Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com
May Day, it’s May Day (no I don’t need help – although some would argue that point). It’s a cross-quarter day, falling approximately halfway between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. Historically, it’s been celebrated mostly in Europe, although US folks started celebrating with May Poles and May flowers in the late 1800’s. It ultimately got linked with Easter celebrations using ribbons, garlands and colored eggshells. Take an empty washed cottage cheese tub, staple a long handle (long enough to fit over the door knob) on the outside. Cover it with colored paper or paint with tempura paints. Fill 1/3 with rocks to anchor the flowers you pick from Grandma’s garden (with her help, of course). Have a great time, and then on May 1st hang it on someone’s doorknob, ring the bell and run.
Earth Day was last week and Harriet Priska taught water conservation for all the classes at the Elementary School.
The second annual “Garfield County Greatest Horseman” competition was held this weekend (Saturday April 18, 2009) at the Triple C Arena in Panguitch. There was a great turnout and all the participants had an enjoyable time. The competition was based on a rider competing in four different events on the same horse. The men’s events included roping (heading, heeling, and or calf roping), working ranch horse sorting, trail, and or reining. The womens events included breakaway roping, barrels, poles, reining, working ranch horse sorting, and or trail. The results showed the east side of the county (Escalante) has awesome horsemen. The winner of the men’s division and the 2009 Garfield Counties Greatest Horseman is Russell Johnson, resident of Escalante employed by Flying V bar Ranch. 2nd place was Mike Porter also from Escalante and employed by Flying V. There was a tie for third between JS Butler of Escalante and Kevin Moore of Panguitch. In the Women’s division first place and Garfield Counties Greatest Horsewomen is Cassie Lyman of Escalante, 2nd place was Jessica Miller of Panguitch, and 3rd place was Amber Hatch of Panguitch. Everyone’s horses preformed great and there was a lot of hard work involved in getting horses trained and ready for this competition. Escalante would like to congratulate all the participants of the 2009 Garfield County Greatest Horseman Competition.
The City Council went through a long list of projects, requests, and pretty much completed everything. The two items for the Council Chambers were tabled until the next fiscal year. Bill Weppner will present information to the council at the next meeting as our representative to the Highway 12 committee. Relieving Wade Barney of many years of going to these meetings, Bill will do a good job.
If you haven’t heard – there’s an article in the most recent edition of National Geographic “Adventure” regarding Everett Reuses. They have found his bones in a grave in Bluff. DNA testing has confirmed the identity. The family is quoted saying they plan to have him cremated and his ashes spread in California. Log into http://blog.exploreescalante.com for a link to the article in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Escalante Lions Club did their clean-up duty this year on Hwy 12. I know Desert Dr. does his and the City Clean up groups did a great job. But 300 South was looking pretty tacky until last week when the Bears Cub Scout Den, including Klint Torgersen, Josh Brinkerhoff, Michael Mortensen, and friend of the Den Bobbie Griffin, cleaned many blocks gathering 6+ large bags of trash. Thanks to all for keeping us looking beautiful. The residents appreciate it and our visitors comment on how clean the town is. And the visitors are here. With all this publicity, between being one of the 10 best places to vacation (according to the LA Times) and the Everett Reuss Story, I keep seeing “NO Vacancy” signs everywhere. Going out to eat? Go early – the restaurants are packed.
Remember, the US Postal Service is raising their price for stamps effective May 11th. Postcards go up 1 cent to $.28, first class letters go up to $.44, oversize letters go to $.88. There are increases for certified, return receipt, etc.
Mark your calendars – - – Graduation is Friday, May 22nd; Heritage Festival is Saturday, May 23rd (don’t forget to get your tickets); Mother’s Day is May 10th (we have some special treasures here at the gallery); June 19th – Evolution Dance Company Recital “The World is Dancing” at the High School 7 PM.
Until next week – - –