It’s a good thing it rained all day, because I didn’t mind hanging out in the kitchen peeling and boiling potatoes and eggs and chopping celery and onion and mixing in what looked like a gallon of mayo and mustard and relish for the classic Firemen’s Barbecue ‘tub of tater salad’ ( I am not alone, all over town windows are steaming up and cooks are saying, “Do we really add the whole jar of mayonnaise?” –And Fireman Al says, “Yup.”
So tomorrow we begin the holiday celebrations with some of my favorite reasons for living here– the volunteer fire department and ambulance crew and the artists, and our town’s appreciation of both. The barbecue is 11-2 at the fire hall, and they will even box up take-out orders, and true to form, if you simply cannot get there for a very good reason– will bring the barbecue and salads to you.
Then tomorrow evening beginning at 5:00, it’s another First Friday art event all across town– the Hammer Museum has special costumes and photo ops, the Sheldon Museum is open too, and on Main Street Karen Bryant’s art is on display at the the Skipping Stone Gallery where there will be live music and snacks too– and next door at the Art’s Confluence office there’s a book signing for “North of Normal”, a new book featuring five years of the Haines police blotter, and displays of wearable art to get you inspired for the Fair’s contest. Over in the Fort, Nelle’s new gallery is open, as in the new gallery in the old red telegraph office across from the dock.
On the way over stop and see Gene Kennedy’s new dog sculpture on the waterfront across from the lumberyard. (His name is Rusty– and he really is so life like in re-bar way…) Rusty and his Cart is the first of many sculptures planned for the Fort Seward area and it was great to have representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the Rasmuson Foundation there for the dedication Monday.(Finally, if you’d like to give thanks for so many blessings, the Presbyterian Church will be open 5-7 Friday for silent reflection.)
