27th Annual Spittoon Races

Spittoon BoatsThe Brick Saloon is well known for its 23 foot long running water spittoon at the foot of the bar.  But on Saturday, March 14th, the bar stools are removed and the spittoon will be transformed into a 23 foot river raceway that attracts boating competitors from far and wide.  There are four separate race classes, but the most fiercely competitive category is the wooden boat class. The Brick will open at 10am on the 14th for weigh in, and the races will kick off at noon.   Following the races, be sure to stick around for The Brick Nautical Ball.  If you enjoy good beer, fun folks, the spirit of competition, and music that gets you dancing – there is no better event to attend than the Spittoon Races and Nautical Ball at the Brick Saloon.

Official Classes and Specifications:

  • Class 1: Soap/Wax boats (can’t weigh more than 1 oz.)
  • Class 2: Wood boats (can’t weigh more than 1 oz.)
  • Class 3:  Paper/Plastic boats (can’t weigh more than 1 oz.)
  • Class 4: Motor & Experimental boats (can’t weigh more than 1.5 oz.)

All boats may be waterproofed but must not exceed 3” long, 1 ½” wide and 3” in height.  There are no mechanical or other means of propulsion allowed except in the “Experimental Class”. There is a $10 entry fee per boat in all classes except for wood.  The wood category is $5 per boat because it is run in a single elimination format until it gets down to the final four, at which time the races turn to double elimination.  All other classes are double elimination from start to finish.  For more information, visit the Brick’s website.  Highlight videos are also available from the 2011 and 2012 races.

Kittitas Wants to Hear from You!

Listen Up!Do you visit or are you planning to visit Kittitas County? If so, Kittitas County wants to hear from you! By taking this brief survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 gift certificate from the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce.   More importantly, you will be providing valuable information that will influence the tourism programs, services, and facilities in this beautiful county. We appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback and we look forward to your visit!

Click here to take the survey!

All Aboard the Roslyn Polar Express

Roslyn Polar ExpressThe Polar Express is coming to Roslyn to officially ring in the Christmas Season. The weekend kicks off on Friday at 5pm with the wreath and tree lighting on Pennsylvania Avenue.  Festivities continue through the weekend with hot cocoa and holiday crafts for the kids in the historic NWI building visitor center.  Santa and his friends will also be roaming the town handing out stockings containing special “shop in Roslyn” specials.  Avoid the malls and kick off the season in merry, small town, style!

Suncadia Events:
On Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 6pm, The Inn at Suncadia will be hosting a Holiday Crafts and Gifts Show.  The show is a winter favorite that features local craftsman, artists, wreaths and trees.   From 10am to 2pm each day, the Suncadia Real Estate Sales Company is sponsoring a winter tour of the Prospectors Reach collection of homes.  Find out more about these events and more in the Suncadia Winterfest Guide.

Hollywood Pays a Visit to Roslyn

Gas StationThis week, Roslyn got another taste of Hollywood when crews came to town to shoot the pilot episodes of an Amazon original mini-series based on the novel, “The Man in the High Castle.”  The novel was written by Phillip K. Dick, and is being produced by Ridley Scott.  This isn’t the first time Scott has brought a Philip K. Dick novel to the screen.  Dick’s novel, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”, was the basis of the movie “Blade Runner.“  Other movies based on Dick’s writing include Total Recall, The Adjustment Bureau, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, and Screamers.
The Man in the High Castle” takes place in 1962, in a world where Germany and Japan were the victors of World War II.  Over the last few days, much of downtown Roslyn was transformed into the alternate reality that is depicted in the book.  Harper’s Lumber became a gas station and the Roslyn Café (made famous in the Northern Exposure television series) was converted into the Sunrise Diner.  Classic cars and trucks were also brought in to fit the period (some of which were owned by Roslyn residents).
Technically, the series is “in development” and the content being produced is in the “pilot” stage, which means there is no guarantee the show will make it to completion.  However, the production team includes some accomplished talent and, with Ridley Scott at the helm, chances are good this production will make it across the finish line.  More images from the production can be viewed here.

Roslyn Cafe

Marko’s vs Eagles 2014 Water Balloon War

Trophy SplashThe Marko’s vs Eagles Water Balloon War took place Saturday under clear skies in 80 degree heat.  The weather was perfect for the wet, wild splash fest that ensued.  On top of it being a good time for all involved, it also raised over $600 that will be split between ARRF and the Roslyn Library.
Splash WarThis year, Marko’s took home the trophy, but it was a challenging (and protested) decision.  There were three primary criteria for winning: enthusiasm, revenue raised for charity, and overall badass-ness.  Enthusiasm went to the Eagles.  The Eagle’s had many enthusiastic participants and rained a storm of water balloons down on Marko’s (Eagles easily had double the amount of balloons as Marko’s).  Likewise, at times, the entire Eagles patio would empty out as the participants brought the war to Marko’s front door.  Contrarily, the revenue category went to Marko’s.  Though it was only a slight difference, Marko’s tipped the scales back in their direction by raising just a little more money for the causes.  This made the final decision come down to overall badass-ness, which was a challenging category for the judges.  To help paint a picture, here are some quick highlights of the battle:

  •  Tom (Eagles) would often run solo missions, barging into enemy territory to wreak havoc - frequently soaking Marko’s with their own supplies.
  •  Becky and Tina (Marko’s) were a suicide squadron waging close proximity battles at the Eagles (even being taken hostage at one point).
  •  Mid battle, a team of anarchist warriors (who fight for no side) showed up in the middle of the two patios to wage war on both establishments.
  •  Justin (Eagles) had the golden arm.  His aim was spot on and he pegged numerous targets on the head, chest and everywhere else.  At one point, he even took out an embedded photo journalist.
  •  The battle started with balloons, but quickly escalated to super soakers, buckets and even garden hoses.

Splash Ambush

Certainly, there was no clear winner in badass-ness up until one of the very last moves of the war.  Marko’s sent a spy.  Daniel waited patiently at the Eagles and was accepted as one of their own – until everyone’s guard was down.  Then, he calmly walked up to Jim (President of the Eagle’s Platoon) and shouted “Go Marko’s” as he doused him in a bucket of water from the Eagle’s own fill station.  In one shady swoop, this strategy tipped the scales ever so slightly toward Marko’s for the win.

 Thanks again to everyone who participated in the 2014 Marko’s vs Eagles Water Balloon War!

The First Annual Roslyn Art Festival

RoslynSummerArtsFestRoslyn is packed with arts and activity this coming weekend  thanks to the First Annual Roslyn Art Festival.  The festival takes place Saturday and Sunday (July 19 & 20) at the 2nd Street Warehouse Art Space and also in the brand new Roslyn Yard Park (located right next door to the historic Brick Saloon).   The festival intends “to promote art and artists, and encourage appreciation of the historical qualities of Roslyn Washington.”  In addition to showcasing artists and musicians, the festival will also include a variety of “try-it” stations, allowing attendees to get hands on with art and artists.  This is your chance to be there from the beginning of what is sure to be a long revered annual event in Roslyn!  Find out more at RoslynArtFestival.org!

Let the Games Begin with ARRF!

The ARRF Animal Rescue Doggie & Troll Olympics returns next weekend (July 19th).  This annual event supports a great cause and is fun for the entire family!  Bring the kids and bring the dogs for a Troll_ARRFmorning packed full of fun games, including:

  • K9 SingOff (for dogs)
  • 3 Legged Troll Race (for humans)
  • Dunking for Dogs (for dogs)
  • Fetch a Troll with your Dog (for dogs)
  • Peanut Butter Lick (for dogs)
  • Guess the Number of Trolls (for humans)
  • Most Unusual Trick (for dogs, or ?)
  • Troll Toss (for humans)
  • Frisbee Throw (for dogs)
  • Troll Relay (for humans)

Registration starts at 10am and the games begin at 10:30am.  For more information, visit the RoslynOlympics.com.

Enjoy Yappy Hour for a Great Cause

Yappy HourOn Saturday, June 28th, have a cocktail with your pooch at Yappy Hour with the Roslyn Eagles and ARRF. The dog friendly Yappy Hour is a benefit to support construction of the ARRF animal shelter and will feature the dedication of the Jeri Palmer Beer Garden, drink specials, appetizers, raffles, and plenty of fun. There will also be a live auction for the chance to win terrific prizes (including 2 Seahawk tickets to the 12/28 Rams game, a trail ride for two at Dragonwood Equine, and more!). The Yappy Hour is between 3pm and 5pm at the Roslyn Eagles Club, and will include treats for your four legged friends and even a doggie Poker walk. Tickets are also available for a special dinner from 5pm to 7pm . You can pick up dinner tickets at the Roslyn Eagles or Roslyn Candy Company for $12.50 (but hurry because only 100 dinner tickets will be available). Don’t miss the chance to relax with your dog and fellow dog lovers in support of a great local cause!

If you can’t make it to Yappy Hour, but still want to help - you can learn more about how to donate or contribute to the crowd funding effort here.  Many folks from the community are contributing time, talents and funds to help ensure displaced pets have a safe place to stay while they are waiting to be united with their loved ones, but there is still a long ways to go.  Your contribution will have a huge impact on this important initiative.  Learn more in the video below:

Halloween is a Time for Spooky Fun

Ghosts of RoslynCome scare up some fun in Roslyn this weekend in celebration of Halloween.  The bars about town will be holding celebrations in supernatural fashion on Saturday, October 26th – including The PawsBrick Saloon’s annual Halloween Party (featuring 80-ology).  The Swiftwater Cellars Winery at Suncadia is also hosting their annual Halloween SPOOKtacular.  On Sunday, don’t forget to dress up your four legged little ones for this year’s Paws on Parade event, sponsored by ARRF (downtown Roslyn at noon).  Also, don’t mikomoss the Haunted House put on by the Roslyn Fire Association, the Ronald Fire Association and the Cle Elum Roslyn Cheerleaders.  It’s in the old gas station building by Roslyn City Hall from 7 to 10pm on October 25th, 26th and 31st.
While in town, keep an eye out for unearthly spirits that may be joining in on the fun.  Due to the city’s vibrant history, many feel that those among the living are not the only residents of Roslyn.  Check out the Komo 4 News video clip to find out about other souls that might be lurking in the shadows. The Brick Halloween Party

The Mountain Ale Festival is Brewing Up Fun!

Beer lovers, start Fall off right with the Mountain Ale Festival in Roslyn.  The fest will take place in the historic NWI building (the old Company Store) in Roslyn on Saturday, October 5th 2013, and include the these Northwest Brewers:

AlefestblogDiamond Knot
Icicle Brewing
Iron Horse Brewery
Roslyn Brewing
North Fork
Bellevue Brewing Company
Rocky Coulee
DUO Brewing
No-Li
Whitstran Brewing
Colockum Craft Brewing
Kulshan Brewing Co.
Mac & Jacks

 

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