North Bend block party

The City of North Bend is turning 100 this year! In preparation for a grand celebration in August, the City hosted a block party for local residents, and the Northwest Railway Museum was there. Hundreds of people turned out to watch Twede's burger-eating contest, George's Bakery's children’s giant donut-eating contest, a race through Encompass’s inflatable obstacle course, listen to music and of course visit the Cookie Train!

Cookie Train was conceived by George’s Bakery’s proprietors. Tens of dozens of locomotive-shaped cookies were given to local residents who came down to tour the Museum’s Army Ambulance Kitchen Car and SP&S combine 272, both located at the North Bend Depot just for the occasion. Thom and Lynn W. volunteered to give tours and distribute the cookies, and Isaac F. and Bob L. helped the regular crews move the cars to North Bend for the day.

The block party was fun, but it was just a warm up. Prepare for North Bend’s grand centennial celebration. It will be held on the August 8th weekend, during the annual Festival at Mt. Si.

Remembrance

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of representing the Museum at the Tanner Jeans Memorial Bike Rodeo. Held yearly on Snoqualmie Ridge, the rodeo’s main purpose is to educate young children and their parents on bike safety. The event is held in honor and memory of Tanner Jeans, who was killed in a freak bicycle accident when he was 7 years old.

The warm summer air was charged with excitement and happiness. Radio Disney had the kids dancing and singing in the Cascade Elementary parking lot. It felt as though the entire community had turned out to celebrate. Kids with painted faces and new helmets proudly rode their bikes around the parking lot, toting balloons and rubber bracelets. The Snoqualmie Police guided each little bicycler through the safety course they had set up in another section of the parking lot.

What a shining example of community spirit. Together, a caring group of friends and neighbors has begun turning a horrifying accident into a powerful remembrance and a positive force in all our lives.

He's Got the Spirit

The spirit of giving is alive and well in western Washington. One of our members, 5¾ years-old Hal C. donated the entire contents of his piggy bank to flood relief for the Northwest Railway Museum. When asked, Hal confided he was worried that his favorite Museum might not be there anymore. He decided on his own, to contribute the contents of his piggy bank. The quarters and dollar bills spilled out onto the counter of the Depot Bookstore. Hal and James, the bookstore manager, counted it together and the total came to $11.00. Hal’s father, Eric C. made a contribution as well.

What a wonderful boost on a rainy first day of spring. Here’s a big thank you to a very thoughtful young man and his family for showing us all how to make a difference.