Locals gathered for the last Colton Farmers and Crafters Market on Sept. 20 to celebrate the harvest and Colton Sasquatch lore, (which can be found on the Web).
The day marked the end of the first season for the market. It was complete with a biggest zucchini competition, an impromptu “draw a picture of Bigfoot” contest, lots of produce and crafts, lots of music and a community potluck dinner with enough good food for take-home bags. People were still visiting as evening crept in and the market wound down.
“We had an average of 25 vendors for each market, with a variety of goods that represented a nice cross-section of crafters, artists and farmers from Colton,” Kendra Kimbirauskas, market coordinator, said.
The idea for the market was hatched by Kimbirauskas, Ivan Maluski and Matt Hansen, but Kimbirauskas gives credit to the many people who were involved and embraced the idea of the market to make it a reality.
“I met so many amazing people and had such a positive experience,” she said.
“And we met you,” someone added, on overhearing her remark.
She acknowledged the Colton Fire Board and volunteer firefighters for their “leap of faith” in allowing the market to be held on the grounds behind the fire station; the Molalla Pioneer for their articles; and community reader boards and word-of-mouth for the good response.
As everyone gathered around for the cutting of the Sasquatch cake, made by crafter Susan Zvala, Kimbirauskas invited anyone who wanted to plan next year’s market or be a part of it to give her a call at 503-977-7438.
The entrepreneur from Soapy Elephant noted that the market was a fun experience and a great opportunity to interact with the community. She said that, as a vendor, the market was a good way to get exposure for her product.
More than one stroller through the grounds on Sunday commented on the beautiful locale, the array of produce and the small-town feel that came with the day.
CHS staying fit
While many other schools are cutting elective physical education classes, Colton High School has managed to add. The school is offering six periods of physical activity to the school day. Three periods of regular P.E., two of Strength and Conditioning and one Fitness for Life class are being attended by 130 of the 255 students who attend the school.
“We feel P.E. classes are part of a whole education program, as are art and music. We find it is healthy for our students to not sit all day long, but have some time for exercise and fun,” Tom Crane, CHS principal, said.
It is not necessary for P.E. instructors to be certified in the field. Four teacher/coaches are leading something because they feel it is important for the long-term health and well-being of students.
“Mindi Shelton, Greg Adams, Harold Lafontaine and Ben Bleisner are working together to devise a viable program for the high school level. We are fortunate that we have teachers who are ready to accept the challenge and collaborate to make this happen,” Crane said.
Colton Fire Activity report
The Colton Volunteer Fire Department responded to 22 calls during the month of August. These included rescuing a baby unintentionally locked in a car and an accidental drowning. The volunteers also took action on one barn fire, one car fire, one commercial fire, three motor vehicle accidents, seven emergency medical situations, four illegal burns, one power line down, one smoke investigation and one alarm.
Hunting breakfast
The Colton Volunteer Fire Department is serving up their annual Hunter’s Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Colton Fire Station. All hunters and non-hunters are invited to stop by and enjoy breakfast. Donations will be accepted.