Thanks to all who participated Saturday in the 2014 Haines Winter Olympics at the fairgrounds. We had seven delicious chili cook-off entries, and folks brought sides to share. Andy Hedden and Ray Staska set a beautiful, cross-country ski course for the BB gun biathlon. Brad Ryan helped man the shooting station. Dwight Downer of Turner Construction plowed the ice rink for hockey games; volunteer hockey enthusiasts completed prepping the ice. Steve Vick and Tracy Mikowski of Haines Animal Rescue Kennel ran the “I-Kid-a-Rod” sled dog race and brought extra harnesses. Michael Wald got the tea-making contest started. Sally Andersen and Darsie Culbeck judged chili, and Culbeck timed the hockey tournament. Courtney Culbeck helped organize, rally, and announce events. Helen Edwards set up lunch. Tom Morphet was the driving force behind the flags, the Olympic flame and cauldron, and the music that lent an air of pomp and pageantry to the games. These winter games exemplify community recreation at its finest, with everyone pitching to make the day marvelously fun. Thank you!
Jessica Edwards, Southeast Alaska State Fair; Meredith Pochardt,
Takshanuk Watershed Council