Paint, bingo and birds

OTHELLO — Avery Schutte’s eyes shone like diamonds in the sun as the face painter applied her trade to the Othello 3-year-old’s face.

The nose and whiskers had already been applied and her tiny face framed with jet black hair began to take the shape of a cat as she patiently sat in the chair undergoing the process. Her tiny hand clutched the arm of the chair as the face painter worked around her eyes. First the highlight on the corners of her eyes, big and brown, ones that would dazzle the boys in years to come. Then the highlight accenting the peach coloring on her eyelids, same as the button nose.

Even though Avery was just three, this was a special day. She attended the annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival last year, but this year was different now that she knew what to expect as hundreds of people mingled through Othello High School on Saturday morning. Now that she had her face on, she and her sister Blake were free to wander and see the sights of the displays and hear of great and wonderful things.

Ah, to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Avery glanced around the room, not sure where to go next, but anxious to take it all in. They posed for photographer Mike Garza, who was capturing images of Sandhill Crane Festival visitors with a digital crane display in the background. Avery and Blake were a smash and their photograph was displayed on the counter for all to see. Information booths lined the walls and center of the gym where a flurry of activity was already underway.

The girls gravitated to the far corner where a children’s bingo center was set up using kernels of corn for markers and a series of flashcards with stuff a couple of farmer’s daughters could understand. Each bingo card had a series of images and the girls studied intently as the woman turned over the flashcards.

“They’re always asking questions and they expect you to spell it out to them,” grandma Sharon Schutte said, watching as the girls filled their cards with kernels. Their father Rod farms for Airway Farms, growing potatoes that will eventually be sold to McDonald’s and turned into French fries. The bingo caller called Seep Lakes in reference to the Columbia Basin Waterfowl Refuge.

“I don’t have one,” Avery said, studying her card hoping the image might magically appear as she eyeballed Blake filling the square on her card.

The game was both informative as well fun. The girls quickly picked up on familiar images like tractors or cherries. Both filled their cards to the point where one more kernel would produce the magic word. It was Blake who filled the row first, yelling bingo. “Me too, bingo,” Avery joined in. She didn’t bingo, but whatever big sister did, so did she.

There were live owls and raptors, booths with stuff you could take home. There were child-friendly lectures. The Grant County Conservation District did a great job as always and hundreds of people flocked to participate in various tours and learn more, not only about the Columbia Basin, but its inhabitants. The Othello Rotary Club was active serving breakfast. Information vendors were quick with a smile and a bit of information to proudly inform the masses.

But to two little girls from Othello, the day was about face paint and learning stuff they can take back and have Grandma explain.