| An
epic Raspberry Festival day
Raspberry Festival 2016 was epic in so many ways: an epic storm (followed by sunshine), epic creativity by artists and vendors, epic volunteers who provided delicious food and ensured the festival ran smoothly, and epic and delightful attendees. The day began with a perfect, cool morning for the Fun Run and Walk. The participants were welcomed by event organizer Novice Danielle Walsh and blessed by Prioress Sister Mary Forman. The top five finishers in the 5K run were Dylan Mader, Emma Strommen, Mason McHugh, Jenny Arnzen, and Ryan James. The top five finishers of the 10K run were Heidi Morgan, Melinda Katherine Wimer, Heather Berndt, Megan Wilson, and Jessica Kime. The all-around marvelous and heroic participation included Sister Barbara Ann Bielenberg, who has recently recovered from dual foot surgeries. For the first time, this year’s festival featured an art show that is estimated to have been attended by 650 festival-goers. Attendees were invited to vote on their favorite artwork and Shane Chapman of Cottonwood received the People’s Choice Award for his painting, “The Crossing.” Many talented musicians provided live music throughout the day and the Historical Museum featured a new exhibit on the history of the Benedictine sisters in the region. Vendors sold hand-crafted items and greatly enhanced the vibrancy of the Raspberry Festival with engaging presentations such as the adorable alpacas of Sweet Pines Alpacas in Craigmont. The festival also featured Manto Chante, the historical dugout canoe, and other educational exhibits. The 2016 Raspberry Festival raffle prize winners are: $300 Cash—Debbie Moser, $200 Cash—Gerry Bulger, $50 Cash—Nancy Morgan, $50 Cash—Braden McRae, Healing Center Session—Michelle O’Connor, Two-Night Stay at the Inn at St. Gertrude—Linda Dixon, Spirit Center Retreat—Lorraine Nuxoll, Welcome Center Gift Basket—Kim Ransier, Quilt by MOMs—Ray Farmer, Hand knit Scarf by Jeannette Kelley—Bill Bouten, Handmade Table Cloth Sr, Mary Marge—Jo Vanhorn, Ernie’s Steakhouse Gift Certificate—Bernie Ball, Applebee’s Gift Certificate—Janice Larche, Shari’s Gift Certificate—Susan Hartley. The Raspberry Festival is an annual fundraiser for the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude and the festival organizers and Benedictine community wants to thank all of our generous sponsors: Cottonwood Community Federal Credit Union, Pine Tree Community Credit Union, Arnzen Building Construction, Devins Home Care, P1FCU, St. Marys Hospital & Clinic, Mountain View Dentistry, Camas Prairie Angus Ranch, Sonnen Meats, Keuterville Pub & Grub, Asker’s Harvest Foods, Arnzen Drug, Avista, Cash & Carry Market, Cliff Reed Inc, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, Forsmann Accounting, Fred’s Body Shop, Gehring Electric, McGregor Company, Prairie Community Library, Riener Concrete, Riener’s Grocery, The Hang Out, Wasems Inc, White Horse Business Center, Idaho County Light & Power, Idaho County Propane, Blue Fox Theater, Bud’s Power Sports, Cottonwood Foods, Norco Inc, and the many wonderful friends of the Monastery of St. Gertrude. 
A young festival-goer wins a prize at the Raspberry Festival Kids' Carnival. 
The young ladies in the raspberry outfits at this year's Raspberry Festival. 
The Monastery Orchestra. 
Volunteers Michelle Rieman and Kendra Dinning. 
Craft Fair booths. Raspberry Festival photos by Theresa Henson. |
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