Woodland Chokecherry Festival 2011

Months and months of planning; weeks and weeks of working; and days and days of detailing and it was time for the Woodland Chokecherry Festival!

Friday night, September 23rd, found the celebration opening up at the SSHS Auditorium with Brenn Hill in concert. Brenn sang solid for nearly two hours, satiating every attendee's desire to hear his authentic lyrics and velvety baritone voice. Brenn brought along a very unusual drummer, Bart, who played a unique set of drums that could easily be packed on a horse. The sound the drum set produced was unbelievable and added depth to the guitar Brenn plays so well.
Following the concert, those in the audience went forward to the stage to visit with Brenn and get autographs. Brenn demonstrates a down-to-earth, friendly mannerism to everyone he meets, which makes attending one of his concerts an even better experience than was expected.
The evening concluded with those who attended wearing smiles, exhibiting their happiness for the experience of the evening's entertainment.


Saturday morning, before the sun even rose on Bench Creek, 5-K racers were lined up and ready to run! The gun sounded and they were off and running. Braxton Farmer won overall, with a time of 18._____. Phil Wohlford won his age category, for the second year in a row, with a time of _________. Trevor Rockhill won his age category. Sue Bishop won the women's side of the competition with a 20.____ run, followed by __________________.
Meanwhile, at the Woodland Fire Station, Boutique stations were popping up with items from Power Titanium to hand-sewn caps, soaps and lotions, pottery, fine candies, doll clothing, T-shirts, headbands and hats, to the always popular chokecherry jelly. This year, I wrote a historical-fiction book about a young couple's life in Woodland in the early days, entitled, Charity's Chokecherries, which I sold along with the jellies. Children were able to paint pumpkins, have their faces painted, make a craft, jump on the huge bouncer, or ride the train. Of course, there were scones with chokecherry jelly, hot dogs, nachos, Navajo tacos or whatever else one could desire.
While all these activities are going on at the Festival, there was a trail ride going on up on the mountain. Julie Woodard and JoDe Miles head up this part of the Festival. There is a game of chance along the trail with a break, where frosty homemade root beer is served in frosted mugs. At the end of the trail, lunch is served and lots of prizes and gifts awarded. Riders return to Woodland with their spurs jangling and smiles on their faces.
The evening concluded with a scrumptious turkey dinner and plenty of entertainment from Rochelle Flores, daughter of former Woodland residenet, Jolean (Gines) Terry, Jenica Adlard, and the George and Judy Ann Phillips (formerly Bisel) family from Nephi, Utah.
With the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer over, Woodland Chokecherry Festival is the perfect day to bask in the Indian Summer sun and visit with friends and neighbors or meet new ones. We remember fondly those who settled Woodland and the investment they made in order for us to enjoy the life we live each day in our beautiful Woodland Valley.