The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Hot, simmering, smoldering is how patrons of the "First Friday" chamber of commerce event were describing the refractive heat, bouncing off the concrete sidewalk last week. But thankfully, firefighters were present with ultimate water power, and the chamber placed cooling locations in the nearby park

Upon arrival, it was dominated by dedicated business, with vendors selling goods ranging from popcorn, cheeky shirts, eccentric jewelry, and scrumptious (i.e., "nom nom") food from the Siam Palace.

As a newcomer to the great Grand Coulee, with its spectacular views of nature and people who would honestly give you a cup of sugar if needed, I felt welcome - as opposed to being in the city, where I was another run-of-the mill man, lacking genuine connections and even hand waves.

The street was peppered with vendors but also vibrant, hyper children - the types that tug on Mom's shirt to obtain that one extra cookie the boys were selling. As an outsider, it was something nuanced, different, almost alien, as street events in cities like Everett require time-consuming permits.

One place I popped in was the local bar, where the bartender was serving up gorgeous umbrella margaritas for the moms, and also, pouring those puffy suds of Coors Light in tall pint glasses for the seemingly exhausted fathers.

Leaders of the chamber were so busy that I was not able to personally talk with them, but thanks to the cell phones we now have, we talked later about the success of the event, which, in-fact, involved a throwback band akin to a contemporary Fooghfighters/Nirvana - a type of alternative that satiates not just the ears, but the soul. Not piercing. Not dissonant. It was a pleasure.

As a matter of fact, the band had some avid fans that took pictures all night! I spoke with them - some of whom perform out of Spokane - and they, under their breath, mind you, said with genuine gumption that playing in this area is a relief as the people are so diverse in their music tastes.

As for the chamber event leaders, it was deemed a success prior to even ending. For me, the highlight of the night was seeing the female wrestlers from Lake Roosevelt seem to dedicate themselves to their athletic craft and raise money for clean mats and helpful shoes. Young girls who were strong., fit, and funnier than Conan.

If there is a grand takeaway from the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce event, it is that we, as a nation, are turning around as the amount of purchases is spectacular. I mean, the popcorn stand was vending more than an AMC Theatre.

Lastly, don't forget the power of small towns - they are economically resilient and loyal.