The weather was beautiful, as it “always” is in Happy Camp. It was a busy weekend with lots of fun activities going on.
Parry’s Market had their meat and produce sale under a big tent. Shopping for groceries was never more fun! The big tent and the red Hawaiian shirts were fun! They also invited Radio Personalities to come and play music and entertain the pedestrians on Davis Road.
The River Valley 4-H Club served hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings as a fundraiser. There was also popcorn and ice cream by the Happy Camp Resource Center.
The Klamath/Siskiyou Art gallery was the scene of supper. They’ve been serving Friday suppers to Happy Campers in an effort to raise funds toward their new art gallery. They offer some really delicious and unique fare that you will not find at any otter place.
The Freshman Class of Happy Camp High School (2010 graduates!) had a car wash and were very successful in their fundraising!
The Cub Scouts had their Pinewood Derby at the Elementary School on Saturday morning and then went to the Davis Road activities.
Although the events were different than anticipated at the first Art & Treasure event, this 2nd annual Art & Treasure event was a lot of fun and good food!
Despite all the excitement along the Klamath River with dozens of lightening caused fires in July, the Bigfoot jamboree is still planned for August 30th. That friday night will be the coronation of the Bigfoot Queen and the teen dance. Saturday all the vendors plan to be on hand again for food, fun, and games. This brings a great opportunity to visit with Klamath neighbors that have returned to Happy Camp!!
The theme for the parade that traditionally starts from Davis Road, is “Wild West.” Plan your float and begin to get ready! September 2nd the floats, marchers, horseback riders and other entries will gather between the post office and Parry’s Market for the parade down Highway 96 to Second Avenue to the bridge over Indian Creek. It’s a great time and the kids look forward to seeing Bigfoot!
In 1987 the fires caused the Bigfoot jamboree to be canceled but that’s a very rare situation since it began in 1966. Come visit the best Bigfoot Jamboree ever!!
Saturday was a celebration in Happy Camp. It was Buster Pence’s birthday. Happy Birthday Buster!
Also, it was the Art Walk, sponsored by one of the art organizations in town, the Klamath Knot Arts Council, which organized in July 2003. They propose to do whatever they can to bring our communities together through art. It was the grand opening of their new gallery in the building downtown by the 2nd Ave Bridge. You will see their new sign above Indian Creek Road on the new art gallery. They call their building “the Knot”.
The theme of the art at the Knot was “Creatures at Water’s Edge” with Connie Rasmussen, Loretta Montinye, Amanita Mullier, Gail McDowell, Karen Davis, and Rebecca Cote. There was also a performance of ‘Tales from the Book of Egret’ by Randell Reed, Ann Kelly and Todd Gilbert.
One of my very favorite things about Happy Camp is the Basket weaving skills of Wilverna Reece and others who are learning the ancient art of making baskets of all sorts, sizes, shapes and purposes. The first stop on Saturday’s Art Walk is the Karuk People’s Center Museum where Reece had baskets on display.
Right across Indian Creek Road at the Happy Camp Resource Center was artwork by Melissa Culbert, which was fun to see. You would be amazed at the cougar portrait! It was good, and done when she was in high school with one of my girls, I believe.
Down Washington Street at the Happy Camp Community Computer Center you’d enjoy art, digital art and writings by the high school students. Their publication, Indian Ink, was only $2 and had some exceptionally talented pieces in it.
Across Fourth Avenue in the Memorial Log Building built during the depression, people here showed everyone that working together they could accomplish what had been thought impossible when it meant an education for the children of Happy Camp. Today, Violet Anderson was there and we got to see many of her paintings. Not only her art, but her family must have inherited artistic talent also. Her family was also showing other art, photography. Isabel Goodwin also had really nice fish pattern quilt and other quilts and very nice art displayed.
A fun gathering was at Evans where Beth Buchanan and Eddie Davenport were making music, the little horses were waiting to be petted, and Jean was showing her horseshoe creations. Live Music by “The Rainy Day Trio” was enjoyed by people shopping booths at Old Town Park. Atwood’s skilled blacksmithing creations from triangles, to call the crew to lunch, and utensils to serve up lunch, to wrought iron gates and beautiful flowers were for sale. Dave and Glenna’s, metal sculptures come from Somes Bar. There were fabric arts and even a bake sale. Bill Latten’s walking sticks were with Peggy Whealon’s quilts.
The Frontier Café had Kathy Harvey’s photography, Up the hill, George Swem had art done by his mother up to the time she was 95, displayed. He shared some of the gold gilding that she had learned in Spain. That was the place to get my favorite strawberry lemonade made by Dolly Elliston. G & L Tires had jade jewelry by John Harkschin.
There were botanical themed art pieces at the Forest Service Information Center. Watercolors by Sheryl Alex were were displayed at Napa Auto Parts. Right next door, Kind and Gentle Dog Grooming had photography and oil paintings by Jill Livingston displayed. While I didn’t get to see Joe Emerson’s artwork at Forest Lodge Motel, the new manager, Dinah, was very friendly, inviting all in to see the art. She said the workmen are texturing the walls and it won’t be long until Forest Lodge has more rooms again. There was a large native American sculpture out front that I would have liked to see if Joe carved it.
Veronica Salvage had her paintings on display at Double J Sports & Spirits and the frames made by Jason Rasmussen set them off very well. It looked like an elk strolled in to enjoy the art also.
Ann Stranton had her photography at Pizza House. Bigfoot Towing was the site for Wayne & Margie Scott and Ron Kelly’s rocks, gems and jewelry. Tim Britton’s photography was at Al’s Auto Repair. Al Garrett’s photography was where the Chamber office is supposed to be, down the walk, Linda Davis paintings were to be displayed. Time was running out to do all the sites in three hours.
Parry’s Market had Nancy Kilmer demonstrating her art, Gloria Chappelear was showing oil paintings at the New 49ers Prospecting Club. Right next door Diann Hokanson had oil paintings and pastels at Siskiyou House. Klamath Siskiyou Art Center was getting ready for the monthly potluck and show which was for Alan Crockett’s oil paintings. This gallery at the Bigfoot Corner, the Klamath-Siskiyou Art Center, and the group working on construction of a new building working with the Forest Service and the Tribe to obtain RAC funding for their building project.
I doubt it possible to really stop and spend as much time as you wished looking at all the art you wanted to study closer. The hiking wasn’t for many of the patrons of the arts but some did. There were great things to see and a lot of wonderful people to stop and visit with. Perhaps the difficulty with completing the entire art walk, was stopping to visit too.
The Klamath Knot Arts Council is encouraging community-oriented arts (painting, sculpture, music, dance, theater – all the arts!) like the Kids’ after-school art program, gallery shows for members, the April Spring Performing Arts event at the High School, this Art Walk, and yet to come, in August, their 3rd Annual Free Dance at the River Park.
The 40th Bigfoot Jamboree in Happy Camp was just wonderful!! The theme was “Forty Years Searching for Bigfoot” and an especially lively Bigfoot had been captured and brought in by cage for the occasion. Before the parade on Sunday, he could be seen running behind the post office, a baying basset hound at his heels. Thankfully the kids kept him in line with silly string that always seems to be the hit of the Jamboree.
The Grand prizewinner for the “Forty Years Searching for Bigfoot” parade was our local branch of the Scott Valley Bank. First place for organizations was the Boy and Cub Scouts, 2nd place was the dancers in Native American dress and drum beats and the third was the State of Jefferson organization.
Parade winners in the business category were Double J Sports & Sprits, 2nd – Evans Mercantile & Feed and also Elk Creek Campground. First place individual winner was Charlene Driskell in a beautiful golden horse drawn buggy. Other individual category winners were Ken’s Toys, the coolest collection of unique and classic cars seen in Happy Camp in many a day, and Randy & Kelsey with their horses. Frank and Clara Prindle were the Grand Marshalls.
Everett and Laverne Collard, former members of the community who are always appreciated for teaching and his law enforcement service, visited from Mt Shasta. Motorcycles to Klamath Artists riding motorcycles livened up the parade. The float from Christian Fellowship handed out bottles of water all along the parade route to thirsty parade watchers. Fire Departments from Seiad and Happy Camp, Forest Service rigs, and all sorts of vehicles joined the parade – bicycles to huge size trucks.
The Family Resource Center put on a delicious pork barbecue with baked beans and salad and all, that is, if you had room after sampling the Indian Tacos, Mexican, hamburger, ice and ice cream, Jody and Charlie’s pizza, and other offerings that booth vendors offered.
Child Evangelism Fellowship of Siskiyou County had puppet shows for the children. Louis Tiraterra and his group of scouts, assisted by other dens, provided spin painting, beanbag toss, and other fun times for the kids. The balloon man was a big hit and made fanciful beasts of all kinds all out of balloons, to say nothing of magic by Wayne and a Mime from Ashland who helped entertain. Smokey Bear came as well as the K9 Dog Corps.
Dr. Mathew Johnson, ‘Dr. J’, a licensed psychologist who practices in Grants Pass Oregon, came to speak. You see, when he isn’t practicing his profession, Dr. J likes to hike, camp, fish and hunt to say nothing of church and community events but several years ago when hiking with his family on Lone Tree Trail by Oregon Caves, he saw Bigfoot. He shared his experience with us. A humorous and interesting speaker, Dr. J. presented the hypothesis that the giganticus pithicus fossils that have been found in China might be indication that a primate matching the description of Bigfoot once lived and with all the sightings and evidences, we may see the scientific community acknowledges that, just as they have with the panda, the silver backed gorilla, and other rare and seldom seen creatures in remote areas. Dr. Johnson also donated copies of his book, ‘Positive Prenting with a Plan‘ to the Happy Camp community.
The Chamber of Commerce had information on houses for sale, or maps to help you locate a street in Happy Camp. The Lions had their dime game going, which provides toys and a Christmas party for the kids at Christmas time. The Seniors had their pull-tab booth where everyone was hoping to get the big winnings. You could get tea or a massage at other vendor’s booths. With all the excitement of Happy Camp Complex fires since the end of July when lightening started wildfires burning, there had been some question at times whether the Jamboree would happen. The committee kept on working on it and it all worked out in the end.
Thanks to Tracy Burcell, Janet Burcell, Leonie who is always answering questions with a smile, Donna McCulley, Tim Britton, and Linda Davis who did the artwork on the program. They all put in a lot of hours all year long so that the whole community has a wonderful Bigfoot Jamboree on Labor Day weekend. I hope they got a good rest on Monday, as they’ll soon begin working on next year’s event. There were so many delightful things to enjoy, you’ll just have to come and see next year.
Tristan Clarridge is the 2002 Grand National Fiddling Champion. At fifteen, he is the youngest fiddler ever to achieve this honor at the annual Grand National Championship in Weiser, Idaho. His talented sixteen year old sister, Tashina, won third place.
Lucky for Happy Camp – they decided they wanted to perform at our Second Annual River Run and blessed us with two afternoons of some of the best music this town has seen. Their music is exquisite and exciting, and the honor of having them choose to come here was uplifting for all of us, bikers and Happy Camp volunteer workers alike.
If you missed their stellar performances at River Park, don’t despair. Their CDs are available for sale on the web at their website, Clarridge Fiddlers. Three MP3s from their first CD are available for download there – try before you buy – these fiddlers and their mom are great!
Thanks go to Jeff and Lisa Wade, owners of the Indian Creek Café, for providing meals for the Clarridge Fiddlers during their stay here.
Tashina playing the fiddle, Grand National Fiddling Champion Tristan Clarridge playing mandolin, and their mother, Janet, on guitar.
About twenty local artists displayed their work
at the Family Resource Center.
Local artists displayed their paintings at the Family Resource Center during the last week, with a reception on the evening of the 23rd. Artists were present to discuss the local art class and the work they’re doing. Gourmet refreshments kept everyone’s attention when they weren’t busy discussing and learning about art.Children danced to jazz provided by Happy Camp musicians as adults examined the paintings and chatted with the artists.
The painters were enrolled in an art class through the College of the Siskiyous, and more classes are planned. They intend to gather in nearby places of natural beauty (we’ve got plenty of them around here) for group painting sessions during the summer months.
This group painting was the talk of the show.
Each artist completed one small square.
Judi Armbruster, known locally for Bigfoot Cookies and the poetic meditations she leaves on Happy Camp bulletin boards, had her work chosen for an international publication commemorating the 911 disaster in New York City.
The Book of Hope compiles the inspired work of numerous poets from around the world. The anthology starts with a poem by the Dali Lama and ends with Judi’s poem, Meditation.
On May 18 the St. Agnes Library in New York City hosted a reading of this poetry. Editor Birgitta Jonsdottir from Iceland and twenty contributors read from the companion anthologies, The World Healing Book and The Book of Hope. Although Judi couldn’t attend, she had a friend, Candice Falloon, there to read her poem.
“The anthologies were a direct response to the fall of the towers and its outcome around the world. Major poets, artists, writers, and spiritual leaders contribute to the books with their thoughts and anyone reading the two books will hopefully feel joy, hope and understanding,” said editor Birgitta Jonsdottir.
The two anthologies are published by Beyond Borders, an Icelandic publishing house. Additional information can be found at http://this.is/poems/hope.
Judi, a descendant of natives Ah Ish K’ and “Shorty”, came home to Karuk ancestral land a few years ago after living in Sacramento. Her father, Weldon Edward Brannan, was a member of the Karuk Tribe.
Billed as “The Son O’ Pop’n Jam” and as “an evening of music and popcorn”, the jam session on January 19 was an attempt to discover if there’s local interest in having a coffee house type evening in Happy Camp. I could not resist the opportunity to see who might show up and with what. My curiosity was not disappointed.
Wandering into the Family Resource Center an hour after the jam began, I found Robert Goodwin at the mike, playing his acoustic guitar and singing with a friend. About twenty people sat in the darkened back room, listening; the only light came from the stage where a drum set, keyboard, amps, mikes, and electric guitars were set up. Goodwin’s final tune was one he had written himself, and I heard Coreen Davis say it was the best song he had sung that evening. I agreed – it was awesome and heartfelt. It seems that the songs best suited for our voices are often the ones we write ourselves.
Next Coreen and her husband, Scott Hampson, played with a friend, Denise, on guitar, Scott on banjo. They did a few blue-grass mountain-folk tunes.. very entertaining. I had to leave about then, but later in the evening returned to find a group of about ten musicians still at it. There were several electric guitars, drums, two keyboards, and a bass guitar. The music was loud! We heard Dylan’s tune, All Along the Watchtower, in the Hendrix style, and something that sounded like Pink Floyd. Some of the musicians are very talented and some are beginners, but everyone was having a good time groovin’ with the music, deep into the night.
An amazing Bigfoot is about to rise up out of the junk pile in the Forest Service parking lot. Sculptor Ralph Starritt, famed for transformation of junk into works of art, was in town on July 13 and 14 for the start of the Bigfoot project.
Local citizens have contributed junk metal to the project, organized by Carol Wainwright of Happy Camp. Keep an eye on the Forest Service parking lot this summer as Bigfoot grows in stature.
Renowned sculptor Ralph Starritt adds another piece of junk metal to Happy Camp’s new Bigfoot project on Saturday afternoon.
Donations are still being accepted
Metal donations are still welcome in the Forest Service rear parking lot. Any volunteer sculptors in town can participate in the building of Bigfoot. Monetary donations are needed for supplies, equipment and Mr. Starritt’s lodging and other expenses while he is in town. Donations are tax-deductable and can be mailed to “HCAP Bigfoot Project” P.O. Box 640, Happy Camp, CA 96039. Donations have already been received from Frontier Café, Evans Mercantile, Clinic Pharmacy, Happy Camp Elementary School and the U.S. Forest Service.
Bigfoot is coming! An artistic rendition of the legendary forest creature is to be created from metal collected by the community. Sculptor Ralph Starritt will be in Happy Camp for a few weeks this summer to create this unique Bigfoot sculpture. Mail went out to all Happy Camp residents requesting metal pieces of all sorts brought to the Forest Service parking lot on Friday, July 13 from 9 to 5. This metal will be incorporated into the sculpture project, and donating a piece of it is the opportunity of a lifetime for Happy Campers.
Examples of metal donations needed are sheet metal, baling wire, cable, chain, rebar, and round or square tubing. Welding and cutting supplies and a grinder will also be useful. Also needed is a 12-16 foot long dual axel trailer, requested for about three months to build the sculpture on, and a bit of land for putting the sculpture on permanent display.
Any volunteer sculptors in town can participate in the building of this monster. Monetary donations are needed for supplies, equipment and Mr. Starritt’s lodging and other expenses while he is in town. Donations are tax-deductable and can be mailed to “HCAP Bigfoot Project” P.O. Box 640, Happy Camp, CA 96039. Donations have already been received from Frontier Café, Evans Mercantile, Clinic Pharmacy, Happy Camp Elementary School and the U.S. Forest Service.
Please help support Happy Camp News' free news on the web by using our Amazon links whenever you need to purchase something from Amazon.Com. Your support of this news service is very much appreciated.
Amazon.Com carries almost everything a person might want to buy - besides books they have music, clothing, housewares, and much more.
