Although Soap Lake averages 300 days of sunshine annually, we definitely experience four distinct seasons. These photos reflect life in Soap Lake throughout the year.
The traditional "Chicken Board" contest at the SLBC membership BBQ on Labor Day was quite an attraction. (Note to animal lovers...nothing bad happens to the chicken.) (Gary King photo)
Onlookers intently watch the chicken strutting around the board. (Gary King photo)
Gary Gregg at the Soap Lake Liquor Store sent this message and photo at the right to Soap Lake for Locals:
Here is the picture of Mid in the window of the Liquor Store. The orchid is 2 years old and as you know they usually only last one season. This one loves it here in the little memorial we have for our Dear Mid. We get quite a few people who come by the store just to say hello to our very missed friend. One lady told me that she comes by the window every morning to say hello to her friend. The wonderful blooms match the big beautiful smile of the awesome lady in the picture. Sure do miss her.
Gary
(Photo by Gary Gregg, May 13, 2010)
Overlooking the back side of Dry Falls in July. This area will be explored by the IAFI hiking group on April 10. (Photo submitted by John Glassco)
Happy Easter to the world from Soap Lake, Washington!
This photo of local Priscilla Asker and her Easter Bugny appeared--in color-- on the front page of the April 1, 2010 edition of the Grant County Journal.
Thank you to managing editor and photographer Randy Bracht for allowing Soap Lake for Locals to use this.
Four pooches and their owners enjoy the new Soap Lake Dog Park, located at the corner of 2nd SW and Ginkgo Street. The park is open from dawn till dusk and has fresh water for the dogs and pick-up bags for the owners. (Chuck Flint photo, March 2010)
This dog returns the serve by bringing the tennis ball back to her master. Being a lady, she did not use the dog park's ornamental fire hydrant. (SLFL photo, March 2010)
Members of the Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol make improvements at Lava Links. The young volunteers hauled sand to the greens (which are actually gray) and tee boxes and tidied up the course. (SLFL photo, March 2010)
The cadets and senior members (advisors) posed for a photo when the job was finished. (SLFL photo, March 2010)
On an IAFI Hike: Priscilla and Dwight overlook one of the Ancient Lakes drainage channels into the Columbia. This coulee is similar in form and appearance to the Grand Coulee at Soap Lake (a similar outflow channel with waterfall channel cutting characteristics). (John Glassco photo, Oct 2008)
Keith Hagglund (left) received an award from Mayor Pro-Tem Barney Berg on behalf of the City of Soap Lake and the Soap Lake Garden Club in recogniton of his work as a good-will ambassador from our community to the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. He was instrumental in facilitating the return of the Colville people to the Soap Lake, when they participated in the dedication of the Calling the Healing Waters Sculpture and Sundial on June 20, 2009. (SLFL photo Mar 3, 2010
Soap Lake Garden Club spokesperson Dorothy Downing (left) recognized member Margaret Atchison at a recent Soap Lake City Council meeting. Dorothy commended Margaret (94 years old) for her dedicated efforts at many fundraising events for the Calling the Healing Waters Sculpture & Sundial project. Dorothy also made a report about the sculpture to the city council. (SLFL photo, March 2010)
Burr and Eileen Beckwith receive the 2010 Mid Kreider Memorial Citizens of the Year Award from last year's winners, Al and Rose Lundberg. Pictured from left: Chuck Fogerson, Chamber Sec./Treasurer; Burr and Eileen; Al and Rose Lundberg, Chamber Board members; and Denise Keegan, Chamber President. (Raymond Gravelle Photo Feb 2010)
Burr and Eileen Beckwith received the Mid Kreider Memorial Citizens of the Year Award at the 2010 Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Auction on February 27.
Mid Kreider owned and operated a coffee stand in Soap Lake for many years. Although its official name was Coulee City Express (Mid commuted from her home in Coulee City every day--often on her Harley), locals just called it "Mid's." In her own unique way, Mid was a one-woman chamber of commerce, welcoming visitors and locals and forging a relationship with everybody who drove through more than once. Nobody was "just a customer." Mid was caring and strong, soft and out-spoken, fun-loving and nurturing...and living life to the fullest. She had girly interests, making jewelry and knitting blankets for her own grandkids and the grandkids of customers. She also rode a Harley and could operate her husband Jeff's tow truck as easily as she could knit. She loved her husband and her daughter and adored her grandsons. She remembered what you drank and always had a treat for your dog.
Following Mid's tragic death in July 2009, the Soap Lake Chamber Board changed the name of its annual award to the Mid Kreider Memorial Citizen of the Year Award. (Please see photos below.)
MID KREIDER ~ August 11, 1958 - July 19, 2009~ Mid Kreider in the window of Coulee City Express. Mid did not like to have her picture taken, but a customer snapped this and gave it to Mid and Jeff. It is now in the window of the espresso stand. (Note: This was posted a day or two after Mid's passing.) A customer placed a sign at Mid's that said, "Soap Lake has lost everybody's best friend." Mid, you will always be in our hearts. (Kreider family photo)
When we asked Mid if she would pose for a photo for the website, she told us she did not like to have her picture taken. The next time we drove through, she gave us this picture she took especially for the Soap Lake for Locals website. The name of the business is Coulee City Express, but everybody refers to it as "Mid's." (Mid Kreider photo, May 2009)
The SLHS boys' basketball team, en route to the State 2 B tournament, enters the downtown area with an honorary police escort. (SLFL Photo, Mar 10)
Lights, sirens, and blasting horns! (SLFL Photo, Mar 2010)
Engine 71-10 from District 7 is part of the honorary escort. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
SLPD vehicles escort the team bus. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
The team responds to well-wishers along the route. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
In front of the Inn at Soap Lake, two future Soap Lake Eagles enjoy some time in the sun while the grownups are out to support the team. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
The words on the marquee say it all. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
Cars with parents, students, and other Eagle supporters follow the bus to the State 2B Tournament in Spokane. (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
Go Eagles! (SLFL Photo Mar 2010)
"NO SNIVELING" That is the message painted right above the grill on this Blue Mountain Telecommunications rig parked in SLFL's yard. Considering the cold weather these men were working in, that was probably their motivational thought for the day. (SLFL photo, 2010)
We told this Blue Mountain employee about the Soap Lake for Locals website, and he gave his permission for us to take this photo. (SLFL photo, 2010)
Calling the Healing Waters Sculpture & Sundial, Soap Lake, WA (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Soap Lake Information Center & Heritage Gallery, Soap Lake, WA (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Don's Restaurant, Soap Lake, WA. (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Soap Lake Liquor Store, Soap Lake, WA (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Home Varieties, Soap Lake, WA. This store is located in the historic Myra's building, and current owners have kept the iconic Myra's neon sign. (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Building facades representing Germany, Russia, Mexico, and Greece are placed by the totem pole for Winterfest's Christmas around the World. (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
An elf presents a sack of treats to a young local after her visit with Santa during Winterfest. (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Soap Lake Winterfest Art Show and Sale - reception and presentation of awards. The room was packed. (SLFL photo, 2009)
Artist Don Nutt (in cowboy hat), Art Guild of the Soap Lake Area president, and John Glassco of ECO-NOMIC, one of the show's sponsors. Locals can probably identify Randy Bracht of the Grant County Journal, even though his back is to the camera. The Grant County Journal provides excellent coverage of Soap Lake events. (SLFL photo 2009)
Soap Lake Middle/High School singers performed at the December meeting of the McKay Christian Women's Guild. They also led the group in singing Christmas carols. (SLFL photo, 2009)
McKay Christian Women's Guild presents a check to McKay Healthcare. The guild has various fundraisers throughout the year, specializing in handmade items and baked goods. (SLFL photo, 2009)
Some of the McKay Christian Women's Guild members gathered for this group photo in front of the giant snow globe. The globe has snowflakes floating inside. (SLFL photo, 2009)
Students from Soap Lake Elementary brought their handmade decorations to the tree. It's cold! Note the hands stuffed into pockets. (SLFL photo, 2009)
Each child seaches for just the right spot! (SLFL photo, 2009)
McKay Healthcare provided hot cocoa for the little decorators. (SLFL photo, 2009)
Check out the lights on the 400 block of 5th SE (behind Daisy Street Espresso). Vern Hinkel has created a Christmas wonderland for the community to enjoy. (Chuck Flint photo, 2009)
Suds on the beach. This photo was taken about 10 AM at the beach of the Tumwata Lodge the day before Thanksgiving. Note the mug placed by the suds for perspective. (SLFL photo 2009)
Closeup shot. The mug is 4 1/4 inches high, and you can see it has sunk down a bit into the suds. Locals may recognize that it's a mug made by local artisan Mara Greene. www.greene-ware.com/ This one depicts a quail. (SLFL photo 2009)
A local visits the Calling the Healing Waters sculpture the morning of the first snow of the season, Friday, November 13th, 2009. (SLFL photo)
Local canine frolicks in first snow. You can tell this dog is a Soap Lake local by her City of SL dog license tag. (SLFL photo, Nov 2009)
Odessa Crater (Photo by Jim Pritchard)
Seattle artist Sharika Roland with some of her paintings at a reception in her honor at the Soap Lake Art Museum (SLFL Photo Oct 09)
Musicians Gary Morton (center) and Victoria Barnett provided music for the October SLAM event. Gallery owner Brent Blake sat in with his drums for a few numbers. Victoria is also the owner of Soap Lake business Happy Tails (Dog Grooming). (SLFL photo Oct 09)
Visitors and locals mix and mingle in SLAM's friendly and casual atmosphere. (SLFL photo Oct 09)
Receptions at SLAM offer art, music, refreshments, and fun. All are welcome to attend these free events. (Susie Cowan photo, Oct 09)
This family put up a number of signs welcoming their son, who is home on leave. Note: Soap Lake locals send their thanks and respect to all men and women who are serving in the military. (Chuck Flint photo, Oct 2009)
(Chuck Flint photo, Oct. 2009)
These are some of the community volunteers who participated in the trashcan painting project. The cans will be placed in local parks. (Photo by Kathy Kiefer, August 2009)
Photo by Kathy Kiefer, August 2009
Photo by Kathy Kiefer, August 2009
"Hey, Mom, come on in!" This photo was taken at the West Beach. (SLFL photo, Aug. 2009)
This little guy wore his surfer pants to the West Beach. (SLFL photo, Aug. 2009)
Members of the Lower Grand Coulee Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute beat the heat by studying the surroundings from kayaks and canoes on Deep Lake. (John Glassco photo, July 2009)
John Glassco scouts the area around this giant granite erratic boulder halfway between Dry Falls and Banks Lake. (Dave Hiney photo, Sept. 09)
SLFL float (66 Chevy pickup) in the staging area before the July 4th Smokiam Days parade. Because of Soap Lake weather, most locals have and use a clothesline. Hanging on this one are SL event tee shirts, socks, dish towels, and a vintage corset. (SLFL photo, July 2009)
Torin Kovach and Quinn created a vanity plate for the float from a Mud Mania 2004 poster. (SLFL photo, July 2009)
The float was designed and built by Nell & Andy Kovach (and General Motors). Andy adds a finishing touch before the judging. (SLFL photo. July 2009)
Five locals provided a scootercade escort (3 Honda Metropolitans and 2 Honda Elites) along the route. (SLFL photo, July 2009)
Rounding Division onto Main Ave. Signs on the pickup bed read "SOAPLAKEFORLOCALS.COM" and "Community Information on the Web." (Pat Flannery photo, July 2009)
Locals hold up the trophy (Chamber President's Choice) and placque (Community Spirit Award) the float received. A fisherman in SLFL's neighborhood said that the pickup looked like it had the outrigging for a salmon troller. (Pat Flannery photo, July 2009)
Events at SLAM (Soap Lake Art Museum) draw a crowd that sometimes spills outside. Visit The Arts section of this website for information about the next SLAM event. (SLFL photo, May 2009)
SLAM's receptions for artists feature art, refreshments, live music (sometimes), and a welcoming atmosphere (always). (Dyana Crummett photo, May 2009)
A Soap Lake family enjoys a spring ride through the town. (Photo by Dyana Crummett, May 2009)
Valley View Cemetery in Soap Lake on Memorial Day. (Chuck Flint photo, May 2009)
Soap Lake shoreline, just west of the West Beach. Because of the water's high mineral content, windy weather whips up "suds." (Early morning, April 5, 2009)
A local holds up suds formed just west of the West Beach. It must have been windy during the night! (April 5, 2009)
Tommy enjoys the grandeur of the coulee as his master paddles the kayak (Photo by Nell Kovach)
Locals practice for the Great Canoe Race. (Nell Kovach photo & text, Summer 2007)
Our dog went nuts barking and alerted SLFL to these raccoons swimming in the lake around 6:45 AM. (SLFL photo, April 19, 2009)
The raccoons intently watched the humans and dog. (SLFL photo, April 19, 2009)
RACCOONS: THE MOVIE: We were able to capture on video the raccoons heading home after their morning swim. Click on the movie icon below this text to watch the video.
Note:Depending on your computer, it may take a while to load, but it's worth it to see these little four-footed locals! The video was loading slowly on SLFL's computer, but free media updates took care of that problem.
Get back into the outdoors and enjoy a round of rustic golfing. Sun screen and water are recommended as we move into the warmer weather. (Nell Kovach photo & text, April 2009)
Spring has returned to the Soap Lake Lava Links. New this year are the shade shelters. (Nell Kovach photo & text, April 2009)
Balmy temperatures, sunny sky, and right now some pretty surprises at Lava Links! Here is one of the many local varieties of locoweed. Watch for the Mariposa lilies. (Nell Kovach photo & text, Dwight Hoy plant identification, April 2009)
Arrow-leaf balsamroot and lupine on the hill west of Soap Lake. (SLFL photo, April 2009)
Locals and visitors relax with the mineral waters, mud, and the sunshine at the West Beach. It was a bit over 100 degrees when this photo was taken--one of the hottest days of the year. (August 2008)
These Californians had a great time at Lava Links, a 9-hole, rough-terrain golf course. With a suggested donation of $1.00 or $2.00, it's a wallet-friendly experience.
The Art Guild of the Soap Lake Area, the City of Soap Lake, and Eco-nomic sponsor the annual Winterfest Art Show and Sale.
Cast of A Christmas Carol, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas, on stage following a performance (Photo by Nell Kovach)
IAFI hikers walk around a deep, round, steep-sided, tree-filled pit created by an ancient kolk not far from the shore of Deep Lake. (Photo by John Glassco)
In the distance (between two men on the left) you can just barely see the ancient cypress that was the hikers' destination. It's about a mile away. IAFI will hike to the tree later when the days are longer. (Photo by John Glassco Mar 09)
Pete Knutson, commercial fisherman and activist, responds to a question following the showing of the film "Fishermen's Terminal" at Masquers Theater. Filmmaker B.J. Bullert (left) and Pete's wife Hing Ng spoke as well. The documentary chronicles the response of commercial fishermen, led by Knutson, to a decision by the Port of Seattle to allow pleasure boats to moor at the previously commercial terminal. ~Photo by Randy Bracht of the Grant County Journal (March 2009)
Local filmmaker Kathy Kiefer (left) and Masquers Theater's artistic director Beverly Hasper welcome the audience to the showing of "Fishermen's Terminal." The documentary by Seattle filmmaker B.J. Bullert is the first in a series of four that will be shown at Masquers this year. JACOL Filmworks, owned by Kathy, is the sponsor of the series. Kathy is the creator of "Dirt Roads, Beachscapes, and Bygone Days: A Window to Soap Lake's Past." ~Photo by B.J. Bullert (March 2009)
American Avocet at Soap Lake's West Beach (Photo by Jim Hill)
Black-necked Stilts at Soap Lake's East Beach.
Mayor Hovde (holding yellow balloon) speaks at McKay Healthcare's National Nursing Home Week ceremony. The Soap Lake School Band provided music for the event. (Photo submitted by Ralph Allen, May 2009)
Locals enjoy themselves at McKay Healthcare's Sowing Seeds of Kindness Volunteer Tea. From left: Clarke Foerstner, hospital district commissioner; Delores Nacke, McKay Foundation board member; local May Foerstner; volunteer Eunice Ball; and Pastor Gordy Whipps from the Community Evangelical Church. (Photo submitted by Ralph Allen, April 2009)
Volunteer Delinda Harmon and McKay activities director Judy Spencer give a loving pat to Delinda's English mastiff George before he begins his rounds. Delinda was honored at McKay's annual tea as Volunteer of the Year for the many visits she makes--along with George--to residents at McKay. SLFL saw first hand how much residents enjoy their time with George (and Delinda too!). (SLFL photo, May 11, 2009)
Legislator Judy Warnick, McKay Healthcare administrator Ralph Allen, and Hospital District 6 Commissioners Cindy Ray and Clarke Foerstner greet people at McKay Healthcare's National Nursing Home Week outdoor celebration. (Photo submitted by Ralph Allen, May 2009)
April Fools' Day, 2009 (Photo by Shirley Therens)
Canine locals enjoy Soap Lake's spring sunshine with their people.
A Soap Lake local's VW Bug is transformed into a VW Bunny (SLFL Photo, April 2009)
Soap Lake canine local (and driver of the VW Bunny) shows her license to the officer. (SLFL Photo, April 2009)
Soap Lake Chamber's 2009 Citizens of the Year, Rose & Al Lundberg, are the driving force behind the Art Guild of the Soap Lake Area and 3rd Wednesday.
Although the calendar says it's still winter, these tennis players enjoy a game at the Soap Lake courts. (Mar 2009)
These tennis players good-naturedly obliged SLFL's request that they pose for a photo for the website. (Late winter, 2009)
Shards of ice cast up on the West Beach Mar 09
Ice piling up against the shore West Beach
A father and daughter enjoy the quiet beauty of a winter walk on a hill overlooking the lake. (Dec 2008)
Main Ave. in Soap Lake in the late afternoon, Winter 2008. It's a tradition to erect a Christmas tree at this intersection. (Photo by Chuck Flint)
Luke shakes hands with a longtime friend at McKay.
First Dip in the Lake, Jan. 1., 2008, 12:01 AM - No photo was taken, but this drawing "Free at Last" by Byron Fish captures the essence.
Polar Bear Plunge, High Noon, Jan. 1, 2008 at the West Beach (Photo by Pete Rice)
Soaplakeforlocals.com's favorites at this market are the rye bread and all of the cheeses! The warm bread is keeping this shopper's hands warm.
Masquers Theater has been bringing live theater to Soap Lake for almost 30 years. (Click on The Arts at this site.)
Some locals gather for a photo at the end of a Christmas get-together at the Soap Lake Senior Center. (Photo by Chuck Flint)
Visistors claim that maple bars from John's Foods, our local grocery store, are the best in the state: "They're more maple-y, not too much flour..." (Photo by Nell Kovach)
All spas, most inns, and some homes have mineral water available. The quail faucet brings heated mineral water to a tub in this home.
In loving memory of Larry, Dec. 2008 (Photo by Raymond Gravelle)
Remembering Bear (1994-2009) Bear's master Randy remembers: "For years I had to 'bearicade' him from trick or treaters. He'd break through and run to the door and scare the heck out of them. One year I had a brainstorm and cut a hole in the top of a synthetic rainbow afro wig and slipped it over his head onto his neck. Then when I opened the door for the goblins...he rushed out and they screamed, 'Look, a clown dog!' and rushed to hug and pet him. Bear loved that."
In loving memory of Turk. He was up exploring his favorite haunt on the west side of the lake when his person Andy caught this picture of him welcoming another glorious day in Soap Lake. Turk will be remembered by many for his friendly spirit and exuberant greetings. (Andy Kovach photo)
