KOOSKIA — Even with Clearwater Valley temperatures in the triple digits, attendees packed town through the day and well into the night for the 68th annual Kooskia Days celebration. Downtown remained busy, even with afternoon temperatures peaking at 107 degrees, and along with events, attendees were taking advantage of shade, as well as dipping into the Clearwater River for cool relief.
Events started last Thursday, July 28, and finished Saturday evening, July 30, with the highlights including the Main Street parade, fun run, logging show, and street dancing — which a few were still seen carrying it into 4 a.m. Sunday morning.
Meet Carlos Martinez, a longtime Kooskia Days attendee. He is the Clearwater Valley wrestling coach, and also the organizer of the horseshoe competition.
“We’ve done this for the last eight years as a fundraiser for wrestling,” he said. “Last year, we did it for the chamber’s new Christmas tree, but this year we’re back to wrestling.” Martinez reported that the team should have around 20 players this upcoming season.
When asked what his favorite part of Kooskia Days was, he said, “Getting to see people you haven’t seen for years, with all the class reunions going on. You get to see people you don’t normally see.”
Angela Hix of Craigmont, is yet another who loves serving her local community. Last year being her first year, Hix set up shop vending an assortment of drinks for the Camas Club.
“Being involved in the community, all the new people we get to meet, the customers, vendors, and business owners is what we enjoy most,” said Hix. The Camas Club was set up all throughout the day and into the wee hours of the night.
