=WACHTERS MIX FAMILY REUNION WITH 4th OF JULY FOOD SERVICE=
By Sue Hinz
Ron and Barb Wachter of Pullman are not sure how many family members will be in town for the Fourth of July celebration at Sunnyside Park this year, but Ron said it is usually between 20 and 30.
“We have used the holiday as a time to gather as a family,” he said. “The weather is good, no snow to move and lots of time to swim and visit.”
Ron and members of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Committee started the celebration at the park in 1976 when members decided something special needed to be done on the holiday. The committee members and their families, friends and many community members enjoyed that first celebration. The community get-together continued to grow – as did the Wachter family – and Tuesday, the BBQ will be readied by family and other volunteers for thousands who visit the park during the evening.
Those who attend the Fourth have watched the cousins grow up. Now ages 15-24, many discussions center around education. Last year Ron and Barb had seven grandchildren in college. One graduated this spring and one starts this fall.
Ron and Barb met at Oregon State University. After graduation Ron went into banking and the two married after Barb finished college. During the next few years they lived in Oregon, and Barb taught grade school in Salem. One of Ron’s customers at his bank had recently purchased a fertilizer company in Pullman. He offered Ron the chance to manage the company. It took no time to decide, and they headed to the Palouse.
Barb taught in the Pullman School District and was a baton instructor for hundreds of children from 1968-2007. The Wachters bought the Hilltop Inn and Restaurant in 1979 and Barb has been ramrodding that since.
As kind of a warm-up to the July 4th event, this week the pair planned BBQs with Ron’s growers in Lind, Wilbur, Fairfield and Pullman.
Ron said an event the size of July 4th in Pullman must have the support of everyone.
“The Pullman Parks and Recreation crew, led by Alan Davis, do so much to get the park and surrounding areas ready for more than 25 minutes of fireworks,” Ron said. The first celebration was operated off a slab of concrete at the park.
Today a large shelter houses the BBQ fixings, all kinds of pies, beverages and treats like cotton candy and popcorn.
The Associated Students of Washington State University sponsors The Fabulous Kingpins that will play during the evening. The evening opens with the flag ceremony, the Community Band and then folksinger Dan Maher.
The pair tells everyone to add the park celebration to their Fourth of July activities. The BBQ starts at 5:30 p.m. Ron’s grocery list includes 500 pounds of beef, chicken and hotdogs, 2,000 buns, 350 pounds of watermelon and 12 cases of corn.
This week Pullman’s Fourth of July celebration is at the top of their to-do list, but many, many other county projects fill this pair’s days. Ron is a long-time member of the Pullman-Moscow Airport Board. He has been active as a Whitman County Shriner, past president of the Palouse Empire Fair board and Pullman Chamber of Commerce.
Barb said she has enjoyed working on the fair program for 25 years and with Junior Miss programs for many years.
Ron and Barb both emphasize that any activity that the family helps with is a wonderful teaching moment for the children.
“All parents can do is set the stage of community service at an event. We all hope it continues to be a part of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, too,” Ron said.
“It’s a nice way to meet up with friends and neighbors,” Barb said. “You don’t realize all the happenings during the year – and what a way to get updated!”
This year Ron will find a comfortable seat as son-in-law Shane Brenan trains to do the heavy work. As conductor though, Ron will be close enough to provide directions as needed.
“Come see us on the Fourth!” the Wachters said
