if there's no interest I'll release the gazebo so someone else can use it.

Also would like to know how many would like to camp and where they's prefer in order to get a feel for whether or not to stake out a spot for the group.

We (Keith or Marge) can be contacted at 208-826-3219 or by email at k_mathome@moscow.com (k_mathome@moscow.com) (NOTE: there's an underscore between "k" and "m")

That about covers it unless someone has questions I've missed.

Thanks everyone; Keith

[Arkie]

This is more of a PS to the above than a reply and the info should by useful to anyone planning to spend time outdoors. The skeeters and black flies are voracious right now and feel like their beaks are 3" long. The no-see-ums can cause some people to have nasty allergic reactions, especially when they crawl up your pants and bite around the ankles. Just a heads up for those thinking about Elk River or anyplace in the out back - we're sure going to try it.
Hope I don't get thrown off the site for posting this non-political stuff.
Keith

Mosquito Spray...Worth a try</I></B>
I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared. The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby. During the summer, I don't leave home without it....Pass it on.</I></B>OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS: I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works - in fact, it killed them instantly. I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of Bug-spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes. So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house.</I></B>

[JeffDubya]

Hope I don't get thrown off the site for posting this non-political stuff.

:rolleyes: I'm *pretty* sure that won't happen...

[JeffDubya]

I spoke to Keith this morning, and due to lack of interest / non-participation this event will likely be cancelled.

Folks, I am feeling a tremendous amount of frustration regarding non-participation and apathy this morning.

[Arkie]

Hi everyone;
At this point I'm thinking that it would be a shame to tie up the gazebo for the small number that have indicated an interest since the 4th is one of Elk River's biggest events.
To complicate matters Marge and I are going to a 50th anniversary party in Kamiah in the afternoon and probably won't be back in ER until early evening (5 or 6ish). That still leaves plenty of get-acquainted and eating time (fireworks display is about 9:30 - 10:00) and we don't have to be here for everyone else to have a good time. We would love to meet more 9/12ers face to face if enough of you want to make it happen.
For those who don't know, you can't see the main fireworks event from the gazebo location but our yard is a prime viewing location in town. I plan to have vehicles, campers, etc., cleared out 'cause we usually have lots of people here. You're welcome to bring your chairs and coats, blankets, and blood (for the mosquitos) and join us. We also usually have a fire, weiners, marshmallows, some-mores, coffee, cocoa, iced tea, etc., that we will happily share. Bring your goodies and join us.
Right now I'm feeling that if we can't get commitments from at least 15 or 20 for the gazebo by Saturday the 27th I'm going to cancel our reservation. REMEMBER --- all of this will cost you nothing but the gas to get here!! The gazebo and the fireworks are FREE! So if you want to give your family a 4th to remember without bustin' your budget it's hard to beat.
Thanks again, Keith

[DungBeatle]

My family would like to join you. If the gazebo is off, then we'd love to sit in your yard that evening. We live in Troy, there would be three of us.

[Arkie]

We canceled the reservation on the gazebo but are planning for the annual gathering at the house. We'll have a fire, weiners, marshmallows, somemores, etc., and anyone can bring anything else they want to contribute. About all we ask is that anyone drinking alcohol keep it to a managable level as we'll have our hands full with little kids setting off their fireworks - don't need any drunks staggering around. Look forward to meeting all who want to drop by, for sure we'll be looking for a dung beetle - thanks for the picture.

[DungBeatle]

We'll be there! Just need to know where your house is... I sent you email.

[Arkie]

At the bottom of the hill turn left for one block to 2nd st., take a right on 2nd and we're in the middle of the block across from the park, 2nd house from the corner.
Keith

[DungBeatle]

At the bottom of the hill turn left for one block to 2nd st., take a right on 2nd and we're in the middle of the block across from the park, 2nd house from the corner.
Keith

Got it! See you tonight...

[DungBeatle]

Well, the wife, daughter and I met at Keith's to watch the fireworks. Great display! Turns out that we already knew his two daughters! Small, small world... Wonderful time, looking forward to knowing you better Keith!