PURPLE PARADISE

by Callie Jacobson

Trout Creek was overrun with huckleberries last weekend as the 40th Annual Huckleberry Festival provided entertainment, a parade, crafts and wares and of course, all things huckleberry.

Friday evening events included stage performances by D&D Music, Dance Xplostion!, Rolling Bones and the annual Miss Huckleberry and Mr. Huck Finn talent contest.

The Trout Creek Rural Fire Department served hundreds of patrons huckleberry pancakes, ham and eggs both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, dozens of colorful floats filled Highway 200 for the annual parade. Judges picked the best entries in six categories.

The Best in Show award went to the Huckleberry Hounds with their "Cheers to 40 Years" hayride float. The Cabinet Ridge Riders took home the best motorized award with a group of ATVs that were all decorated brightly. The best non-motorized entry was the Sanders County Seniors with a Shetland Sheepdog being pulled in a decorated wagon.

The best humorous entry went to the "Huckleberry Fairies," Dawn and Mary Bielenburg, from Spokane, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho. The two walked the parade dressed in purple tutus and huckleberry decorations sewn all over their shirts.

The Miss Huckleberry and Huck Finn Talent Contest took home best float with their performers riding along to give spectators a taste of Friday night's show. The best single entry was a goat adorned in purple glitter from head to hoof lead by owner Natasha Fisher.

The Huckleberry Hounds put on their showcase again this year for a packed audience. Spectators lined the fence to watch the talented dogs and trainers run through the agility course. It was an educational demonstration where the audience was given information on what the club does and how to become involved, even if you don't own a dog. After the demonstrations the course was open up to anyone who wanted to give their own dog a try on Saturday.

There wasn't a dull moment on the main stage with various acts coming in from near and far to perform. The Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums Band, of Sandpoint, Idaho, entertained with their lively music and dancing. The group was founded in 2000 by two men working for Albeni Falls Dam near Priest River, Idaho. The band started with people who had little to no experience with bagpipes or Scottish drums but shared a communal love and appreciation for Scottish and Irish music.

Since the band formed, they have welcomed performers of all skill levels and ages. As a non-profit, the group has been supported by public donations that help purchase instruments and uniforms for members who might not be able to afford it so everyone can have a fun experience. The band also offers lessons in bagpipes, drums and Highland dancing at no cost.

The next act to take the stage on Saturday was the Swing Street Big Band whose music can be heard in Idaho, eastern Washington and western Montana. The band plays for dances, weddings, corporate parties, charity events and the public. The group specializes in the swing style of music and has full trumpet, trombone, saxophone and rhythm sections and a vocalist.

This year the Swing Street Big Bad had special guest Max Curto singing, who came all the way from a suburb outside of London, England. Curto began playing piano at the age of 7 and started performing not long after. He immersed himself in music and started to appreciate a variety of genres, including Italian vocals and jazz.

Ending the set for Saturday was country singer Jake Jacobson, who is from a small town in Northern California but currently resides in Reno, Nevada. He is 22 years old and has been playing music as long as he can remember. Jacobson grew up around country music, hanging out with his dad's band called the Shooters. Jacobson's music is influenced by George Strait, Brooks and Dunn and Josh Turner and the older style of country music. In his free time, Jacobson enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors.

To end the evening, 26 contestants took a seat at the table in front of the stage to compete in the annual pie eating contest. There were three categories: 12 and under, 13 through 17, and 18 and older. The contestants weren't afraid to get messy as they ravaged pies without using their hands. The winners received a hand-painted sash by organizer Sarah Dramstad and a case prize.

Nora Jean Hoy, 10, from Trout Creek, won among competitors age 13 and under and Kylan Bostick, 11, from Plains, was second. Bostick was also the winner for his age group in last year's contest. "I just go for it," Bostick said when asked how he approaches the competition. Michael Antonich, 17, from Noxon, won the age 13-17 group and Amber Riel of Florence took home the victory in the 18 and older division.

For Sunday's jam and jelly contest, first place for the jams went to Lydia Swartzentruber and second place went to Roni Wright and Anita Haase. There were no entries in the jelly category. For the huckleberry dessert contest, Mitzi Stonehocker placed first with her "Yummy from the Farm" entry and Mary Trego took second with her "Huckleberry Bundt Cake."

The winners for the Pentathlon were Luke Habiby, from Boston, Massachusetts, who won Above Average Boy and Aspen Orr earned Above Average Girl. Logan Jones of Missoula won in the Manly Men category and Emma Stanley from Trout Creek took home the Hardy Women title.

Sunday's closing events included performances by Dee Fleming, Dance Xplosion!, Chilaili Wachiwi, and a horseshoe tournament.