A Family Tradition Celebrated For 35 Years

SWAN LAKE - The Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, held Aug. 13, celebrated 35 years. The Swan Lake Chamber of Commerce and Community Club (SLCC&CC) sponsored the event, emphasizing family tradition.

Nearly 50 canopies belonging to vendors and organizations dotted the day use area on the shores of Swan Lake. An array of items were for sale including furniture, works of art in various mediums, food, ice cream cones, face painting, jewelry, basketry and many others.

Organizations such as the Swan Lake Search and Rescue and the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society shared information with festival goers. Many listened and tapped their feet to the music of Ashley Creek Ramblers during the afternoon.

Games and activities were available for children in addition to a baking contest for youngsters up to ten years of age. The baking contest was also open for adults the same as in past years.

The winners of the baking contests are:

Children's Division (To age 10)

1st place - Ellie Woods (age 4) - Huckleberry Lemon Whoopie Pies

Tie for 2nd - Isabelle Webb - Hucklecups & Addi Pena - Huckleberry Cupcakes.

3rd place - Fiovay Pena - Huckleberry Cake Pops

Adult Division

1st place - Stephanie Ehrman - Huckleberry Cheesecake

2nd place - Laurie Mari - Huckleberry Almond Lattice Shortbread

Tie for 3rd - Elly Waite - Huckleberry Donut Ice cream Sandwiches & Wendy Waite - Huckleberry Velvet Cake

Most of the baked goods from the huckleberry baking contest were given to the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department (SLVFD) to sell. Along with the baking contest goods, there were nearly 100 huckleberry pies for sale. According to SLVFD fireman Randy Gordon, the department purchases 20 gallons of huckleberries. Volunteers in the community bake them into goodies for the bake sale. "Most of the baked goods are gone by noon," said SLVFD fireman Kyle Lucow. Gordon said the proceeds this year will go for maintenance and repairs to the Swan Lake Fire Hall.

SLCC&CC treasurer Carol Edgar said she appreciated all of the volunteers who help make the festival grow and be successful year after year. "All of them step up and do what has to be done," she said.

Edgar was pleased with this year's festival. She said, "Family tradition is a good thing." Edgar said she believes family traditions are important. Children are exposed to what the older generation experienced and then they can continue. It develops a sense of belonging. Edgar said the festival continues to offer family fun in the fresh air and sunshine. She added that some volunteers have worked the festival since the beginning and there is a family of three generations who participate.

Proceeds from the festival will be used for the maintenance of the Swan Lake Community Center.