Speeder Day Best Ever!

Forgive us if we overdo the superlatives, but the 7th Annual WIM HPG History Days speeder and music event ranks as our best ever. Lucky Number 7? No, credit divine intervention for the weather, dedicated volunteers for the muscle to make it happen, the generous speeders for their unwavering support. And credit the people, some who travel from as far away as California and Tennessee, for supporting this one-of-a-kind event. The speeders supplied the sold-out supply of rides, Jim West brought in the great sounds of the Hog Heaven Big Band, the Junior Jammers, Noi and Friends and his great assortment of musicians, and Mo Bandy and Ion Cafe dished out the great food. Thanks to Potlatch City Clerk Debbie Perry, the caboose tours were enjoyed by many, and the HPG store keeper Brian Magelky kept sales humming at the Company Store. And of course the great group from the Potlatch Historical Society decked out the freight room, giving a preview of things to come with the planned museum. Special thanks to Don States for coming all the way from Montana to direct the loading activities on the platform, and to Bill Taylor for organizing the speeder group. Event chairman Don Somers as always had something new, this time trips to Palouse, to give the event a freshness. Not to be forgotten, the great team for US Bank supplied ticket sales and the Palouse lunch as their team donation. And Blackbird Station, the new business at the Depot, showed off just how great the Historic WIM Depot can look.

The pictures above show just a hint of the wonderful day, and reading top to bottom, here's a rundown of what's pictured: top 2 photos show speeders in action; loading platform expert Roger Farrell all decked out in his conductor attire, taking a break with cousin Josie from Seattle; Dave Nice, veteran crossing guard, stands ready to protect the main depot crossing (never easy, given that our event happens on the same day the dump site is open!); Scenic Six Park crossing guards David Johnson and Bill Herrmann, chat with membership chairman Ken Vogel who comes all the way from Winlock WA to help; Jon Wheaton finally gets his speeder ride after missing last year's event (Jon bid a generous amount at the Latah County Historical Society's silent auction, then returned to bid at the HPG silent auction for a ride to Moscow on Sunday); honeymooners Nick and Jenna Garrett of North Carolina enjoy a speeder ride two weeks after their wedding and beautiful reception on Moscow Mountain; Mabel Vogt and her wonderful Junior Jammers entertain the audience at the Bennett Boxcar Stage; Michael Riley is all smiles after his ride to Palouse and back (Michael, wife Diane and sons Steffan and Will did the long ride to Palouse, got lunch, took in the art walk and some shopping before the return ride); Earl Bennett, District 1 Representative for the Idaho State Historical Society, takes the longer ride to Palouse with wife Carol (Earl and the ISHS board will be back next Friday to visit the Depot as part of the North Idaho tour).

All in all, a perfect day and HPG members thank everyone who helped make the event great! If you aren't an HPG member, think about joining. This is clearly an organization that makes things happen!