Annual Holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" Begins on Fri. Nov. 25, 12:00-4:00 pm

Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall in Skamokawa, Washington will be celebrating our annual Holiday Open House - "Deck the Hall" with the grand opening on Friday, November 25 from 12 noon to 4 pm. We have many exciting items this year for all of your holiday gift shopping needs. The Johnson Park Artists displaying their holiday specials, delicious food, and special treasures from our local artists and artisans. Our bookstore is freshly stocked with many new titles for children and adults. You will be able to fill your entire gift list from our special selections. Enjoy hot cider and delicious treats as well. The Open House will run from 12:00 noon to 4 pm, Friday - Sunday November 25, 26, and 27, and continues Thursday through Sunday on the following two weekends, with the final day for shopping on Sunday, December 11th. Remember, shopping local is best!

This Saturday, October 8th, Art Exhibit opening. Meet the artists between 1-3:00 PM. Tsuga Gallery Presents a Tsunami of Art

This Saturday, October 8th, Art Exhibit opening. Meet the artists between 1-3:00 PM. Come join in the fun and celebration of these amazing local artists. A variety of delicious treats and refreshments will be served. Here is more information: The Friends of Skamokawa/River Life Interpretive Center is very pleased to present works from Wahkiakum County's Tsuga Art Gallery for our final art exhibit this year. Displayed at the River Life Interpretive Center at Friends of Skamokawa, the title of this upcoming exhibit, 'Tsuga Gallery presents a Tsunami of Art' reflects the amazing variety and intensity of our local artists.

Wahkiakum County has collected a talented group of artists and musicians who are making this area a special place to visit. Among the artists will be photographers, painters, ceramists, wood artists, fine jewelers, and some who do a combination of all these.

Included in the group will be Mike Rees, Mitzi Christensen, Dan Tchozewski, Genie Cary, Noreen Fitts, Joan Wren, Ruth Doumit, and several others.

The exhibit will open Saturday, October 8th with a party to meet all the artists from 1 to 3 pm. This exhibit will run to November 20th to be followed by the Hall's annual Holiday Open House, “Deck the Hall”.

Several of the artists will be leaving their work for that event as well.

Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center is located at 1394 SR4 in Skamokawa, WA and is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM.

For more information, please call 360-795-3007 during open hours or email: fos1894@gmail.com

"A Cornucopia of Wines" Auction & Wine Tasting Fundraiser, Saturday, September 10, 6:30 - 10:00 PM

Saturday, September 10, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, advance tickets are available now. See below for ticket purchase locations and more information about this delightfully elegant evening in Skamokawa, WA. Join us for a spirited evening of fine wines, delicious gourmet food, fun community and spirited bidding on silent and open auction items including but not limited to; getaways to great local bed and breakfasts, paintings, photography, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, jewelry, gift certificates to local businesses and much more! Auctioneer Brian McClain will be presiding over the open auction with his friendly, fast paced style. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. This is our main fund raiser of the year with all funds directed to the maintenance and operation of Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center. There will be a ‘paddle raise’ during the evening to help fund a brand new coat of paint! Here is your opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall. “A Cornucopia of Wines”, Wine Tasting and Auction will be held in theSkamokawa Grange #425 at the Wahkiakum County Fair grounds, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647. The doors will open at 6:30 PM. This event draws visitors from throughout the Northwest. Along with the fine wines to sample will be a scrumptious menu prepared by the experienced caterers Ginger Schmitz and Jake Collins of Sharon's Pizza Mill in Cathlamet.
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or $25 a couple and can be purchased at the Bank of Pacific in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 single and $30 for a couple. For questions phone 360-795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by The River Life Interpretive Center during our open hours, Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. We are located at 1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, WA 98647. We’ll see you there!

Photos from our Rolling on the River Exhibit - A Maritime History

Photos from our Rolling on the River Exhibit which has been extended through the end of September. Image credit: Genie Cary

"A Cornucopia of Wines" Annual Wine Tasting and Auction, Sept. 10, 6:30-10:00 PM

The Friends of Skamokawa would like to announce our annual fundraiser “A Cornucopia of Wines”, Wine Tasting and Auction, Saturday, September 10 in the Skamokawa Grange #425 at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647. The doors will open at 6:30 PM. This event draws visitors from throughout the Northwest. There will be fine wines to sample with a scrumptious menu prepared by the experienced caterers Ginger Schmitz and Jake Collins of Sharon’s Pizza and More. Join us for a spirited evening’s bidding on silent and open auction items including getaways to great local bed and breakfasts, paintings, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, gifts to local businesses and much more! Auctioneer Brian McClain will be presiding over the open auction with his friendly, fast paced style. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. This is our main fund raiser of the year with all funds directed to the maintenance and operation of the “River Life Interpretive Center” at Redmen Hall. There will be a ‘paddle raise’ during the evening to help fund a brand new coat of paint! Here is your opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall.
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or $25 a couple and can be purchased at the Bank of Pacific in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 single and $30 for a couple. For questions phone 360-795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by The River Life Interpretive Center during our open hours, Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. We are located at 1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, WA 98647. We’ll see you there!

Our Rolling on the River Exhibit is featured in the Daily News!

http://tdn.com/news/new-rolling-on-the-river-exhibit-opens-at-river-life/article_e77fd99a-d025-5ee9-88ae-3bf67ae8bcd1.html

Author Peter J. Brix Book-signing. Saturday July 9, 1:00 pm The Brix Maritime Story; A Century of Towboating and Barging

Our “Rolling on the River” Exhibit will feature an author book-signing presentation by Peter J. Brix on July 9, at 1:00 PM.

Here is more information about this wonderful book and its’ author found online at thriftbooks.com:

Weathering over 100 years of economic tides, Brix Maritime (originally, Knappton Towboat Company) became a major contributor to marine transportation in the United States. Recounted by a third generation Brix, who worked from deckhand to CEO of the family business, The Brix Maritime Story is a unique tale. It shows how logging and marine transportation were joined in the early 1900s, with towboats and barges playing a central role in economic growth in Washington and Oregon. As commerce expanded mid-century and locks allowed vessels to pass upriver, Brix boats reached for broader territories and opportunity, ultimately providing service into Idaho, California, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Photographs of over 260 tugboats are shown, and over 170 barges listed, complete with specifications. For the maritime enthusiast, or anyone interested in a personal history of how one family helped to shape an industry, this book is a must-have.

Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call (360) 795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com.