Smokiam Days blasts off in Soap Lake this weekend
File photo - Bed racing is one of many activities at this year's Smokiam Days in Soap Lake.
SOAP LAKE - Smokiam Days in Soap Lake kicks off Saturday with a pancake feed at the senior center and culminates with a firework show Sunday.
There are plenty more activities between.
Smokiam Days committee head Lynne Nelson estimated the annual event is between 40 and 50 years old. The event is named after the lake, which was once called Lake Smokiam, which means "healing waters."
Pancakes are being served Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Soap Lake Senior Center at 121 2nd Ave. SE.
The horseshoe competition sign-up starts at 9 a.m. and costs $5 per entry. Contestants will have a chance to win trophies and prizes.
The Smokiam Photography Show is at Las Brisas Arts & Conference Center from Saturday through Monday, and July 9-10.
An opening prayer and the national anthem mark the start of the Smokiam Days parade at 11 a.m., followed by bed races.
The parade lineup starts at 9 a.m. at McKay Healthcare & Rehab Center.
Applewood baked salmon and barbecue ribs will be on sale from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday on the lawn area of Notaras Lodge, at 235 E. Main.
Applications for the bed races and parade are available online at soaplakecoc.org and www.soaplakeforlocals.com, said Nelson.
The fireworks show begins at dusk on Sunday, said Nelson. Fireworks will be launched from a barge in the middle of the lake.
Prior to the show, the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce is selling raffle tickets to pay for the cost of the fireworks show. Prizes include vacation packages, cash prizes and gift certificates.
The drawing is at 7 p.m. on Sunday during the salmon and rib feed at Notaras Lodge.
East Beach Park is a good place to view fireworks, because it has lots of parking and a spacious grass area, said Nelson.
The event also features vendors both days and a music festival.