Chamber launches Pateros sign fund raising campaign

PATEROS – The Chamber of Commerce is stepping up efforts to raise sufficient funds to complete construction of the new Pateros sign along Highway 97 that will replace the original destroyed in the 2014 Carlton Complex wildfire.
At the regular monthly meeting last Thursday, June 1, Sign Committee chair, John Roberts circulated a letter that will be sent to businesses in Pateros, Brewster and vicinity requesting donations to help cover the estimated $20,000 out of pocket costs required to complete the sign.
A road has been cleared to the sign site and the committee believes that laying the sign foundation will provide visible evidence to the community that progress is being made to finish the project.
The Chamber has raised about $1,000 but needs an additional $5,000 to pay for the concrete required for the sign base. Businesses are being asked to contribute a minimum of $150 so additional progress can be made before the 70th annual Apple Pie Jamboree on July 14.
Fundraisers are in the works to raise the remaining money needed from the community at large.
Sign donations can be dropped off at the Pateros City Hall or mailed to P.O.B. 374, Pateros 98846.
In other business, members put the final touches on the upcoming third annual Kids Fishing Derby on Father’s Day, June 18. The event is free for kids up to 15 years of age. The Wells Dam Hatchery is providing 100 trout, Ag Supply in Brewster the tanks to hold them, and Yancey’s Pateros Hardware the fishing rods and tackle. Derby hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and volunteers are needed.
The Vintage Fair, scheduled for June 24 on the Pateros Mall, needs more vendors to sign on. Last year the event attracted 13 sellers but so far this year, only four have committed. Cost is $50 for a booth and interested parties can contact Chamber president, Libby Harrison at 509-679-8452.
The three-day Pateros/Alta City-Wide Yard Sales will run from June 23-25, and will be featured on map flyers that will be available at the city hall. Shoppers can expect close to two dozen sale sites to visit.
The Run to the River Bike Rally charity ride will be held Saturday, June 24, in Memorial Park during garage sale weekend. The rally begins at 11 a.m. and will include a beer garden, salmon bake at 1 p.m. and live music starting at 3 p.m. and lasting until the fireworks show.
The Pateros Chamber Golf Tournament is set for the last day of the month, June 30. Golfers can register online at www.altalakegolf.com. The cost is $75 per person, or $85 with cart. Teams are $300 or $340 with cart. Hole sponsorships are available at $125.
Team swag, wine tasting, hole-in-one and long-drive/KP competition, silent auction, and great gifts and prizes will be included in the event.
The updated Chamber website now includes an event form that business owners can access and complete to announce any special events.
Brewster Boys and Girls Club director, Brian Paine reviewed BBGC’s upcoming free summer meal program for area children that began June 12. Breakfast is from 7-8 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through August 25.
Paine also discussed membership packages for $65 per child per week, or $115 for two or more children from the same family. The package includes breakfast, lunch, snack and pool privileges. The BBGC will be open 13 hours daily from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer. For more information contact Paine at 509-689-1192.