What's Happening this Weekend

Saturday Sept. 22 all of the action is in Twisp with the weekly Farmer's Market kicking things off from 9am to noon.  Later that afternoon the artist's take over with the annual Art Walk from 4 to 8 pm on Glover Street.  The Confluence Gallery will be hosting an artist's reception for the opening of it's latest show entitled "Altered Realities".  Natural Selection will be showing at the Peligro Studio.  On Sunday Sept. 23 the fun moves up to the trails at Sun Mountain Lodge where the MV Off-Road Duathlon will be taking place beginning at 9am.  This event features a 40K mountain bike ride and a 10K trail run, starting and ending at the Chickadee Trailhead.  Call 206 940 4507 to sign up.

Rodeo Time

This Saturday and Sunday is the 41st annual Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo.  A $6,000 jackpot awaits the winners in ranch saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, ranch rodeo events and much more.  The fun begins each day at 1 PM.  Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12 and free for children 6 and under.  The rodeo grounds are located on Twin Lakes Road between Winthrop and Twisp.  Let 'er buck!

Covington Cellars/Two Vintners

This Saturday night Morgan Lee, the owner and winemaker, of Covington Cellars/Two Vintners from Woodinville, WA will be in The Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room from 5:30 to 8pm pouring some of his finest wines.  Call to make reservations at 509 996 4707.

Interesting Weekend Activities in the Methow Valley

This weekend is the first Mazama Festival of Books at the Mazama Community Center.  Nine guest authors will pair up with hosts Katherine Lanpher or Lauren Cerand for on hour conversations about life, inspiration and work.  There will be three sessions:  Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning.  Each session is $5.  And in Twisp, the 10th Heart of the Methow Powwow will take place beginning on Friday at 7pm and running through Sunday afternoon in the Twisp Park.  This celebration of reconciliation will feature dancing, drumming, feasting and a talk circle.

Special Needs Travel Mom on Sun Mountain Lodge

Karin Sheets writes Special Needs Travel Mom.  Linked here is an article she wrote about her family's recent horseback riding experience at Sun Mountain Lodge: 

http://tinyurl.com/cezhbx9

25th Annual Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

This weekend Winthrop hosts the 25th annual Rhythm and Blues Festival out at the Blues Ranch on Highway 20 just west of town.  The music starts on Friday at 7pm and runs through Sunday night.  This year's headliners include Elvin Bishop, John Mayall, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and Ruthie Foster, plus many, many more.  Tickets are $80 in advance and $90 at the gate.  A $10 pass for Friday night only is available and is a fundraiser for The Cove food bank in Twisp.

Made in the Methow

Take a look at this week's Methow Valley News for a great special section:  "Made in the Methow".  It features many of the local businesses, artists, craftsmen, farmers and others that create their wares right here in the Methow Valley.  A plethora of food products including specialty coffees, grains, beers, wine, baked goods, hot sauces, meats, cheeses, herbs and more.  A large gallery of local artists producing all types of works including pottery, oils, water colors, woolens, fabrics, jewelry and metalworks.  Read all about it, then go out and pick up some local products