Sisters celebrates the old-fashioned way

There's nothing like the simple thrill of a hometown holiday, especially on the Fourth of July when the Stars and Stripes are on vivid display. The third annual Sisters Picnic in the Park, hosted by Habitat for Humanity, drew a patriotic crowd to Creekside Park on Wednesday for a relaxed affair celebrating our nation's 236th birthday.

The morning began with a spirited military sendoff presented by the Military Parents of Sisters, honoring the departure of Nolan Peck and Stefan Kirshner, who are both headed for basic training at the Marine Corps. Recruit Depot in San Diego.

As the festivities began, visitors and residents decked out in red, white and blue strolled the fresh-cut lawns, partaking in some old-time party games. Some took a more leisurely approach, plucking at plumes of pink popcorn, munching grilled dogs or home-made tamales, sipping lemonade and absorbing the happy tones of a banjo drifting in off Whychus Creek. A silent auction table was filled with a wide assortment of donated items, all to benefit the many good deeds and programs Habitat promotes in our region.

American flag shirts, hats and shorts were the fashion statement of choice as families watched kids playing Beanbag Toilet Toss and the Clothes Pin Drop. On stage, a trio of kids belted out an impromptu rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy while pets sporting Old Glory collars and leashes paraded past. A bounce castle rocked and swayed as children leaped and rolled inside the inflated funhouse.

In the gaming section, Tessa O'Hern, 13, proudly displayed some spangled jewelry won at the Toilet Toss.

"I just threw a beanbag into the toilet bowl and got these sparkly beads," she said. "I think this is really fun because everybody is here having a good time and it's a nice sunny day for once. Later on I think we're going across the highway to the Rock and Gem Show. This is a great place to spend the holiday."

Over at the baked pie table, volunteers sliced up desserts for hungry visitors with savory fillings ranging from the classic to the more exotic.

Debbie Harriman stood guard over the contest pies and made occasional suggestions for pie-lovers to dig into.

"We sold a lot of pies already," she said, handing out another sweet wedge. "We have lots of different slices for sale: Lemon meringue, peach cobbler, Granny Smith apple, pumpkin, pecan and strawberry rhubarb. We even have a gluten-free pie. All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity, and it's nice to see so many people donate these wonderful pies. The weather is beautiful, and everyone is laughing and smiling. It's a great day."

Visiting all the way from Holland, Corinne Vanbeukering observed our Western-style Independence Day with a measure of curiosity and interest.

"This is my sixth time to Sisters and it's always a pleasure," she said. "I like the incredible nature and the cowboy buildings. The games for the kids are a nice added activity and a great deal for 50 cents each. If this were California they'd be charging a dollar or two."

photo by Jerry Baldock